Yesterday evening, the late Nipsey Hussle’s family and friends released a live visual experience to commemorate his Marathon mixtape’s 10th anniversary. First unveiled in December 2010, Nipsey put out the game-changing tape in conjunction with his separation from Epic Records and the then long-delayed South Central State of Mind LP. While that album would ultimately become shelved indefinitely, The Marathon signified a turning point in the rapper’s career. It was a return to an independent grind via All Money In Records and was the beginning of releases that would make the Crenshaw-native a Hip-Hop legend.  

Other classics followed in the coming years: The Marathon Continues.  Crenshaw.  Mailbox Money. Additionally, and even more importantly though, Hussle used his stature as a Hip-Hop artist for his community’s greater good. His activism included (but wasn’t limited to) arranging a meeting with the LAPD to address gang violence, supporting Destination Crenshaw, and investing in 59th Street Elementary School.

While Nip would get an official major-label release, the appropriately-titled Victory Lap, in February 2018, the tragic murder of him thirteen months later is a loss from which many are still reeling. However, his legacy lives on and continues to inspire millions. Democratic Representative Karen Bass even acknowledged Nipsey Hussle’s impact on the House of Representatives’ floor shortly after his death with a wonderful choice of words.

“He taught and reminded our community that the power we hold is the power we come from, and that awareness of our power is something no one can take from us,” she said. “For all [that] he was given, he gave back. And for that legacy, South Los Angeles has been changed forever.”

Check out The Marathon live album experience below!