Remembering Nipsey Hussle

One of the biggest stories of 2019… 

On Sunday, March 31, 2019, Ermias Davidson Asghedom aka Nipsey Hussle, was unfortunately shot six times in front of his clothing store, Marathon Clothing, in Los Angeles, California. He was pronounced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. 

For millions of fans who were familiar with his music, he was more than just a rapper. He was an entrepreneur, business owner, real estate investor, community philanthropist, a husband, a father, and an inspiration to millions of inner-city youth in his Crenshaw neighborhood and other hoods throughout the country. 

Celebrities, rappers, athletes, and other prominent figures took to Twitter to pay their respect and show love for the slain 33-year-old Nipsey. But the majority of people mourning will never be one of the latter, instead, just everyday people who respected his music and mission to make a difference for so many people. The pain is real and he will be missed, forever. 

Here’s what some of them had to say… 

“Man, real tears! I can’t remember the last time I cried this much… smh… I’ve been going to LA since I was 4-years-old… hella different from Detroit, but it was all love. I listened to his music faithfully… every day for the past 10 years. This shit hurts.” – A. Murray, Detroit, MI

“I wasn’t intimately familiar with Nipsey’s artwork as a rapper but I was introduced to his work as an activist and change agent for good a few years ago. We shared similar visions and values so I am saddened to hear of his life being senselessly snuffed out. I am hopeful that the outpouring of grief will drive us to collectively continue his mission.”Soulful Silverback, NYC

“It seems he was a man ahead of his time. Take away the rapper Nipsey… let’s speak on the influence of the man named Ermias Asghedom. He used his outlet… as well as his knowledge to teach and help us as people do better and build our self-worth. To me, he is now a leader that left us too soon but will always be honored and never forgotten. We’re going to keep your Victory Lap and legacy going until the end because we as the people have to protect the ones that stand for bettering the Black community and the culture of Hip-Hop as a whole.”L. Benzo, NYC

“We will feel this loss forever. Hussle was a man who practiced what he preached and led his life with honor and respect. He’s planted many seeds along his life and now that he’s gone, it’s up to us to water them and help them grow. Work harder, give more and never forget where you came from. Rest easy Nipsey!”Center Left HR, Washington, DC

“Nipsey brought an element to rap music that was missing. His energy, swagger, ability to educate and heart was something that isn’t present in today’s music. He made sure you knew where he was from and how he wanted to educate his community on economic empowerment. Gone way too soon but will never be forgotten. This generation’s Tupac Shakur.” – J. Malone, Detroit, MI

“It appears the more “woke” you are and the more you chose to do for the people and not the man, the greater the threat you are to them and bigger the target you become.”  – Professional Athlete, Southeast

“Nipsey’s death is tragic and unexpected. He was a dope artist and more importantly a young Black entrepreneur who was giving back to his community. Many people do not understand how difficult it is to be successful, be a father, and stay alive as a young Black man, particularly those of us from low-income high-crime areas. Nipsey has now become yet another alarming statistic in the midst of success and fatherhood and all I can do as a young Black father and entrepreneur myself is pray and continue to make positive strides and influence those I encounter with the same values. This is a cold world and unfortunately, this “change” we all hope for is very far away when you consider the fact that this incident happened right outside of his own neighborhood business. Sad reality that we all have to swallow.”J. Hampton, Atlanta, GA

Nipsey was a once in a generation type artist, but not for his pure lyricism or superior metaphoric wordsmith. Nipsey spoke to the people in ways many legends never could. He spoke to the millennial hip-hop enthusiast that grew up in between the Golden Era and Trap Era of hip-hop. I personally met and discovered Nipsey during his first NYC promo run for his first mixtape in 2008 and I immediately became enamored with his maturity and authenticity. His early rhymes took you on a West Coast journey, placing you in his Lincoln Towncar riding through the streets of Compton. As his music and career grew, I personally felt as a fan that I grew alongside him. Both being born in 85′. I listened to his music less feeling like a super fan but more like a distant peer. Motivating me to go harder, creating my own lanes but embracing vulnerability to acknowledging the many trials and tribulations life brings. These raw emotions most artists cannot tap into. We didn’t just lose a rapper, we lost a new generational leader of hip-hop ready to take the torch and run our marathon.”D. Faulkner, NYC 

“The Loss of Nipsey Hussle is a huge blow to the Hip-Hop culture. I didn’t know him. I never met him. I loved his music. I loved his message of independence, sustainability, and economic empowerment for HIS community. My condolences to his family, children and loved ones. We lost a true warrior on 3/31/19. May his legacy inspire greatness in each of us. Long live Neighborhood Nip aka Nipsey Hussle born Ermias Asghedom.” – S.B. Webb, Atlanta, GA 

