Living
Chile! It’s been an extremely heavy week. The tragic killing of Nipsey Hussle has left many people (myself included) feeling heartbroken, confused, frustrated, angry and altogether hurt. I’ve shed real tears for someone I have never met. When I first heard of the shooting and hospitalization, I was in shock and confused. I quickly grew heavy chest pains (because that’s how my body reacts when I internalize too much emotion. Also a sign that my anxiety was creeping in.). Then what felt like just seconds later, he had passed away.
His death is a tremendous lost for his family and the community. From sowing back into the community that raised him, giving people jobs, his philanthropic spirit, and his faith in the Black community to want and do better - Neighborhood Nip was just an all around good guy. And even as a humble soul, he didn’t back down when it was necessary to call out “bullshit” when people or circumstances were misguided or incorrect. He challenged everybody to think and do better. And above all, his authenticity was what was respected and appreciated the most.
But just like that he was gone.
I have a theory about death in general -
When you die, regardless of your age against the timeline of life, you have mastered the art of living. Regardless of how senseless or abrupt the circumstances may appear to us outsiders, to the point in which you have lived, your journey has proven to be enough. You have done “the work,” impressed upon those who needed it, passed the tests and gained your wings despite this earth. You did what you were meant to do and lived in your purpose. You can move on to the next round to claim your eternal prize - forever life. My wild imagination believes that there is a moment when you get a tap on the shoulder or a tug on the arm and a voice simply says with calmness and great anticipation, “Ok, it’s time.” The people who are left behind/most of us are still a work in progress, which means we have more time to get it right. The ones who have crossed over before us had figured it out sooner.
Still regardless of my theory, I selfishly wish Nipsey was here on earth a lot longer than he was to raise his babies and love up on his lady. I wish he would’ve felt all of the praise that he’s getting now. I wish he was witnessing in the living flesh how LA gangs, government and communities around the country are honoring him and his awesome work.
His impact is obvious. As someone on Instagram mentioned, “he lived and died for a bigger purpose than we all could have ever imagined.”
Prolific, indeed.
Long live the King of LA, Nipsey Hussle. May the marathon continue.
