Welcome to The Sports Fan Journal’s latest series, In The Rotation. Music fans are always trying to find the latest tunes to spin and our editor Mya Melody, a.k.a. the playlist virtuoso, is here to help. Whether you need a weekend turn up anthem or a smooth jam for a kickback, this series will highlight the week’s hottest song to add in your collection. Vibe out and enjoy! #MelodyPutYouOn
Looking back on Nipsey Hussle's discography, one common takeaway is motivation. It was evident on his Grammy-nominated album Victory Lap, and specifically on his single "Grinding All My Life." Although the song was released back in 2018, the single found its way climbing up the iTunes charts this week, but it was after tragic circumstances.
The world stopped on Sunday, March 31st, when news outlets reported that Nipsey Hussle was gunned down in front of his Los Angeles clothing store. His life was stolen at the age of 33, just as he was hitting the surface of mainstream rap status with goals to build up his hometown. To many fans, Nipsey wasn't just a rapper, but an entrepreneur, investor, and visionary who knew his purpose and believed in bettering his community.
The way Nipsey carried himself was reflected in his music and he bet big on himself. On "Grinding All My Life," he talks about how working hard, staying dedicated, and hustling are the keys to his success. Along with the fire production from Murda Beatz, the song makes for a perfect club anthem. Nipsey was never afraid to share real-life narratives in his lyrics, whether it was tales of his life in the Crenshaw streets or how he leveled up in the music industry, his songs were inspirational. On the second verse he says:
"Look, I got everything I said I was gon' get on my kid / In addition to that fact, I went legit on that s**t / Now according to the way that I'm positioned in this biz / It look like I'm just gon' keep on gettin' rich"
The world lost a great artist, motivator and leader earlier this week, but his music lives on forever. The marathon continues and it's important for other individuals to continue uplifting Nipsey's legacy. Whether you're a day one fan or a brand new fan, be sure to spin "Grinding All My Life" or any of Nipsey's classic records and check out this week's pertinent reading material:
Nipsey Hussle's dreams were bigger than hip-hop - Los Angeles Times
Nipsey Hussle Loved The Culture And Basketball Was His Favorite - The Undefeated
Nipsey Hussle's 'Victory Lap' works as the perfect swan song - REVOLT TV
Nipsey Hussle's Eritrean American Dream - The Atlantic
Los Angeles Is Better Because of Nipsey Hussle. It Will Never Be the Same Without Him - DJBooth
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In honor of Nipsey Hussle Tha Great, we miss you Neighborhood Nip. Fly high.