“Success, in a different light. That’s who Nipsey was to me. Finally a version of success that was attainable. Finally a form of success that looked like us, belonged to us, and that talked like us, and that really made a difference. That’s why Nipsey’s death hurts so many of us. He didn’t lose who he was or his principles. He knew success wasn’t his, but of his community. His work provided opportunity to overcome the bad around him, the drugs, the gangs, the violence. He worked to build the community back up even though it was handed it to him broken. For this man to be killed in front of what he built makes it seem like once again the dream of success was close but not achievable and out of reach.”Center Single Mom, Washington, DC

“It’s difficult losing young Black men who are perfect messengers regarding the positive influences we need in African-American culture. As a young Black man who often speaks to teens about transitioning into adulthood, it’s not easy to get through, so when you have those messengers taken from us before their full impact can be felt, it’s devastating. Hopefully, Nipsey’s words are felt far and wide and folks take it to heart. We need more influential African-Americans in our communities showing what success can and should look like.” M. Taylor, Detroit, MI 

“Although I was very familiar with Nipsey Hussle, I didn’t know the extent of his knowledge, intellect, and service until recently. Since his death, I have been consumed with getting to know more about him beyond music. There aren’t too many artists who inspire me to be a better human. Tupac was one of them and now Nipsey is on that list. I truly believe he was here on an assignment and fulfilled it. We will be better because he was here.”E. Williams, Memphis, TN
“I have been following this young man’s music since he started. I’m definitely a fan of West Coast music so of course, you would hear about this young dude from Crenshaw. I thought he might be related to Snoop by blood but they’re related by Cuz (60’s). Funny how the greats have similar blessings with similar fates although some are still with us. I don’t believe in conspiracies but I also don’t believe in coincidence. Either way, we’ve lost a Great Young Man who was for us and mobilizing our people in his community and beyond. He should be memorized as the great man that he lived to be. #RIPNIP”C. Major, Detroit, MI

This article was originally published on 1 April 2019.

What did Nipsey’s music and life mean to you? Share with us by commenting below or emailing us at info@box5351.temp.domains.

A TEMPLE WITHIN AN IRON ORCHESTRA

Silverback’s Note: There are no “Avengers: Endgame” spoilers ahead.

We gather at the Acropolis of Brooklyn. Our sneakers hit the artificial turf from various races, ethnicities, experiences, sexualities, regions, sizes, shapes, journeys, and stories.

Some of us drive the subway cars that herd millions of New Yorkers and visitors throughout this great city.

Some of us have raised our right hands to take an oath to support and defend the laws of the United States Constitution.

Some of us aspire to perform our talents under the brightest lights on the biggest stages.

We are “Kranksters.”

And on the surface, what brings this diverse community together is simply iron, rubber, and sweat.

However, if you attune your ears to the sounds that thunder from Krank Brooklyn you might hear a beautiful harmony.

Situated on the top floor of a less than auspicious storage facility, Krank is a boutique fitness gym featuring a body of citizens that exemplify America’s idealistic goals for diversity.

For me though, Krank has been the buoy that I drift to in my darkest moments lost at sea.

Owner Dan Salazar launched Krank in 2010. His love of performance science and insane competitive drive fueled his passion to master the art of training himself and others. The dude has over 15 training related credentials and certifications. The guy basically has information spilling out of his signature beanie. He is so encouraging, his energy is infectious.

A native New Yorker from the Lower East Side (LES) of Manhattan, Dan’s entrepreneurial spirit embodies a dream that has been fulfilled for millions of Latinos who arrived in New York City just a generation ago hoping to provide a better future for their families.

Dan’s vast knowledge and passion for training is what attracted some of the first Kranksters to join the gym. Admittedly, these first Kranksters were some of his childhood friends from the neighborhood in LES.

You may not be aware of this but it’s a Herculean task to get folks who live in Manhattan to cross the bridge and come into Brooklyn for anything — let alone to work out. The fact that he was able to convince his friends from the neighborhood to cross the bridge and put them through grueling workouts is a testament to just how special of a guy Dan is.

These “O.G. Kranksters” cemented the foundation this community is built upon.

One of these O.G.’s changed the course of his career by joining Krank. Head Coach, Miguel Gonzalez, known by various nicknames that are all synonymous with pain — mostly goes by “Migs” for short.

Miguel is genetically gifted and incredibly hard-working. The gods bestowed upon him a physique that appears to be carved out of marble, and I am convinced that he farts body fat for laughs. Nicknames and body fat aside, my fellow Aquarian is one of the most authentic, genuine, and caring guys I’ve come to know in recent years. I’ve always walked away from our discussions with a deep sense of connection. But more on that later.

Today — almost a decade later — Dan and Miguel continue to conduct Krank sessions like maestros. Directing, instructing, encouraging Kranksters and coaches to push themselves even harder to achieve their goals. All while remaining in tune with the pulse and pace of every section of this iron orchestra.

Traditional orchestras have four sections separated into categories of instrument. There is a woodwind, brass, percussion, and string section. Krank’s iron orchestra also features four sections. There’s the turf section, the rubber section, the iron section, and the raised platform section.

