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The Marathon Don't Stop: The Life and Times of Nipsey Hussle
The first in-depth biography of Nipsey Hussle, the hip hop mogul, artist, and activist whose transformative legacy inspired a generation with his motivational lyrics and visionary business savvy--before he was tragically shot down in the very neighborhood he was dedicated to building up.
In the ten years since he first met Nipsey Hussle in the offices of Vibe, journalist Rob Kenner followed Hussle's career, paying close attention to the music and business movement he was building in Los Angeles. Ten years later, they spoke again. To Kenner, it became clear that Hussle had been underestimated his entire life--not just for his artistry but also for his intellect and intentions.
For Nipsey Hussle, "The Marathon" was more than a mixtape title or the name of a clothing store; it was a way of life, a metaphor for the relentless pursuit of excellence and the willpower required to overcome adversity day after day. Hussle was determined to win the race to success on his own terms, and he wanted to see his whole community in the winner's circle with him.
Combining on-the-ground reporting and candid interviews with Hussle's friends, family, and peers, The Marathon Don't Stop traces the life and work of an extraordinary artist, placing him in historical context and unpacking his complex legacy. For the first time ever, members of his inner circle will speak about the man they knew and his determination to maintain integrity amidst the treacherous extremes of street life and the rap game.
The Marathon Don't Stop is a journalistic account of Nipsey Hussle's life and times, making sense of the forces that shaped a singular figure in hip hop culture.
In the ten years since he first met Nipsey Hussle in the offices of Vibe, journalist Rob Kenner followed Hussle's career, paying close attention to the music and business movement he was building in Los Angeles. Ten years later, they spoke again. To Kenner, it became clear that Hussle had been underestimated his entire life--not just for his artistry but also for his intellect and intentions.
For Nipsey Hussle, "The Marathon" was more than a mixtape title or the name of a clothing store; it was a way of life, a metaphor for the relentless pursuit of excellence and the willpower required to overcome adversity day after day. Hussle was determined to win the race to success on his own terms, and he wanted to see his whole community in the winner's circle with him.
Combining on-the-ground reporting and candid interviews with Hussle's friends, family, and peers, The Marathon Don't Stop traces the life and work of an extraordinary artist, placing him in historical context and unpacking his complex legacy. For the first time ever, members of his inner circle will speak about the man they knew and his determination to maintain integrity amidst the treacherous extremes of street life and the rap game.
The Marathon Don't Stop is a journalistic account of Nipsey Hussle's life and times, making sense of the forces that shaped a singular figure in hip hop culture.
448 pages, Hardcover
First published March 24, 2020
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
February 6, 2021
This book was a history lesson on so many levels. Obviously this is about Hussle’s life but we also get an in-depth look into Los Angeles, its race relations history, and the power of community. We all had an idea of what Tupac could have been if he wasn’t murdered at 25 and the positive impact he would have made on the world. Nipsey was the manifestation of Tupac’s quote, "I'm not saying I'm gonna change the world, but I guarantee that I will spark the brain that will change the world." In actuality, he was that and so much more!
June 16, 2021
I am totally in my feelings as I write this. Rob Kenner did a phenomenal job with this biography! 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐌𝐚𝐫𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐨𝐧 𝐃𝐨𝐧’𝐭 𝐒𝐭𝐨𝐩 is an emotional journey that touched my heart in ways I honestly didn’t expect.
What made this journey so impactful is that it took me through Nipsey’s entire life, from his birth to after his assassination.
Let me be clear in stating there is no fluff in this book. No B.S. about his romantic relationships ( 𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘯 𝘕𝘪𝘱𝘴𝘦𝘺’𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘓𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘯 𝘓𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘯) no mentions of beefs Nip may have had, and no TMZ gossip type of foolishness. In other words, this is a solid body of work.
TMDS explains just how a person like Nipsey can end up in a gang. I found every story in this book significant. This biography is packed with information that allows a reader like me, someone who didn’t know much about Nipsey, to walk away feeling as if I knew the legend personally. After reading this book I honestly feel cheated! Cheated that such a great man is no longer here, and I’m just learning the details of his prolific life!
