NFL
By: Stephen Garner
The inspiring legacy of Nipsey Hussle continues, this time via ESPN’s The Undefeated and 30 for 30 Podcasts, as Justin Tinsley was able to pay homage via an incredible four-part podcast series titled “The King of Crenshaw.”
A comprehensive, detailed, and emotion-evoking work of art entailing said inspiration, Tinsley dove into the life and times of the late, great, Ermias Asghedom and his Marathon.
“Nipsey, in a lot of ways, was the American Dream.”
Tinsley and his ESPN associates did an excellent job painting an accurate picture of Nipsey’s background, his ascension, as well as how his impact and influence changed both his community and transcended well past the confines of his native Crenshaw and Slauson.
Voice cameos from three athletes who were some of the closest to Nip, being Isaiah Thomas, DeMarcus Cousins, and DeMar DeRozan, helped seamlessly depict the synonymy in their realms of work as well as the mental approaches taken to their respective crafts.
Their many recollections on times spent with and being influenced by Nipsey are stories that resonate with anyone who was a fan of during his time here.
This dynamic of the podcast most accurately entailed how profound his impact was, which lead to relationships that resembled a kinship.
Athletes, particularly NBA players, saw themselves in him, as Nipsey saw himself in them.
To listen to Nipsey was to be inspired by him, in one way or another. His authenticity and the intent behind his art were some of the qualities that made him both powerful as well as unique from any other artist in a genre that is flooded with variety.
Even more, the fact that he not only lived his lyrics but was still actively putting said words into action made his entire aura one of distinct nature.
The world was his playground, and we were witnesses to the many manifestations.
In alignment with his many acts, one that was held to the highest regard for him, was to inspire.
"The highest human act is to inspire."
Forever Nip. pic.twitter.com/A931Iyu3QM
— TIDAL (@TIDAL) March 31, 2021
Among the many accomplishments stemming from his platform was his ability to inspire people. His foundation was just that. Then, through his music, the remaining fruits of his labor, and the words of those whose lives he impacted like the aforementioned athletes he had ties with, his legacy will remain.
He was a personified inspiration.
You can find “The King of Crenshaw” series wherever you listen to podcasts.
Whether you’re a day one fan of Nip, caught on to him later in his career, or never dove into his music, this series will surely resonate.
From my personal experience, bringing the story full circle, I became a fan of Nipsey through my fandom of Isaiah Thomas, Jamal Crawford, and Nate Robinson.
I was always aware of him, however, via many tweets and YouTube videos posted from those three, I was promptly enticed to press play on his music in 2013.
It was then when my appreciation for him and what he stood for grew profoundly, via both my love for basketball and love for hip-hop.
The connection these two entities of culture have could never be replicated, and will forever be synonymous in tandem with each other.
Take the time to check this incredible work of art out, as Nipseys and his legacy continue to inspire.
The Marathon Continues 🏁
