On June 28, HHSR had the opportunity to visit the corner of Crenshaw Blvd. and Slauson Ave. in South Los Angeles. The block, all of which owned by Nipsey Hussle, is highlighted by The Marathon Store, where the rapper sold his own line of apparel under the same moniker. It was also the location of his untimely demise on March 31, 2019.
If you heard our podcast on Neighborhood Nip following his transition, you’re well aware of the special place Hussle had at HHSR. It’s a place of great respect and admiration of a man who turned his life around and beat the odds, demonstrated his value of Black ownership and gave back to his community. With Kenneth Hicks by his side, J Hicks narrates their time in the presence of Nipsey’s dream and people.
Though a tremendous tragedy took place there a few short months ago, The Marathon Store has quickly become a monument to Nipsey and his legacy, and a hip-hop landmark. While the store has been closed since Hussle was gunned down, scores of people continue to make their pilgrimage to Nipsey Hussle Square to pay their respects to the slain emcee.
As of this writing, if you peep the Google Street View of The Marathon Store (dated March 2019), you’ll find the same buildings minus a significant amount of culture that has since been left to honor LA’s fallen son. Multiple murals and artist renderings of Hussle now cover the block, along with hundreds of personal messages scribbled across the concrete slabs adjacent from the store. Around the store, you’ll also find the locals still selling “unreleased” Nipsey music, dice games and fans rocking gear with Nip’s face emblazoned across it; all the while, his tenants are still in business.
Ermias Asghedom’s legacy remains intact and continues to live on in the hearts and consciousness of the people.