Reading this book was like being on a roller coaster. The first few chapters was like going uphill, it’s a little slow, but weighted with necessary details and information about LA’s history and the climate that created Nipsey. Then came the middle of the book, the top of the hill, this is where everything picked up. I could clearly see the direction Kenner was taking. I embraced the story. There was no turning back. I was fully invested. Then came the final chapters, the dramatic, fast paced pinnacle that caused my heart to pound! This part of the book made me want to scream! It brought tears to my eyes.
To take in Nipsey’s entire story at one time makes for an extremely emotional read. Understanding everything he stood for, only to be murdered, is so freaking heartbreaking!
One of the saddest moments was reading how Nipsey often spoke of one day selling out the Staples Center. Only to sadly accomplish that goal at his memorial.
Although I found this narrative heartbreaking, It would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the inspiration I gained as I read Nipsey’s story. The author mentions books that Nipsey read. I wrote down the titles and ordered them for myself. I wrote down lessons shared throughout each chapter. And as a result, I feel like I’ve now been passed a piece of the baton…The Marathon Don’t Stop!
Also, Kenner does an amazing job of detailing how the marathon was built.
I highly recommend this book for everyone! It is not reserved for Nipsey fans only. Because in the end, this is the story of how one man turned nothing into something! He stood for what he believed. And he truly did it his way!
( 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 Amistad Books 𝘢𝘯𝘥 Simon and Schuster 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘷𝘪𝘢 Netgalley 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸).
𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘛𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘥𝘢𝘺, 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩 23𝘳𝘥
What made this journey so impactful is that it took me through Nipsey’s entire life, from his birth to after his assassination.
Let me be clear in stating there is no fluff in this book. No B.S. about his romantic relationships ( 𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘰𝘶𝘨𝘩 𝘩𝘦 𝘥𝘰𝘦𝘴 𝘣𝘳𝘪𝘦𝘧𝘭𝘺 𝘵𝘰𝘶𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘯 𝘕𝘪𝘱𝘴𝘦𝘺’𝘴 𝘳𝘦𝘭𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘓𝘢𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘯 𝘓𝘰𝘯𝘥𝘰𝘯) no mentions of beefs Nip may have had, and no TMZ gossip type of foolishness. In other words, this is a solid body of work.
TMDS explains just how a person like Nipsey can end up in a gang. I found every story in this book significant. This biography is packed with information that allows a reader like me, someone who didn’t know much about Nipsey, to walk away feeling as if I knew the legend personally. After reading this book I honestly feel cheated! Cheated that such a great man is no longer here, and I’m just learning the details of his prolific life!
Reading this book was like being on a roller coaster. The first few chapters was like going uphill, it’s a little slow, but weighted with necessary details and information about LA’s history and the climate that created Nipsey. Then came the middle of the book, the top of the hill, this is where everything picked up. I could clearly see the direction Kenner was taking. I embraced the story. There was no turning back. I was fully invested. Then came the final chapters, the dramatic, fast paced pinnacle that caused my heart to pound! This part of the book made me want to scream! It brought tears to my eyes.
To take in Nipsey’s entire story at one time makes for an extremely emotional read. Understanding everything he stood for, only to be murdered, is so freaking heartbreaking!
One of the saddest moments was reading how Nipsey often spoke of one day selling out the Staples Center. Only to sadly accomplish that goal at his memorial.
Although I found this narrative heartbreaking, It would be remiss if I didn’t acknowledge the inspiration I gained as I read Nipsey’s story. The author mentions books that Nipsey read. I wrote down the titles and ordered them for myself. I wrote down lessons shared throughout each chapter. And as a result, I feel like I’ve now been passed a piece of the baton…The Marathon Don’t Stop!
Also, Kenner does an amazing job of detailing how the marathon was built.
I highly recommend this book for everyone! It is not reserved for Nipsey fans only. Because in the end, this is the story of how one man turned nothing into something! He stood for what he believed. And he truly did it his way!
