Former President Barack Obama applauded Nipsey Hussle for his lasting legacy as a community activist, according to a letter read at the rapper’s memorial service on Thursday.
The note from the 44th president was read out loud early into the two-hour service.
“I’ve never met Nipsey but I’ve heard his music through my daughters,” Obama wrote. “And after his passing I had a chance to learn more about his transformation and his community work.
“While most folks look at the Crenshaw neighborhood where he grew up and only see gangs, bullets and despair, Nipsey saw potential,” the letter continued. “He saw hope. He saw a community that even through its flaws that taught him to always keep going.”
Some 21,000 fans — many dressed in all white — packed the Staples Center in Hussle’s native Los Angeles to pay tribute to the rapper, who was gunned down March 31 outside his clothing store.
The service will include a performance by Stevie Wonder and tributes from family including his parents, longtime girlfriend Lauren London and rappers Snoop Dogg and Big Boy.