On what would have been Nipsey Hussle’s 41st birthday, his voice returns through a 15-song collaboration with Bino Rideaux, Celebrating a legacy built on music, ownership, community, and relentless progress.
Seven years have passed since March 31, 2019, the day we lost Ermias Joseph Asghedom, better known as Nipsey Hussle. Yet, his influence resonates stronger than ever, a testament to the profound impact one man can have when he dedicates his life to uplifting others. The silence that fell over the music industry in the days following his passing spoke volumes; executives, artists, DJs, and promoters moved with purpose but few words, united in grief and respect.
In those weeks after his transition, conversations throughout the industry revealed how deeply Nipsey's loss affected not just his LA neighborhood but communities worldwide. From South Central to corporate offices, we collectively vowed to continue the marathon, carrying his legacy through our work with purpose and meaning. Nipsey embodied everything we fight for: neighborhood pride, economic empowerment, and the relentless pursuit of excellence against all odds.
"The highest human act is to inspire," Nipsey once said, and he lived this philosophy daily. His marathon mindset, emphasizing consistent hard work, unwavering self-belief, and community investment continues to guide those who knew him and those who knew him through his art and activism.
This August 15th, on what would have been his 41st birthday, we celebrate his legacy with the release of "Prolific," a 15-song collaborative album between Nipsey and frequent collaborator Bino Rideaux, dropped August 13th on all DSP's. This project captures previously unreleased music from Nipsey, preserving his voice and vision for new generations. It marks the first album release featuring Nipsey since his Grammy-nominated "Victory Lap" (2018), which solidified his place in hip-hop history while demonstrating how independent artists could achieve mainstream success without compromising their values.
Bino Rideaux, the LA rapper whose versatile sound blends West Coast energy with Southern influences, was more than just a collaborator, he was family. After catching Nipsey's attention with his 2015 single "100 Days 100 Nights," Bino became a close friend and musical partner, creating the acclaimed "No Pressure" project in 2017. Following Nipsey's passing, Bino honored his friend with heartfelt tributes like "Of All Things" and "PRIDE 2 THE SIDE" before signing to Def Jam in 2020 and releasing "OUTSIDE."
The celebration continues at LA Function's "Summer Finale" x "Prolific" Album Celebration Party, presented by REAL 92.3, LA's home for hip hop. From 3pm to 9pm, fans will gather to commemorate Nipsey's life through the music that continues to inspire and unite us.
Nipsey Hussle was more than a rapper, he was a visionary entrepreneur, community activist, and symbol of what's possible when we invest in ourselves and our neighborhoods. His advocacy for gun control, police reform, and educational equity in California demonstrated his commitment to systemic change, while his business ventures showed how economic independence could transform communities from within.
Sam Asghedom, known as Blacc Sam, has become the steadfast guardian of his brother Nipsey Hussle's monumental legacy, transforming personal grief into a powerful engine for community advancement. As the driving force behind The Marathon brand, he has meticulously expanded its reach, most notably through the growing footprint of Marathon Burger, which now extends beyond Los Angeles to include a New York City location, turning a simple eatery into a symbol of Black ownership and economic self-sufficiency.
Sam's stewardship extends far beyond business; Blacc Sam is the crucial protector of Nipsey's independent artistic integrity, carefully curating posthumous releases like the heartfelt collaborative album "Prolific" with Bino Rideaux while developing a planned multi-episode documentary series to ensure the authentic story is told. With an unwavering focus on local reinvestment, ownership education, and economic independence in underserved neighborhoods, he manages vital real estate and community projects that directly embody Nipsey's vision of building generational wealth from within, proving that his commitment is not just to memory, but to the tangible, ongoing empowerment of the communities they both cherished.
As we play "Prolific" and celebrate his birthday, we're reminded that Nipsey's marathon never truly ended, it simply transformed. Through each of us who carries forward "The Marathon Continues" message of ownership, unity, and relentless progress.
The Marathon Continues
