Nipsey Hussle’s New Documentary: What to Know About the Film
Though Nipsey Hussle died in March 2019, there’s more to come from the Victory Lap artist. At the time of this writing, his company, Marathon Films, is working on a documentary that will examine Hussle’s life and career. While the details are limited, there’s a bit of information available. Here’s what to know about the forthcoming film.
Nipsey Hussle’s life and death
Hussle was born as Ermias Asghedom on Aug. 15, 1985, in Los Angeles, California. He developed a love for music as a kid and started rapping as a preteen. Hussle released his first mixtape, Slauson Boy Volume 1, in 2005 at the age of 20.
He went on to release a slew of other mixtapes and many provincial hits. But it wasn’t until 2013 that he earned national attention. That year, Hussle released a mixtape called Crenshaw, selling the physical copies for $100 a pop. Jay-Z famously purchased 100 discs, giving Hussle some much-needed exposure and earning him praise from fellow artists.
Many projects followed, the most notable being his 2018 album, Victory Lap, which received a Grammy nomination. The album received favorable reviews and spawned a few successful singles, including the Kendrick Lamar-assisted “Dedication.”
Though Hussle was mostly known for his rapping, he was also an entrepreneur, community activist, and thought leader. As a member of the Rollin 60s Neighborhood Crips, he worked to end gun violence and create positive change in his hometown. He owned a co-working space and a STEM program for local children and had a store called The Marathon Clothing. Sadly, though, he eventually lost his life right outside of the shop.
Hussle had been at the store on March 31, 2019 to meet up with an old friend when he was confronted by a man and shot multiple times. He later died of gunshot wounds to his head and torso. Hussle, 33, left behind his longtime girlfriend, Lauren London, and two children: Emani and Kross.
More on Nipsey Hussle’s documentary
On Feb. 10, it was announced that Netflix is negotiating with Marathon Films for Ava DuVernay and her company ARRAY to co-produce and possibly direct the film. The documentary will be executive produced by Jay-Z’s company Roc Nation and Hussle’s two children.
Sources told Variety, “The project is in the preliminary stages and could manifest as a series.” Deadline reports that Hussle’s estate reached out to DuVernay after falling in love with her work on projects such as 13th and When They See Us. As of writing, the release date is unclear.
Other projects centered on Nipsey Hussle’s life are in the works
Hussle also has a biography in the works, titled, The Marathon Don’t Stop: The Life and Times of Nipsey Hussle. Reports say it’ll be written by VIBE founding editor Rob Kenner and released in March — just ahead of the first anniversary of Hussle’s death. Kenner told Complex that the book will feature commentary from the late rapper and his friends and family.
“The last time I spoke with Nipsey Hussle, he told me, ‘I ain’t outside giving out jewelry or dropping off bags of money on people, but I’m giving out game,'” Kenner said to Complex. “This book is my attempt to help fulfill that intention.”
Kenner said the biography has not been authorized but noted that some of the proceeds will go to Hussle’s family.