( 𝘛𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘬 𝘺𝘰𝘶 Amistad Books 𝘢𝘯𝘥 Simon and Schuster 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘮𝘦 𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘴 𝘦𝘈𝘙𝘊 𝘷𝘪𝘢 Netgalley 𝘪𝘯 𝘦𝘹𝘤𝘩𝘢𝘯𝘨𝘦 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘢𝘯 𝘩𝘰𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘵 𝘳𝘦𝘷𝘪𝘦𝘸).
𝘗𝘶𝘣𝘭𝘪𝘤𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘥𝘢𝘵𝘦 𝘛𝘶𝘦𝘴𝘥𝘢𝘺, 𝘔𝘢𝘳𝘤𝘩 23𝘳𝘥
March 17, 2021
[Source: ARC provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.]
The Marathon Don’t Stop is the book I’ve most anticipated since it was announced in 2019. Nipsey Hussle’s official debut album, Victory Lap, is deeply personal to me and remains in near-daily rotation three years after its release. His sudden murder in 2019 rocked me with shock and disbelief that was more acute than what I felt as a 13-year-old hearing of Tupac Shakur’s death. This book, then, is a fitting opportunity for fans and newcomers alike to better understand the full trajectory of Nipsey’s life as “the Tupac of his generation.”
In this biography, Kenner examines Nipsey’s life from the lens of, unsurprisingly, a marathon. Starting with his childhood in South Central Los Angeles and following his resolute pursuit of success on his own terms, The Marathon Don’t Stop is a retrospective of Nipsey Hussle as a multifaceted man — Ermias Asghedom — not just a Crip turned rapper.
Kenner approaches The Marathon Don’t Stop as one would expect of a journalist. It is abundantly clear that Kenner did ample research, with an extensive bibliography to back up more than a decade of covering Nipsey’s career. There is a plethora of new interviews from Nipsey’s neighborhood, music, and business associates and family members to provide insight, which is coupled with existing media coverage. Where Nipsey’s own words are used, they come from an expansive collection of print, online, and video interviews, as well as his own social media posts. Interviews are a mix of those conducted with the author as well as those sourced from outlets, representing more than a decade of coverage. The result is a narrative that unfolds from various perspectives, with an honest and balanced portrayal of the complexity of Nipsey’s relationships, experiences, and legacy.
The Marathon Don’t Stop isn’t solely focused on Nipsey, though. Kenner certainly provides background for Nipsey’s life and gives the personal and professional chronologies one would expect. However, it’s impossible to speak of Nipsey’s upbringing and career without also scrutinizing the environment that made him who he was. In doing so, Kenner provides context not just for the Los Angeles of Nipsey’s experience, but he explains how Los Angeles’ political, social, and economic conditions evolved over decades to create the unique circumstances that led to Nipsey’s gang affiliation, pivot into music, and eventual success as a community investor and activist.
In an industry where artist exploitation is an open secret, Nipsey was renown for eschewing the same pitfalls as other artists who simply wanted to make it big. He wanted to have that success, but, as Kenner demonstrates, he also had a code that dictated how he moved toward that goal and how he leveraged that success. The Marathon Don’t Stop highlights the wins and losses Nipsey and his team experienced on his rise. Even as a die-hard fan, it’s difficult to know the intimate details from simply following headlines and lyrics; Kenner synthesizes publicized incidents with intimate details from those who were involved first-hand. One thing becomes clear — Nipsey learned and played the game well. But in games, there are always winners and losers. And Kenner details, with heart-rending precision, how Nipsey’s willingness to look out for the neighborhood eventually led to his death.
It’s worth noting that The Marathon Don’t Stop is an unauthorized biography. Kenner leans heavily on primary sources, and the book is dense with information. But lacking in that are the voices of some of Nipsey’s family. So while the book holds incredible depth, there is no getting around what feels like the missing perspectives of those who were undoubtedly closest to him speaking directly with this author since Nipsey’s death. It’s hard to read a biography about Nipsey without wondering how much more insight could be learned from those who held notably close relationships with him — those who are now at the helm of making sure his marathon continues.
