Nipsey Hussle inspired many by giving back to his South Los Angeles neighborhood and for championing a do-it-yourself attitude. Not to mention there are people all around the globe who love his music.
So as a result, he’ll receive the Humanitarian Award at the 19th annual BET Awards, which airs later this month.
Hussle was tragically shot and killed in the Hyde Park section of L.A. on March 31, and a man named Eric Holder was named as the suspect. He’s currently behind bars on $7 million bond and has pleaded not guilty to the murder charges.
“As a prolific artist and leader, Nipsey Hussle was zealous about driving change for the betterment of his community, empowering and employing those in need and being an influential and highly respected leader,” said Connie Orlando, the executive vice president and head of programming at BET, in a statement.
“His passing was a tremendous loss to the entertainment industry and to the culture,” she added. “We will continue to remember his advocacy and be inspired by the groundwork he set forth and his dire commitment to social change. … We are invested in doing our part to ensure that the marathon will indeed continue.”
DJ Khaled, who appeared with Hussle in the last video he was in for the song “Higher,” will be part of the tribute, as will John Legend, who’s featured on the song as well. YG, who also worked with Hussle will join the tribute too.
Besides owning his own store, The Marathon Clothing, Hussle also launched Vector 90, a co-working space in South L.A. that provides tech training for young people. In the past, Hussle said he wanted to shorten the path between the inner city and Silicon Valley for kids.
The rapper also had plans to fight gentrification by providing affordable housing to South L.A. residents, plus he was opening a casino and resort in Las Vegas.
The 19th annual BET Awards, hosted by Regina Hall, will air live from Los Angeles’ Microsoft Theater on June 23 at 8 p.m. EDT.
