Nipsey Hussle Was Under Investigation for Gang Activity

Nipsey Hussle was under investigation by the Los Angeles Police Department at the time of his death.

According to The New York Times, officials in the Police Department and city attorney’s office were investigating the community hero and his business associates to determine whether there was gang activity at his strip mall on Crenshaw Boulevard and Slauson Avenue, where he was gunned down on March 31.

The investigation continues in the wake of his death, and the city may still take action against Hussle’s remaining business partners. A few years ago, the city pressured Hussle’s former landlords to evict the rapper and his associates from the mall, which includes Hussle’s Marathon Clothing store, a cellphone shop, and a barber shop. Instead, the landlords sold the property earlier this year to Hussle and a group of investors for $2.5 million.

While he was being investigated, Hussle was also being praised as a leader in his community. Mayor Eric Garcetti called him “an artist who touched our city” and LAPD Commissioner Steve Soboroff hailed him as a peacemaker. Chief of Police Michel Moore also revealed that he had plans to meet with Hussle the day after he died to discuss ways to reduce gang violence.

Hussle, a former member of the Rollin’ 60s Crips street gang, was working to curb gang violence. He had planned to build new apartments in his community and even helped former gang members get back on their feet after prison.

During his memorial at Staples Center, the rapper’s brother, Samiel Asghedom, recounted how the city and the police were pressuring them to evict Hussle and his partners from the strip mall.

“I don’t know if anybody knows, but we had a 30-day notice and they were kicking us out of all the businesses we owned in the lot,” said Asghedom.

Instead of kicking them out, the landlords offered to sell them the property. “I honestly don’t know how we did it, but we were able to close and get the lot,” he said. “And Nip was so proud of that.”