The Game paid tribute to Nipsey Hussle and Kobe Bryant in an animated video for his song “Welcome Home” that includes a posthumous verse from Hussle.
The Stefano Bertelli-directed clip begins by showing Los Angeles, California, including Hussle’s The Marathon Clothing, the store he owned and also the location in which he was gunned down in front of in 2019.
Game appears in animation in the next scene, and Bryant is spotted seconds later shooting hoops. Hussle delivers the song’s chorus, and during his parts he’s seen rapping on the roof of the clothing store.
The Game has been paying tribute to Hussle on Instagram ever since he was shot and killed on March 31 of last year. The Game told his followers that he’d post at least one tribute a day in Hussle’s honor and created the hashtag “#OneNipPostADayTillFadeAway.”
He stopped the tributes shortly afterward over concern that his posts would make it harder for Hussle’s family and his girlfriend Lauren London to heal.
The Game paid tribute to Bryant after his death by getting his No. 8 tattooed over his left eyebrow earlier this year. Bryant, his daughter Gianna and seven others were killed in a helicopter crash on Jan. 26, 2020.
The Game shared an Instagram post of Bryant shortly after he died that showed both of them shaking hands.
“I’m heartbroken….. hurt … thank you for everything over the years, especially the advice, short talks with my boys & all that you’ve contributed,” he wrote on the day Bryant was killed. “I love you brother, you & GiGi rest well together.”
The Game also posted an Instagram photo of Bryant and Hussle together the very next day.
“I see two LEGENDS, two BROTHERS, two SONS, two FATHERS & two men I had the honor of calling FRIEND,” he captioned the photo. “Thank you both for your continuous efforts & all the contributions to not only Los Angeles but the entire world.”
“Welcome Home” is a single on The Game’s 2019 album “Born 2 Rap,” released in November. He said it’s going to be his last LP.
