In March 2019, widely beloved rapper and community activist Nipsey Hussle was gunned down in the parking lot of his store, The Marathon Clothing in South Central Los Angeles. In this episode of the Second Draft Project, Shaniek Brown and Maya Broomfield explore Nipsey’s enduring influence in his community and take a look at how it intersects with Malcolm X's to identify how Malcolm X impacted Black leadership on the West Coast. Tuning in, you’ll learn about the similarities that both men shared when it came to their upbringing, their portrayal in the media, the common causes they dedicated their lives to, and ultimately, their legacy.

Key Points From This Episode:

• The circumstances surrounding Nipsey’s childhood and his enduring love for music.
• Some of the similarities between Nipsey and Malcolm X’s backgrounds.
• How a trip to his father’s home country of Eritrea changed the trajectory of Nipsey’s life.
• Various reflections on how the Nation of Islam shaped activism in Los Angeles.
• Ways that the media painted both Nipsey and Malcolm X in a negative light.
• The common unity that they each dedicated their lives to.
• Public effects of both men and how they posed a threat to systematic racism.
• The Marathon Continues: how Nipsey Hussle’s legacy is being preserved.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Nipsey Hussle

The Marathon

Neighborhood Nip Foundation

‘Killing of Nipsey Hussle in South L.A. likely has some ties to gangs, source says; LAPD seeks suspect’

Patrisse Cullors

Black Lives Matter

Brandi Kane on X

Samiel Asghedom (Blacc Sam)

Second Draft Project

Shaniek Brown on LinkedIn

Maya Broomfield

Maya Broomfield on LinkedIn