The Marathon Don’t Stop is important reading for long-standing fans of Nipsey Hussle or those learning of him after his death. Kenner has crafted an comprehensive book that will leave any reader with a far greater understanding of Nipsey Hussle’s life, career, death, and legacy than can easily be gleaned in any single place.
The Marathon Don’t Stop is the book I’ve most anticipated since it was announced in 2019. Nipsey Hussle’s official debut album, Victory Lap, is deeply personal to me and remains in near-daily rotation three years after its release. His sudden murder in 2019 rocked me with shock and disbelief that was more acute than what I felt as a 13-year-old hearing of Tupac Shakur’s death. This book, then, is a fitting opportunity for fans and newcomers alike to better understand the full trajectory of Nipsey’s life as “the Tupac of his generation.”
In this biography, Kenner examines Nipsey’s life from the lens of, unsurprisingly, a marathon. Starting with his childhood in South Central Los Angeles and following his resolute pursuit of success on his own terms, The Marathon Don’t Stop is a retrospective of Nipsey Hussle as a multifaceted man — Ermias Asghedom — not just a Crip turned rapper.
Kenner approaches The Marathon Don’t Stop as one would expect of a journalist. It is abundantly clear that Kenner did ample research, with an extensive bibliography to back up more than a decade of covering Nipsey’s career. There is a plethora of new interviews from Nipsey’s neighborhood, music, and business associates and family members to provide insight, which is coupled with existing media coverage. Where Nipsey’s own words are used, they come from an expansive collection of print, online, and video interviews, as well as his own social media posts. Interviews are a mix of those conducted with the author as well as those sourced from outlets, representing more than a decade of coverage. The result is a narrative that unfolds from various perspectives, with an honest and balanced portrayal of the complexity of Nipsey’s relationships, experiences, and legacy.
The Marathon Don’t Stop isn’t solely focused on Nipsey, though. Kenner certainly provides background for Nipsey’s life and gives the personal and professional chronologies one would expect. However, it’s impossible to speak of Nipsey’s upbringing and career without also scrutinizing the environment that made him who he was. In doing so, Kenner provides context not just for the Los Angeles of Nipsey’s experience, but he explains how Los Angeles’ political, social, and economic conditions evolved over decades to create the unique circumstances that led to Nipsey’s gang affiliation, pivot into music, and eventual success as a community investor and activist.
In an industry where artist exploitation is an open secret, Nipsey was renown for eschewing the same pitfalls as other artists who simply wanted to make it big. He wanted to have that success, but, as Kenner demonstrates, he also had a code that dictated how he moved toward that goal and how he leveraged that success. The Marathon Don’t Stop highlights the wins and losses Nipsey and his team experienced on his rise. Even as a die-hard fan, it’s difficult to know the intimate details from simply following headlines and lyrics; Kenner synthesizes publicized incidents with intimate details from those who were involved first-hand. One thing becomes clear — Nipsey learned and played the game well. But in games, there are always winners and losers. And Kenner details, with heart-rending precision, how Nipsey’s willingness to look out for the neighborhood eventually led to his death.
It’s worth noting that The Marathon Don’t Stop is an unauthorized biography. Kenner leans heavily on primary sources, and the book is dense with information. But lacking in that are the voices of some of Nipsey’s family. So while the book holds incredible depth, there is no getting around what feels like the missing perspectives of those who were undoubtedly closest to him speaking directly with this author since Nipsey’s death. It’s hard to read a biography about Nipsey without wondering how much more insight could be learned from those who held notably close relationships with him — those who are now at the helm of making sure his marathon continues.
The Marathon Don’t Stop is important reading for long-standing fans of Nipsey Hussle or those learning of him after his death. Kenner has crafted an comprehensive book that will leave any reader with a far greater understanding of Nipsey Hussle’s life, career, death, and legacy than can easily be gleaned in any single place.
August 4, 2021
Great profile of one of the best long-distance runners of all time.
