Hip-hop mourned the loss of an icon on March 31st with the tragic passing of Nipsey Hussle. The Los Angeles native, just 33 years old, was fatally shot outside his Marathon Clothing store in Crenshaw, leaving behind a powerful musical legacy and a profound impact on his community.
Nipsey Hussle’s career was undeniably on the ascent. Coming off the heels of Victory Lap, his critically acclaimed debut album which earned him a Grammy nomination, The Slauson Boy was finally reaching a wider audience. Beyond the music, his commitment to community empowerment was evident through ventures like the expansion of his Marathon clothing brand, real estate development in his neighborhood, and collaborations with the LAPD to address gang violence. Nipsey lived the messages of upliftment and perseverance that permeated his music.
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From his early mixtapes in 2005 to landmark projects like 2013’s Crenshaw, Nipsey Hussle crafted sonic portraits of life in South Central Los Angeles. His music explored themes of ambition, struggle, and community upliftment, resonating deeply with listeners. Victory Lap, released in 2018, marked the pinnacle of his artistry, solidifying his place among rap’s elite.
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In honor of Neighborhood Nip’s remarkable life and enduring career, we delve into his discography to rank his top ten tracks, showcasing the depth and impact of Nipsey Hussle Songs.
10. “Blue Laces” (The Marathon)
The Marathon, released in 2010, stands as a pivotal mixtape in Nipsey Hussle’s trajectory. It generated significant buzz both on the streets and online, compelling a broader audience to pay attention. “Blue Laces” emerges as a raw, organ-infused anthem detailing the challenges and dangers of navigating gang life. The haunting chorus, “Blue Laces, shell cases, we catch bodies, we don’t leave no traces/Big faces, suitcases, if you ain’t know ho, we gettin’ paid bitch,” serves as a stark bridge connecting the vivid verses about living and dying by “the code of the color of my shoestrings.” This track exemplifies early Nipsey Hussle songs’ gritty realism and lyrical prowess.
9. “Dedication” feat. Kendrick Lamar (Victory Lap)
“Dedication,” a standout track from Victory Lap, features a typically sharp verse from Kendrick Lamar. However, Nipsey Hussle firmly commands the spotlight, delivering verses packed with profound insights and quotable lines. This collaboration is a testament to Nipsey Hussle songs’ ability to attract top-tier talent.
The song unfolds in two distinct acts: the first reflecting on Nipsey’s journey and accomplishments, contrasted by the second act which acknowledges the distance still ahead. Lines like, “This the remedy, the separation/ 2Pac of my generation, blue pill in the fuckin’ Matrix/ Red rose in the gray pavement/ Young black n—a trapped, and he can’t change it” resonate on multiple levels, capturing themes of struggle and societal constraints. Yet, Nipsey remains defiant and assertive, as evidenced by the powerful line: “Royalties, publishing, plus I own masters/ I’ll be damned if I slave for some white crackers.” This highlights the entrepreneurial spirit often found in Nipsey Hussle songs.
8. “Face the World” (Crenshaw)
Before Victory Lap propelled him to mainstream recognition, Nipsey Hussle experienced a breakthrough moment with his 2013 mixtape, Crenshaw. While offered as a free download, Nipsey initiated a groundbreaking #Proud2Pay campaign, selling physical copies for $100 each. Dedicated fans, including Jay-Z, embraced the initiative, affirming the inherent value of Nipsey’s art. Tracks like “Face the World” justified this price point. Producer 9th Wonder’s soulful sample provides the perfect backdrop for Nipsey’s street sermon, creating a poignant track for his core fanbase. This song underscores the conscious and soulful elements within Nipsey Hussle songs.
7. “The Hussle Way” (Nip Hussle The Great Vol. 1)
Nip Hussle The Great: Vol. 1 is widely regarded as one of the strongest mixtapes in Nipsey Hussle’s extensive catalog. Released eight years after his debut mixtape, “The Hussle Way” served as Nipsey’s most comprehensive self-introduction to that point. Dramatic keys and a driving string arrangement set the stage for Nipsey’s declaration of his hustler ethos. The song features one of his most memorable choruses and potent lines such as, “You too deep in it to quit, I know the pain of it/ You love the game but knowin’ that the game doesn’t/ Love you back love the fact this the same struggle/ City to city we products of the same hustle.” These lyrics embody the motivational and relatable themes present in many Nipsey Hussle songs.
