Toronto Raptors forward Kawhi Leonard (2) wears shoes in remembrance of rapper Nipsey Hussle prior to NBA basketball action against the Orlando Magic in Toronto on Monday, April 1, 2019. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn
Republished April 02, 2019 - 5:58 AM
Original Publication Date April 01, 2019 - 5:41 PM
TORONTO - Kawhi Leonard paid tribute to the late rapper Nipsey Hussle on Monday.
The Raptors star had written "RIP NIP" on his New Balance shoes, and "All Money In" — the name of Hussle's record label.
Hussle was fatally shot on Sunday outside Marathon Clothing, the store he founded to help rebuild his troubled South Los Angeles neighbourhood, police said. He was 33.
Hussle had earned a Grammy nomination for best rap album this year for "Victory Lap," his major-label debut.
Leonard was among numerous celebrities who have mourned Hussle's death. NBA star Steph Curry tweeted "God please cover and restore @NipseyHussle right now!!!"
During the 2016 presidential campaign, Hussle and rapper YG released the protest song "FDT," short for "(Expletive) Donald Trump."
In recent interviews, Hussle had talked about wanting to provide hope for people who grew up in Crenshaw, the L.A. neighbourhood he grew up in and died in.
News from © The Canadian Press, 2019