Nipsey Hussle's Family Launches Neighborhood Nip Foundation

In the wake of Nipsey Hussle’s death, the rapper’s family has launched the Neighborhood Nip Foundation.

According to the Los Angeles Times, the foundation will continue Nipsey’s efforts in his community, including creating opportunities for young people who are hoping to break into music.

It was inspired by Nipsey’s own involvement in the Watts Towers program, which gave the then-teenager access to a recording studio for free.

“We used to talk a lot about [what the Watts Towers program] meant to him. A push, a little help can go a long way, and that’s what this foundation will 100% be about,” said Hussle’s brother, Samiel Asghedom. “The foundation will be aligned with everything Nip believed in and what helped him.”

Atlantic Records, who partnered with the rapper’s All Money In imprint to release his debut album Victory Lap last year, has already made a six-figure donation.

“They wanted to be the first to donate,” said Asghedom. “It’s important we let people know that.”

Atlantic Records chairman and CEO Craig Kallman and chairman and COO Julie Greenwald said, “Nipsey will be forever missed, but his courageous, generous spirit lives on in his incredible music and the impact he made on the community. Nip’s love for the generation coming up behind him is a big part of what’s inspiring this foundation, and we’re proud to celebrate his life by supporting his legacy.”

Before his death, Nipsey was working with PUMA on a collaborative collection with his Marathon Clothing brand. The collection will be released Sept. 5, with 100% of net proceeds going to the Neighborhood Nip Foundation.

“Nipsey always put his community first and we know he wouldn’t want it any other way,” said PUMA in a statement. “He was a visionary who believed in the power of optimism, inspiration and action and The Neighborhood Nip Foundation will continue his legacy as a champion of the people.”