Lauren London and JAY-Z Share Touching Messages in Nipsey Hussle's Memorial Program

Nipsey Hussle's memorial program was a tribute to who he was as a partner, rapper and member of the community. 

Programs given to those in attendance at Hussle's Celebration of Life at Los Angeles' Staples Center on Thursday included touching messages from the rapper's longtime love, Lauren London, as well as JAY-Z. 

"I want you to know I feel real joy in my heart when I'm around you. I feel safe around you. Protected. Like a shield over me when you're around, I am totally myself when I'm with you (which is prob why I'm annoying) because I don't wear a cool mask anymore lol," London wrote in a text message to Hussle on Jan. 21. 

Hussle, who started dating London in 2013, welcomed a child with her in 2016. He was also father to a 7-year-old daughter, Emani, with ex Tanisha Asghedom, while London shares 9-year-old son Kameron with ex Lil Wayne.

In her message to Hussle, London praised the rapper for making her into "more of a woman." "And .... you're still the coolest guy in the world to me. Still! I love you so much. Unconditionally. My truth is this. I'm never going to give up on you. My loyalty and devotion is to you," she added. 

"The world just got to see a flash of your brilliance. You were a curious soul who was evolving at a speed that was truly inspiring," JAY-Z wrote, in part. "The seeds you have planted are already bearing fruit. The outpouring of admiration is testimony to the love and respect you've farmed. Sleep well King. The Marathon continues as a line of energy for all of us to consider." 

Former president Barack Obama also submitted a letter to be read during Hussle's memorial on Thursday. 

"I've never met Nipsey but I've heard his music through my daughters," the letter read, in part. "While most folks look at the Crenshaw neighborhood [and see violence and gangs] ... Nipsey saw potential. He saw hope."

"His choice to invest in that community rather than to ignore it ... set an example for young people to follow," the letter continued. "I hope his memory inspires more good work in Crenshaw."

Hussle, whose real name was Ermias Asghedom, died on March 31 after he was shot in front of his clothing store, Marathon Clothing, in Los Angeles. See more in the video below. 

RELATED CONTENT:

Nipsey Hussle Celebration of Life Memorial Service: Barack Obama Pays Tribute With Heartfelt Letter

Nipsey Hussle's Memorial: Big Sean, Meek Mill, G-Eazy and More Attend

Luke James on Why Nipsey Hussle Is 'the Evolution of Tupac' (Exclusive)

Nipsey Hussle's Longtime Love Lauren London Breaks Her Silence After Rapper's Death

This video is unavailable because we were unable to load a message from our sponsors.

If you are using ad-blocking software, please disable it and reload the page.

Up Next

Related Gallery

Stars We've Lost in 2019