Killer Mike has spoken to a crowd about choosing to help communities rather than divide them with violence at a vigil held in Georgia for murdered rapper Nipsey Hussle.
Rap soloist Mike, also known as one half of Run The Jewels, is a keen political activist as well as an artist. He addressed mourners outside Atlanta’s Morris Brown College yesterday (April 2) as part of a tribute for Hussle, who was shot dead in LA on Sunday (March 31).
Charlamagne Tha God today (April 3) posted footage of Mike delivering the speech in which Mike called on his listeners to “prove your love to your neighbourhood” not by killing but by “uplifting” one another.
“We have a choice. That rag that is over your forehead or out of your left pocket is better served wiping the sweat off your head for the work you are doing on behalf of your community in a way that does not murder other Africans,” Mike said.
Wise Words from a Civilized Blackman @killermike #StayLowKeepBuilding
Posted by Charlamagne Tha God on Wednesday, April 3, 2019
He continued: “Your enemy don’t give a fuck what colour rag you wear, they’re gonna murder you in the streets and leave you dead for your momma to find.
“I’m tired of my enemy looking like me.”
Dozens of artists have paid tribute to Hussle after the 33-year-old rapper was killed outside his clothing store.
Rihanna tweeted: “This doesn’t make any sense! 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!”
This doesn’t make any sense! 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 pic.twitter.com/rKZ2agxm2a— Rihanna (@rihanna) April 1, 2019
Bruno Mars also hailed Hussle as an “absolute gentleman” after the pair worked together 10 years ago.
“As he grew more successful I would watch his interviews and tell everybody how much I loved the way he carried himself and the positive things he was doing for the neighbourhood and community,” wrote Mars.
In one tweet, Lupe Fiasco said of Hussle: “You ARE a light and an inspiration to us all. And we gonna keep running this marathon. That yellow tape ain’t the finish line it’s the beginning of the victory lap. Legacy.”
Hussle is survived by his children, including one that he shared with actress Lauren London.