Lauren London, Snoop Dogg Among Speakers At Nipsey Hussle's Memorial Service
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA) — Actress Lauren London, Nipsey Hussle's longtime girlfriend, and rapper Snoop Dogg are among those who spoke at the slain rapper's funeral Thursday.
The program, which was handed out just prior to the start of the memorial service, has the 33-year-old rapper on the cover, leaning against a classic car. The cover features his given name – Ermias Asghedom, rather than his stage name.
The same image was broadcast on Staples Center's outdoor screens.
PHOTO GALLERY: Nipsey Hussle Memorial
The order of service includes Pastor Shep Crawford and Minister Reid Rich of The Experience Christian Ministries, words from Minister Louis Farrakhan of the Nation of Islam, performances by British singer Marsha Ambrosius and Grammy Award-winning gospel singer Anthony Hamilton, and tributes from Hussle's children. Recording artist Jhene Aiko, who postponed her release of new music this month, will also perform, and Stevie Wonder will sing "Rocket Love" to close out the service's performances.
Hussle's longtime girlfriend, Lauren London, with whom he shares two children, rapper Snoop Dogg and LA radio DJ Big Boy are among those giving family tributes.
The program included heartfelt notes from actress Issa Rae, rapper Jay-Z, and NBA stars LeBron James and Russell Westbrook.
The 33-year-old rapper was gunned down on March 31 in front of his store, The Marathon Clothing, setting off an intense wave of mourning across the music industry and the South Los Angeles community. The parking lot where he was killed has become the site of a huge memorial of flowers, candles, cards and other items from fans.
Immediately after the ticketed memorial service at Staples Center, the casket will be driven along a 25.5-mile funeral procession from Exposition Park into South Los Angeles, with his childhood home and his store along the way, before it ends at Angelus Funeral Home.