The Marathon Continues: How Nipsey Hussle’s Siblings Are Keeping His Legacy Alive
Nipsey Hussle’s siblings are carrying on his legacy with honor. They have stepped up in big ways to celebrate the life the rapper built before his death.
By D.M.March 13 2025, Published 1:38 a.m. ET
The Breakdown: Nipsey Hussle earned his place as one of Los Angeles' most influential MCs, with his family now playing a key role in preserving his impact. His brother, Blacc Sam, was his business partner, while his sister has since stepped up to help raise the rapper's daughter.
Los Angeles rapper Nipsey Hussle will go down as one of the most influential MCs the city has ever known. Nipsey, whose real name was Ermias Joseph Asghedom, grew up in Crenshaw, where he became affiliated with the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips.
Nipsey Hussle sits on the steps of a private jet.
In 2005, the MC released his debut mixtape, Slauson Boy Volume 1, kicking off his career. However, it was his 2013 project that pushed Nip’s career to the next level. Crenshaw became a South LA classic upon its release. It even caught the attention of Jay-Z, who purchased 100 copies for $100 each, according to HipHopDX.
Nipsey later released his debut studio album, Victory Lap, in 2018, and it debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200. As his career was rising, Nip was gunned down outside of his Marathon Clothing store. Two other individuals sustained injuries during the shooting. Authorities identified Eric Ronald Holder Jr. as the suspect, and he was later convicted of first-degree murder.
Before his death, the rapper shared a deep bond with his family, particularly his siblings, who have played a pivotal role in carrying on his legacy.
Who are Nipsey Hussle’s siblings?
Nipsey and his brother Samiel, known as Blacc Sam, were close friends and business partners. Together, they co-founded The Marathon Clothing store in 2017. The spot was a staple in South Central during its run, offering customers exclusive access to content and products. The store became a landmark after Nipsey died in 2019. While the physical location is now closed, it continues to operate online.
In 2022, Sam announced plans to open The Marathon Clothing store No. 2 in the Melrose Arts District in Los Angeles. “This second location is a dream that Nipsey always had, and it’s important that his kids are able to see his plans fulfilled,” Sam told The Guardian.
Sam also played a key role in Nipsey’s music career and has revealed plans to release some of the rapper’s unreleased tracks. “It’s quality, classic stuff,” he said, adding, “There’s a lot of music that nobody has heard, all of it dope.”
Nipsey Hussle's sister Samantha Smith.
Samantha Smith, Nipsey's younger sister, has also honored her brother in a big way. In the aftermath of the rapper’s death, she sought legal guardianship of his daughter, Emani Asghedom. According to In Touch Weekly, Samantha has since been ordered to split custody of Emani with Nipsey’s ex-girlfriend, Tanisha Foster.
Who are Nipsey Hussle’s parents?
Nipsey Hussle was born in the Crenshaw district of South Los Angeles, and his roots run deep. His mother, Angelique Smith, is from Los Angeles, while his father, Dawit Asghedom, is an Eritrean immigrant. Dawit was among the hundreds of Eritreans who fled during the Eritrean War of Independence, according to The LA Times.
Though the couple divorced in 1987, their love for their children remained strong. In the wake of Nipsey's death, both parents reflected on their son’s mission-driven life. Angelique said she found a sense of “perfect peace,” believing her son had fulfilled his purpose, per The LA Times, while Dawit saw Nipsey as a vessel sent to deliver a message.
