LOS ANGELES — The Metropolitan Transportation Authority celebrated the 40th birthday of the late rapper and community leader Nipsey Hussle Aug. 15 with the release of two limited edition TAP cards and the temporary renaming of Hyde Park station in his honor.
The effort is part of a new initiative launched by the MTA, known as Metro x Culture, which aims to connect the agency with the heart of Los Angeles’ cultural landscape by collaborating with prolific local artists, musicians, community heroes and influential brands.
“The Hussle family is proud to be partnering with Metro for the renaming of the station in honor of Nipsey for his 40th birthday,” a statement from Hussle’s family said. “Access to Metro played a vital role in providing transportation from South Central to Watts to pursue his early musical aspirations.
“Metro helped bridge the gap, not just between neighborhoods, but between his vision and his future,” the family statement continued. “Metro provides access and opportunity to so many people who without this resource wouldn’t be able to pursue their passions. The family hopes insight to Hussle’s early years utilizing the Metro will bring light to Hussle’s favorite quote, ‘The highest human act is to inspire.’”
Hussle, 33, was fatally shot outside his store in South Los Angeles in 2019. He was laid to rest at Forest Lawn Memorial Park.
He was known for his music series “Bullets Ain’t Got No Name,” as well as “The Marathon,” “The Marathon Continues” and “Crenshaw.” In 2018, Hussle’s debut studio album “Victory Lap” received critical acclaim. He was later nominated for the Best Rap Album at the 61st Grammy Awards.
Outside of music, Hussle also launched the Marathon Clothing store, which he founded along with partners Carless, the head of agency, Karen Civil and his brother Samiel Asghedom.
The commemorative TAP cards feature Hussle’s image. According to the agency, they worked in close partnership with the family to honor Hussle’s legacy — an icon whose roots run deep in South Los Angeles, as well as to highlight the area around Crenshaw and Slauson, where Hussle built his business and a movement.
The card designs include “Crenshaw & Slauson,” a black-and-white horizontal portrait of Hussle captured by acclaimed hip-hop photographer Jonathan Mannion, taken at the iconic intersection that became synonymous with Hussle’s journey; and :Watts,” a color-stylized horizontal portrait of Hussle aboard a Metro bus, symbolizing his roots and connection to the city.
In total, Metro released 12,000 of the collectible TAP cards which can be found at select Metro station ticket vending machines at Hyde Park, Crenshaw, Slauson, Compton, Hollywood/Vine and Expo/Crenshaw. The cards are also available at all six Metro Customer Centers with additional quantities available at Baldwin Hills Crenshaw and Rosa Parks locations.
Additionally, through Metro’s Low-Income Fare is Easy Program, new eligible participants signing up in South Los Angeles will receive commemorative cards. Each LIFE card provides more than $600 worth of credits, covering nine months of free transit access.
Metro also unveiled the renamed Hyde Park Station, which will feature signage with the new name, “Nipsey Hussle Station,” through Aug. 31.
“Hussle’s legacy goes far beyond music,” Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins said in a statement. “He was a visionary who understood the power of community, connection and opportunity. At Metro, we share his belief that public transportation is more than just a way to get around; it’s a vital lifeline that can unite neighborhoods, open doors and uplift lives.”
Wiggins added that the renaming and commemorative TAP cards is the agency’s way of “celebrating his enduring impact on Los Angeles.”
