Nipsey Hussle: Top 4 Hits from the Late Hip-Hop Icon

Born Ermias Joseph Asghedom, Nipsey made more than just music. Through his lyrics, he denounced gun violence, using his own gang experiences as the backdrop. To look back at his work, here are four hits from the late Nipsey Hussle.

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"Forever on Some Fly Sh*t"

This single from his sixth mixtape, "The Marathon Continues," this Nipsey Hussle song disses "jealous ni**as dealing with emotions only b****es feel." Moreover, this breezy track is an outstanding work in the declining blog-rap at the time. 

The music video accompanying the track shows Nipsey traveling around the world, rapping in different places in Japan. You get to see his albums on Japanese music shows and the late rapper performing in nightclubs. At only 2:34, it feels like a breeze to hear Nipsey drop street smarts in his bars. "Tell 'em catch up now or found out later./ I'm revenge in the form of success to all haters."

"Rap Ni**as"

Asghedom co-wrote this song with hip-hop prod team Mike & Keys, DJ Khalil, and Larrance Dopson of 1500 or Nothin. It was first released as a single back in 2017. "Rap Ni**as" would later be included in his only studio album, 2018's "Victory Lap."

Hussle looks back at the work he put in and the dreams he will be building. Aside from the consistent use of the N-word at the end of every line, he unapologetically lays down each and every reason why he is nothing like the other "rap ni**as." This track was among the hits that exemplified the album being called Nipsey Hussle's "Victory Lap."

"Racks in the Middle"

This single, unfortunately, marks Nipsey Hussle's last single. Musically, it departs from his signature fare of mostly aggressive dominating synths and drum beats reminiscent of 90s West Coast hip-hop. It embraces a broader audience with its more radio-friendly setup, thanks to Roddy Rich and Hit-Boy featuring in the track.

Still, it has the blunt honesty that has been a part of his persona. In the song, he adds a short nod to his friend, who passed away. A snippet of the verse is both sincere and compelling. "Damn, I wish my ni**a Fatts was here/How you die thirty somethin' after banging all them years?/Grammy nominated, in the sauna sheddin' tears/All this money, power, fame, and I can't make you reappear."

"Last Time That I Checc'd"

This Nipsey Hussle and YG collab was his first single to break through the mainstream Billboard Hot 100. As a single, it has earned Gold certification from the RIAA. A hit from the "Victory Lap," it was also a product of Nipsey co-writing with YG, Mike & Keys, and 1500 or Nothin' members.

Aside from peaking at the 76th position at the Billboard Hot 100, "Last Time That I Checc'd" also peaked at No. 29 of the Hot R&B/ Hip-Hop Songs chart.