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Rihanna leads tributes to late rapper Nipsey Hussle

Updated / Monday, 1 Apr 2019 07:36
Nipsey Hussle has died at the age of 33
Nipsey Hussle has died at the age of 33

Rihanna has lead the tributes to the Grammy-nominated rapper Nipsey Hussle after he was shot dead in Los Angeles on Sunday.

The 33-year-old US rapper was shot outside a shop he owned in south Los Angeles along with two other people.

Mayor of Los Angeles Eric Garcetti confirmed his death, saying, "Our hearts are with the loved ones of Nipsey Hussle and everyone touched by this awful tragedy.

"L.A. is hurt deeply each time a young life is lost to senseless gun violence. My Crisis Response Team is assisting the families coping with shock and grief."

Nipsey Hussle (right) with (l-r) Diddy, Usher, Jay Z and DJ Khaled

The Los Angeles Police Department said it was called to the scene in the area of Slauson Avenue and Crenshaw Boulevard at 3.30pm.

"Three victims were transported to a local hospital where one was pronounced deceased," they said on Twitter.

The LAPD later said they are searching for a black male suspect in connection with the shooting.

Hussle, whose real name was Ermias Davidson Asghedom, had been a figure in the West Coast hip-hop scene for more than a decade.

He released a number of mixtapes before his debut album, Victory Lap, in February, which earned recognition at the Grammys.

After news of his death broke, tributes began pouring in.

Rihanna tweeted, "My spirit is shaken by this! Dear God may His spirit Rest In Peace and May You grant divine comfort to all his loved ones! I'm so sorry this happened to you @nipseyhussle"

Fellow West Coast star Ice Cube said he is "sad, mad and disappointed about my guy @NipseyHussle."

Drake posted an image of Hussle on Instagram with the caption, "My whole energy is just at a low right now hearing this... You were having the best run."

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