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The Final Words: What Nipsey Hussle Said Moments Before His Tragic Death

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The tragic death of Ermias Joseph Asghedom, better known as Nipsey Hussle, on March 31, 2019, sent shockwaves through the music world and the South Los Angeles community he tirelessly worked to uplift. Nearly six years later, the details surrounding his final moments remain a poignant subject for his global fanbase, a testament to his enduring legacy as an artist, entrepreneur, and community pillar. The most definitive and heartbreaking accounts of Nipsey Hussle’s last words and actions did not come from speculation, but from the unsealed court transcripts and witness testimony during the highly publicized murder trial of Eric Holder Jr.

As of late , the full context of the confrontation and the rapper's final, defiant statements are clearer than ever, offering a chilling glimpse into the final seconds of a life dedicated to the mantra of "The Marathon Continues." The final exchange was short, tense, and ultimately led to a senseless act of violence that silenced a generational voice.

Ermias Joseph Asghedom: A Life of Entrepreneurship and Activism

Nipsey Hussle was far more than just a rapper; he was a revolutionary thinker who practiced what he preached, embodying the spirit of self-ownership and community investment. His philosophy, often referred to as "The Marathon," became the driving force behind his career and business ventures.

  • Real Name: Ermias Joseph Asghedom
  • Born: August 15, 1985, in Los Angeles, California
  • Died: March 31, 2019 (Aged 33), in Los Angeles, California
  • Parents: Dawit Asghedom (Eritrean immigrant) and Angelique Smith (African American)
  • Affiliation: Member of the Rollin' 60s Neighborhood Crips (as a youth)
  • Studio Album: *Victory Lap* (2018) – Nominated for Best Rap Album at the 61st Annual Grammy Awards.
  • Key Mixtapes: *Bullets Ain't Got No Name* (Series), *The Marathon*, *The Marathon Continues*, *Crenshaw*, *Mailbox Money* (famously sold for $100 per copy).
  • Business Ventures: Co-founder of the record label All Money In Records and owner of the Marathon Clothing store on Crenshaw and Slauson.
  • Partner: Actress Lauren London.

His business model was designed to empower the community, most notably through his Marathon Clothing smart store, which was deliberately located in the neighborhood where he grew up. His commitment to economic empowerment and anti-gang violence initiatives cemented his status as a true community activist.

The Pre-Shooting Conversation: The Accusation of "Snitching"

The sequence of events leading up to Nipsey Hussle's murder began with an unexpected, yet seemingly calm, conversation. On the afternoon of March 31, 2019, Nipsey Hussle was standing outside his Marathon Clothing store when he was approached by Eric Holder Jr., a man he knew from the neighborhood.

Court transcripts and witness testimony revealed that the two men engaged in a short, four-minute conversation.

The topic of this brief exchange was "snitching." Hussle reportedly mentioned that there was talk in the community about Holder being a police informant or a snitch.

According to accounts, the exchange was not overtly heated, and Nipsey Hussle reportedly ended the conversation by waving Holder away, not perceiving an immediate threat.

However, the prosecutor in the trial, Deputy District Attorney John McKinney, argued that this conversation—the accusation of being a snitch—was the motive. McKinney stated that the accusation "moved Eric Holder to a point of wanting to return to the parking lot and kill Nipsey Hussle."

The Final Words: Three Witness Accounts of Nipsey's Last Moments

After leaving the scene, Eric Holder Jr. returned shortly after with a handgun, quickly approaching Nipsey Hussle and opening fire. Hussle was shot at least ten times.

The most powerful and definitive evidence of Nipsey Hussle's final words came from the testimonies of eyewitnesses who were standing near the rapper during the attack. Their accounts, while slightly varied in exact phrasing, paint a consistent picture of shock and a final acknowledgment of the attack.

Account 1: The Immediate Reaction

One primary witness, Herman Villanueva, testified during the trial that he heard Nipsey Hussle's immediate reaction to the first shots. This account captures the sheer disbelief and pain of the moment.

  • The Words: "He shot me. He shot me."
  • Context: Villanueva recalled hearing the gunshots, seeing Nipsey Hussle fall, and then hearing these words as the rapper realized what was happening.

Account 2: The Acknowledgment of Defeat

Another witness account, presented by a detective's testimony, suggests a more resigned and poignant statement made by Hussle as he lay wounded on the ground.

  • The Words: "You got me."
  • Context: This statement is believed to have been said directly to Eric Holder Jr. after the initial volley of shots. It reflects a moment of recognition and acceptance in the face of the fatal attack.

Account 3: The Final, Defiant Phrase

A third variation, which combines the shock and the resignation, was also reported in court documents and media coverage of the grand jury transcript.

  • The Words: "You shot me, you got me, I'm good."
  • Context: This phrase suggests Hussle was attempting to raise his head off the ground while speaking. The inclusion of "I'm good" has been interpreted by some as a final, defiant act—an assurance that even in death, his spirit and mission (The Marathon) would continue.

After Nipsey Hussle was shot and on the ground, the prosecution stated that Eric Holder Jr. delivered a final, gratuitous act of violence by kicking the rapper in the head before fleeing the scene.

The Enduring Legacy of "The Marathon Continues"

Nipsey Hussle's death was a profound loss, but the words and actions surrounding his final moments have only solidified his image as a man of principle. His final conversation about "snitching" highlights the dangerous complexities of street codes he was attempting to transcend through his activism and entrepreneurship. Entities like All Money In Records, the Marathon Clothing store, and his Grammy-nominated album *Victory Lap* stand as testaments to his vision.

The simple, yet powerful, final words—whether "He shot me" or the more philosophical "You got me"—are a tragic conclusion to a life that had so much more to give. His partner, Lauren London, and his children continue to honor his memory, ensuring that the work he started in South Central Los Angeles—the commitment to ownership, community reinvestment, and excellence—will indeed continue. Eric Holder Jr. was ultimately found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to 60 years to life in state prison, closing the legal chapter on the tragedy but forever cementing Nipsey Hussle’s place as a martyr for his movement.

Nipsey Hussle’s legacy is not just in his music, but in the blueprint he left behind for economic independence. His life continues to inspire countless individuals to invest in their communities and pursue their dreams with unwavering dedication, proving that even in death, "The Marathon Continues."

nipsey hussle last words
nipsey hussle last words

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