6. “Ocean Views” (Slauson Boy 2)
“Ocean Views” from Slauson Boy 2 offers a glimpse into Nipsey Hussle’s transformative journey from poverty to prosperity. Here, he calmly reflects on his hard-earned successes – the Benzs, the ocean views – without immediately pivoting to future ambitions. It’s a rare moment of pure reflection in his discography. With a jazzy and mellow soundscape crafted by The Futuristiks and DJ Khalil, Nipsey revels in his achievements while subtly challenging any doubters to test his street credibility. This track showcases a more relaxed and celebratory side of Nipsey Hussle songs.
5. “Crenshaw & Slauson (True Story)” (Crenshaw)
“Crenshaw and Slauson (True Story)” stands out as a prime example of Nipsey Hussle’s storytelling prowess. Spanning nearly seven minutes, Nipsey narrates his entire career trajectory, interweaving insightful wisdom for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs. From the humble beginnings of acquiring “a Pro Tools and a microphone” to navigating major label offers and pioneering the #Proud2Pay movement, Nipsey recounts his remarkable ascent. For those seeking an in-depth introduction to the Nipsey Hussle story, this track serves as an essential starting point. It’s a biographical masterpiece within Nipsey Hussle songs.
4. “Keys 2 the City” (The Marathon)
Another cornerstone track from The Marathon mixtape, “Keys 2 the City,” captures Nipsey Hussle at a critical juncture in his career, navigating burgeoning fame and increasing financial success. Around 2010, Nipsey was beginning to attract mainstream attention and faced a pivotal decision: to leave his neighborhood behind or bring his community along with him. Thankfully, as this track and his subsequent actions demonstrated, he emphatically chose the latter. This song is a powerful statement of loyalty and ambition characteristic of Nipsey Hussle songs.
3. “Last Time That I Checc’d” feat. YG (Victory Lap)
“Last Time That I Checc’d,” the second single released from Victory Lap, is a high-energy anthem featuring frequent collaborator and fellow Los Angeles native, YG. The instantly infectious chorus – “Last time that I checc’dm, it was five chains on my neck/ It was no smut on my rep” – is boastful, confident, and serves as an instant boost of self-assurance. This collaboration is a quintessential West Coast banger among Nipsey Hussle songs.
2. “Hussle in the House” (Nip Hussle the Great: Vol. 1)
“Hussle in the House” arguably epitomizes Nipsey Hussle’s West Coast identity, evident from the N.W.A homage in the opening lines: “Look, I’m comin’ straight off of Slauson/A crazy motherfucker named Nipsey.” Taken from the acclaimed Nip Hussle the Great: Vol. 1 mixtape, this track showcases not only Nipsey’s impressive technical rapping skills but also serves as a definitive “introduction to this Nipsey Hussle music.”
The seeds of his future success are subtly planted throughout this track. He explicitly raps about the systemic disenfranchisement of minority communities in Los Angeles and voices his unwavering ambition to dominate the rap industry. This is a foundational track in understanding Nipsey Hussle songs and his broader vision.
1. “Blue Laces 2” (Victory Lap)
“Blue Laces 2” represents a full-circle moment for Nipsey Hussle, revisiting themes from the original “Blue Laces” released eight years prior. He seamlessly picks up where the first track left off, embracing his evolved status as a mogul – a transformation set in motion over the preceding decade.
“Ones that hate us, handcuff us and mace us/ Call us dumb n—as ’cause our culture is contagious/ Third generation, South Central gang bangers/ That lived long enough to see it changing,” he powerfully raps. Adding a poignant layer, he concludes the track with a “flashback to that shootout at the beach” that continues to haunt him – a stark reminder that his “blue laces,” his roots, remain an indelible part of his identity. In the wake of his tragic death, “Blue Laces 2” becomes an even more profound and emotionally resonant listen within the collection of Nipsey Hussle songs, encapsulating his journey, struggles, and ultimate triumphs.