It was at this Acropolis where I built my Parthenon: my temple dedicated to guarding myself against my innermost demons.

Like most first time Kranksters, I couldn’t find the gym for my first session back in 2013. (Spoiler alert, the gym is actually inside the storage facility next to the Brooklyn Queens Expressway)

I hobbled into this no-frills storage facility desperate to make a change.

A few months earlier I had torn my second Achilles’ tendon playing basketball and required surgery to repair the injury.

Against my surgeon’s advice and with my thighs chafing from the August humidity, I rode the elevator thinking to myself, “What the (bleep) did I get myself into?”

Dan and Miguel’s attention to the limitations of my injury and their vast knowledge of modifying exercises for me to prevent further injury reassured me that this gym was the perfect match.

Months later I had reclaimed my body and was stronger than ever, but even more importantly, I had formed new friendships with some amazing people I had met along my Krank journey.

I love to challenge and compete with myself. But how does one compete with themselves without first establishing a baseline of success?

All right: Now I’ll admit that while I was hobbling through my first session I was picking out other Kranksters who I wanted to model my success after.

Later I would meet three Krank legends: Angel, Jamal, and Jessica.

Angel, an O.G. Krankster from LES, is a devoted family man and the strongest person that I know. Now I’m strong for your average mortal, but Angel is a Puerto Rican Samson. His strength is of biblical proportions.

Jamal, an O.G. Krankster from Brooklyn of Caribbean descent, is the most athletic person that I know. After years at Krank, I surpassed him in strength on the bench press and he then put me to shame by walking his large muscular frame on his hands for the entire length of the gym. (Yes, you read that correctly.)

Jessica, an O.G. Krankster from one of those cities in New England (kidding, Boston) is one of the most consistent people I know. There she is, day in and day out, a living embodiment of Krank’s mantra: “Do work, son!” Like me, she’s also of Cape Verdean descent which often reminds me of our ancestors.

Strength, agility, and consistency. Afro and Latino. Togetherness and encouragement. All the qualities that I possess, represented through these legendary Kranksters. The Krank community had breathed life into me and awakened the finest characteristics of my being.

It was also around this time in 2014 that I began to see a therapist on a weekly basis.

Between the almost daily sessions at Krank and my weekly visits with my therapist, I had begun to transform my mind and body. The place where I could release stress, let out a roar, and embrace the sense of community that we social creatures crave. Krank had become my sanctuary, my temple.

In fact, it was in my workouts with Angel and Jamal that the moniker “Silverback” was born.

Then years later through my love of music, I would add “Soulful” to Silverback and here we are.

So you see Soulful Silverback was conceived during a time of holistic wellness in my life. As a result of that healthy foundation, Soulful Silverback represents the finest ideals of who I continually strive to be as a person. Krank is the temple where the Silverback defeats his personal Thanos (the devastating supervillain from Marvel’s Avengers series).

Over the last two years, I’ve allowed that inner Thanos to get the upper hand on me and I found myself yet again lost at sea.

Krank is a short 10-minute walk from my apartment and I had intentionally been avoiding that climb to the Acropolis of Brooklyn.

I had forgotten what the iron orchestra sounded like and I was embarrassed to return in the poor shape I was in.

But like Thor in Marvel’s latest “Avengers: Endgame” film, I had to remind myself that, “I’m still worthy.” (And if you’ve seen the film, I probably looked like him too)

My mind, body, and soul was yearning for a dip in the temple waters.

Then out of the blue, my phone was buzzing. It was a text from Jessica and two other Kranksters wondering where I had been.

Like the Hulk, they encouraged me to come back home to Krank. I got the sense that they missed the Silverback but more importantly, I missed them.

Weeks have passed since I returned to my temple atop the Acropolis of Brooklyn and oh how I have missed rumbling around this sanctuary.

As I was alluding to earlier, the discussions on the temple grounds of Krank are sometimes even better than the workouts themselves (if you can catch your breath).

They are discussions that would make any political pollster salivate. Discussions that express the soaring highs and the dark lows of the human experience. Discussions that center around the eternal principles of art, faith, justice, thought, and love.

They are topics, discussions, and stories that exemplify the storytelling tradition of our species. And in the backdrop, the drive that our species has to improve on what Leonardo da Vinci thought he perfected when he drew the Vitruvian Man.

Dan, Miguel, Angel, Jamal, Jessica, and countless other Kranksters are all central figures in my adventures atop the Acropolis of Brooklyn. They are the people who make Krank a special community to be a part of. It’s these interconnected bonds — a celebration of togetherness — that lures every Krankster back to sweat in that old storage facility.

These days as I take that rickety elevator to the 8th floor — those blue elevator doors slowly peel open and as I get closer to the temple grounds — I can hear the instruments of the iron orchestra get louder and louder.

I smile as I am reminded that there is healing in community, and together we go farther than we could alone.

Time to “Do work, son!” and be the hero of your own story.

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