Today is Nipsey Hussle’s Birthday, and he would have been 34 years old. Earlier today, TMZ released an article warning locals in Los Angeles, who were planning on trying to pay their respects to the late rapper at his Marathon store. Nipsey’s Clothing Store is the location where the Hip Hop Icon was gunned down back in March. His store would have been the apparent gathering location to leave flowers and candles for Nipsey’s fans to pay their respects. Unfortunately, the City of Los Angeles is fully aware of that, and with barbed wire and fence surrounding the property, they are trying to discourage fans from gathering there.
Per TMZ, LAPD was on high alert for a possible birthday celebration on Thursday. They planned to have nearly 100 officers to be stationed at the corner of Slauson and Crenshaw intersection where the store is located.
In honor of Nipsey’s Birthday, his wife Lauren London wrote an open letter to her late husband.
“Today We celebrate You my beloved / Today we honor you King / We are to live in our highest vibrations today because that is how Nip lived his life,” London wrote on Instagram. “We should encourage and inspire today because that is how Hussle lived his life. Today we should love and give truth because that is how He lived his life. His Purpose still lives on with us all.”
“Long Live My other half / My beloved King,” said the post, accompanied by a photo of Hussle, a photo of London by a memorial for the rapper, and a photo of the pair, showing London glancing adoringly at Hussle.
“Ermias / Nip Hussle The Great! / I miss you / I love you,” London wrote, using Hussle’s given first name.
Back in April, James Harden, who was a friend of Nipsey’s, spoke about his friend during a post-game interview session.
“He was powerful. Not just to a certain dynamic or a certain city but to the world… It’s been sad. Not only myself but a lot of people around this world were affected by it. It doesn’t seem real.”
“He was powerful,” Harden said of the Los Angeles rapper, who died at 33. “Not just to a certain dynamic or a certain city, but just to the world. He was a leader. He was so many things. His life got taken away off nonsense, off BS. It’s been sad, man. Not only (to) myself, but a lot of people around this world were affected by it. It doesn’t seem real.”
Sixers Ben Simmons also shared his thoughts prior the his game against the Dallas Mavericks.
“I have met him a few times and every time I’ve met him he has been a great guy. So, that is really sad to see Super sad. Sending prayers to his friends, family, and I only have nice things to say about him,” Simmons told me.
Landon Buford@LandonBuford.@BenSimmons25 shares some words on @NipseyHussle passing yesterday #76ers #RIPNippseyHussle #NBA #Hiphopculture
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Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
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