In a letter read to mourners who had filled the Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles, former President Barack Obama praised Hussle, 33, for overcoming the circumstances of his youth and becoming an advocate for South Los Angeles.
“While most folks look at the Crenshaw neighborhood where he grew up and see only gangs, bullets and despair, Nipsey saw potential,” Obama said in the letter, read aloud by the hip-hop media personality Karen Civil.
“He saw hope,” the letter continued. “He saw a community that, even through its flaws, taught him to always keep going.”
Hussle, born Ermias Joseph Asghedom, was fatally shot outside his clothing store March 31. Within days, authorities arrested Eric Holder Jr., 29, the man suspected of shooting him. Holder has pleaded not guilty to the murder.
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In the letter, Obama said that he had learned about Hussle’s “transformation and his community work” after being introduced to the rapper’s music by his daughters, Sasha and Malia.
Obama also praised him for giving back to his community, which Hussle did, in part, by opening the Marathon Clothing store and a coworking space in Crenshaw dedicated to increasing diversity in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
Hussle “set an example for young people to follow,” Obama said, adding that his “is a legacy worthy of celebration.”
“I hope his memory inspires more good work in Crenshaw and communities like it,” Obama said.
This article originally appeared in The New York Times.