Nipsey Hussle To Receive Posthumous Humanitarian Award

He is the much missed rapper, who did everything in his power to help his community. 

Nipsey Hussle, who died in March, was known for his philanthropic work for his hometown of Los Angeles.

BET Networks have announced they will posthumously honor, Nipsey Hussle, real name Ermias Joseph Asghedom. The Grammy-nominated artist has been named as the recipient of the humanitarian award at the 2019 BET Awards.

The late rapper will be honored for his philanthropy during the awards show – held in his beloved hometown of L.A. 

The ceremony will also include a star-studded tribute performance in honor of Hussle.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, DJ Khaled, YG and John Legend are among the performers that will pay tribute to the father of two. 

Hussle was well regarded in his community. He was raised in the Crenshaw neighborhood of South Los Angeles with his brother Samiel and his sister Samantha.

Nipsey was dedicated to finding employment for underprivileged groups through real estate investments. He also helped fund science and tech learning centers for teens.

At his funeral, a letter from former president Barack Obama, praised the rapper for his work in the community.

It read: “While most folks look at the Crenshaw neighborhood where he grew up and see only gangs, bullets, and despair, Nipsey saw potential.” 

“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. His passing was a tremendous loss to the entertainment industry and to the culture,” BET executive vp and head of programming Connie Orlando said Thursday in a statement.

“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 forever grateful, humbled and honored to have experienced his presence and we are invested in doing our part to ensure that the marathon will indeed continue. It is an immense honor for us to recognize him with this year’s Humanitarian Award.”

Hussle was killed on March 31 after he was shot multiple times outside of his South Los Angeles clothing store.

The 2019 BET Awards are set to be held Sunday, June 23, at the Microsoft Theater. The ceremony will be broadcast on BET, beginning at 8 p.m. ET.