'Energy Never Dies': Lauren London Reflects on Nipsey Hussle's Loss

Photo Credit: Norberto Garcia

Actress Lauren London took to Instagram on Sunday to commemorate the fifth anniversary of her late boyfriend Nipsey Hussle's passing with a heartfelt message.

"If you know me, you know March is always tough for me. 31 days of holding my breath," London wrote. "This day decided to fall on Easter Sunday this 2024. Interesting…. considering your name #GodWillRise. Energy never dies…. I love you. Eternal."

Hussle, a Grammy-winning rapper, entrepreneur, and community advocate, tragically lost his life at the age of 33 when he was fatally shot outside his Marathon clothing store in South Los Angeles on March 31, 2019.

Despite his untimely death, Hussle's legacy continues to be celebrated in various ways, notably with the unveiling of a posthumous star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2022, coinciding with what would have been his 37th birthday.

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A post shared by Lauren London (@laurenlondon)

During the star's unveiling ceremony, London spoke passionately about Hussle's enduring impact: "I think I speak for the entire city of LA when I say that we've always known Hussle was destined for greatness. This moment only amplifies this for us. Nip would've been honored by this moment."

Nipsey Hussle. South Central, 2017.

In the first few seconds of this video, Nip is walking in the same place where he lost his life two years after this video was made. Nip, his brother Blacc Sam, and the late Bolt Da Fatts came together and created the foundation for what we… pic.twitter.com/V6BjVo5HTj

— Boss (@_ValTown_) April 1, 2024

Born Ermias Joseph Asghedom, Hussle transcended his troubled past as a former gang member to become a revered musician and a beacon of hope within his community. His advocacy focused on ending gun violence and providing opportunities for youth in his neighborhood.

Hussle, a father of two, shared a son named Kross, aged 7, with London and had a daughter named Emani from a previous relationship. The man responsible for Hussle's tragic death, Eric R. Holder Jr., was sentenced to 60 years to life in prison in 2022.

Beyoncé Covers 'Jolene', Features Daughter Rumi on New Album

Beyoncé fans, rejoice! The music icon's much-anticipated country era has officially commenced with the release of her latest album, "Cowboy Carter."

The 27-track record dropped at midnight on Friday boasting an impressive lineup of collaborators, ranging from country legends like Dolly Parton and Willie Nelson to rising stars such as Tanner Adell and country-trap artist Shaboozey.

One of the album's standout tracks is a cover of Dolly Parton's classic hit, "Jolene," featuring Beyoncé's fiery spin on the timeless song. Parton herself makes a cameo appearance on the record, introducing the trap-meets-country track "Tyrant" and delivering her own "Dolly P" interlude, complete with a nod to Beyoncé's iconic "Becky with the good hair" line.

But the surprises don't end there. Beyoncé's daughter, Rumi Carter, makes her musical debut on the album, lending her voice to the poignant track "Protector." The six-year-old's heartfelt snippet sets the stage for an emotional tribute to motherhood.

In addition to the covers and family collaborations, "Cowboy Carter" features an array of musical interpolations, including nods to iconic songs like the Beach Boys' "Good Vibrations" and Nancy Sinatra's "These Boots Are Made For Walkin'."

Beyoncé's signature blend of genres shines through on tracks like "Blackbird," a reimagining of the Beatles' "Blackbird," featuring a duet with Adell.

II MOST WANTED
BEYONCÉ, MILEY CYRUS
OUT NOW! pic.twitter.com/hK3xX2uJz1

— Miley Edition (@MileyEdition) March 29, 2024

The album's release comes hot on the heels of Beyoncé's surprise drop of two singles, "Texas Hold 'Em" and "16 Carriages," during the Super Bowl. In an Instagram post, she revealed that "Cowboy Carter" was inspired by an incident where she felt "unwelcomed," likely referring to her controversial performance at the 2016 Country Music Association Awards.

Watch: Big Sean Brings Hits, Heart to Tiny Desk Performance

Detroit rapper Big Sean took the virtual stage for his debut performance at NPR's Tiny Desk concert series. In a 26-minute set uploaded to NPR Music's YouTube channel on Wednesday, he captivated viewers with a 14-song performance accompanied by a small string quartet.

Sporting a Beastie Boys shirt and a Detroit Tigers cap in tribute to the late J Dilla, Big Sean's Tiny Desk debut held special meaning. He left his cap on the set as a keepsake, a tradition among Tiny Desk performers. "This is something my kids can look back on, something my family can look back on to see where I was at in my career," he shared.

The rapper kicked off with "Memories," the opening track from his sophomore album "Hall of Fame." He then showcased hits like "One Man Can Change the World," his Grammy-winning collaboration with Kanye West and John Legend. Pausing between tracks, Big Sean acknowledged fellow Detroiters in the audience and even debuted a new song dedicated to his partner, Jhené Aiko, and their son Noah.

Reflecting on his rise to success, Big Sean expressed gratitude for his fans, highlighting his journey as a "blog-era mixtape rapper" who built a fanbase organically. "To make it out of there, it wasn't easy... It really made me who I am," he remarked, highlighting the resilience and determination that propelled his career.

SET LIST
"Memories"
"Nothing Is Stopping You"
"Blessings"
"Play No Games"
"Light"
"My Last"
"Marvin & Chardonnay"
"All Me"
"Beware"
"I Know"
"Bounce Back"
"One Man Can Change the World"
"On Up" (unreleased?)
"I Don't F*** With You"