The Marathon Continues: 6 Motivational Nipsey Hussle Lyrics to Live By

The legacy of Nipsey Hussle lives on through his music and cultural influence. The GRAMMY-nominated rapper died in March 2019 in an incident that rocked the hip-hop world.

Nipsey was gunned down in Los Angeles as he stood outside his clothing store, Marathon Clothing. The man convicted of killing the beloved MC, Eric Holder, was sentenced to 60 years in prison for the senseless murder.

In the wake of his passing, Nipsey's impact has grown. Fans and admirers have honored his memory through various initiatives aimed at continuing his philanthropic work and promoting his message of positivity.

From mural tributes to community events, Nipsey's spirit lives on, embodied in the neighborhoods he sought to uplift. In the realm of hip-hop and beyond, his legacy as a motivational lyricist is undeniable. Here are some of his most motivational bars.

“This time around I'ma make it clear / Spoke some things into the universe and they appeared / I say it's worth it, I won't say it's fair.” — Nipsey Hussle ("Victory Lap")

"Victory Lap," one of Nipsey Hussle’s most renowned tracks from his GRAMMY-nominated album of the same name, is proof of Nipsey's determination to triumph against all odds. "Victory Lap" serves as an anthem for resilience, urging listeners to push through hardships and pursue their dreams relentlessly.

"Dedication, hard work plus patience / The sum of all my sacrifice, I'm done waitin'." — Nipsey Hussle ("Dedication")

On "Dedication,” Nipsey pays homage to his roots while emphasizing the importance of hard work. The lyrics serve as a reminder that nothing worth having comes easy. The track was featured on his Victory Lap album and serves as a reminder that success is often born from tough circumstances.

"Look, I got everythin' I said I was gon' get on my kid / In addition to that fact, I went legit, I'm the s--t / Now accordin' to the way that I'm positioned in this biz / It look like I'm just gon' keep on gettin' rich." — Nipsey Hussle ("Grinding All My Life")

"Grinding All My Life" chronicles Nipsey's hustle and determination to overcome adversity. The rapper grew up in Los Angeles and has always been open about his upbringing, which was vastly different from his life as a rapper. With its motivational message and infectious beat, the song resonates with anyone striving for greatness in the face of obstacles.

“Don't do this for nothin', no, from the ground up / But I don't do this shit for nothin', no, not at all / My mama need rent, ma need rent, yeah, she do.” — Nipsey Hussle ("Hussle & Motivate")

With a nod to his moniker, "Hussle & Motivate" reminds fans to stay focused on their goals. "Hussle & Motivate" celebrates Nipsey's personal achievements and provides fans with wisdom, urging them to overcome obstacles with unwavering determination.

“Another million dollar bail, that's just some regular s--t / See my granny on a jet, some s--t I'll never forget / Next day we flew to Vegas with my Puma connects / We break bread, we ain't new to success." — Nipsey Hussle ("Racks in the Middle")

Nipsey Hussle rarely ever boasted about his success, but that all changed with the 2019 track “Racks In The Middle.” The song, which features Roddy Ricch and Hit-Boy, is motivational and inspiring. Nipsey raps about the riches he earned as a rapper, which allowed him to do things for his family that he never thought were possible.

"Out the garage is how you end up in charge / It's how you end up in penthouses / End up in cars, it's how you / Start off a curb servin', end up a boss / It's how you win the whole thing and lift up a cigar / With sweat drippin' down your face cause the mission was hard." — Nipsey Hussle ("Last Time That I Checc'd")

In this collaboration with fellow West Coast rapper YG, Nipsey celebrates his come-up and reflects on his journey from rags to riches. The song's catchy lyrics and vibey beat make it a standout track in Nipsey's discography.