I didn’t listen to Nipsey until closer to his death, but seeing how deep he impacted the community and the world inspired me. I began to listen to his older projects and felt his influence. I feel that he and I shared similar beliefs and feelings for our people and community. His birthday was a couple days ago and I wrote this because his death is still uncomfortable for me as I’m sure it continues to be for a lot of other people as well. This is how I feel when listening to him rap or even speak.

We wasn’t homies but I respected you 

Putting on for yo city while putting yo city on 

Can’t believe that beef over a rag is why you’re gone 

Your death just feels wrong 

Like when Pac decided not to put his vest on 

Nip this for you 

Your work inspired the youth 

Inspired me to continue the things you wanted to do 

When they said you died, I ain’t think it was true 

Had the LAnd shook cause of you 

Under you, the community grew 

When it comes to actual real niggas, there’s only a few 

Other members of the community need to follow suit 

But I don’t think we could lose another you 

The pain from the creation of a martyr leads to few to be through 

My only hope is that the marathon continues 

Whatever we need, I’ll do that 

That’s what I feel when I hear you rap 

Your death feels like a set back 

Cause you had what every other nigga lacked 

The knowledge of the power of giving back 

Matter of fact,

Look at your record we been keeping track 

Buying back your neighborhood and employing your own 

Changing the minds and lives of those close to home 

Running around the city radiating pro black 

You ran yo marathon, now watch us take our victory lap