March 30, 2021
Robert Kenner takes an in depth look at the great influence that Nipsey Hussle had on so many during his tragically short life. This biography uses interviews from the inner circle of friends and family close to Nipsey, his social media posts, his own interviews and music lyrics to tell the story of Ermias Joseph Asghedom and how he became Nispey Hussle. Rob also explores the history of Los Angeles, California and the origins of systemic racism that plagues the city often viewed as a progressive melting pot. This work was not rushed and results in an extensive bibliography to prove it.
As another anniversary of his transition approaches, the legacy of Nipsey is one that can not be extinguished simple because the body is gone. He liberated the minds of so many and stayed true to himself, his family, his community and his culture. This book is a love letter to the fans of Nipsey Hussle and a well done introduction for those unfamiliar with the man.
Big thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
As another anniversary of his transition approaches, the legacy of Nipsey is one that can not be extinguished simple because the body is gone. He liberated the minds of so many and stayed true to himself, his family, his community and his culture. This book is a love letter to the fans of Nipsey Hussle and a well done introduction for those unfamiliar with the man.
Big thanks to Atria Books and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
September 1, 2021
I was only vaguely aware of Nipsey Hussle before picking this up. I imagine this is true of many people like me ie white, privileged, unaware of this culture and never having bothered to find out. Hussle was a fascinating man who made a great success of his music career but was, probably more importantly, a great advocate for his neighborhood and support for his community.
Bios like this are always educational, of course, but to me it almost as important to understand the “times” in “the life and times” as the life itself. It is tragic that NH was gunned down in his prime, which is a fate shared by many of his contemporaries sadly. Especially heartbreaking that it happened on his home field so to speak.
I learned a lot even though I realize this book just scratches the surface of a culture that I really only heard of previously through emotive, racially tinged headline grabbing words and terms such as “gangster rap”, “gang culture” and so on. There is a lot more that I am interested to read about.
Hussle’s senseless assassination results in a Great loss for all of us, not just his immediate community.
I enjoyed the writing although, at times I lost the plot a little bit since I was so unfamiliar with the setting, but that’s on me. I wish I’d followed the life and times of NH more closely when he was still with us, but it’s important to understand even after his passing I think
Bios like this are always educational, of course, but to me it almost as important to understand the “times” in “the life and times” as the life itself. It is tragic that NH was gunned down in his prime, which is a fate shared by many of his contemporaries sadly. Especially heartbreaking that it happened on his home field so to speak.
I learned a lot even though I realize this book just scratches the surface of a culture that I really only heard of previously through emotive, racially tinged headline grabbing words and terms such as “gangster rap”, “gang culture” and so on. There is a lot more that I am interested to read about.
Hussle’s senseless assassination results in a Great loss for all of us, not just his immediate community.
I enjoyed the writing although, at times I lost the plot a little bit since I was so unfamiliar with the setting, but that’s on me. I wish I’d followed the life and times of NH more closely when he was still with us, but it’s important to understand even after his passing I think
May 13, 2021
I’m a big Nipsey fan going back to the early mixtape days, and this book does his legacy justice. Long-live King Nip!
July 16, 2021
This is an important book.
I know. That’s what everybody says about damn near every book these days. It’s kind of become a watered-down statement, huh? Just to be clear, I’m not one for cliché compliments and banal bandwagon praise. So I’ll say it again.
This is an important book.
Why?
It chronologically and comprehensively tells the story of a very important person. The author took the utmost care with this. Kenner shares an invaluable attribute with his study: thoroughness.
Who is this book for?
This is for the fans that want a collected recollection.
But perhaps more importantly…
This is for those who were oblivious to the fact that the most authentic and ingenious leader of this generation was walking the earth a mere two and a half years ago. This is for the people who don’t listen to rap—who probably aren’t going to listen to rap—but want to understand who this man was. Even fans of rap were unaware and/or unappreciative of this man. If they were unaware, it was probably for innocuous reasons. To end up on the radar of the masses when you're not a microwaved product of the industry machine (or haven't, dare I say, garnered the white gaze) is rare.
First...the writing.
If you can't write a biography like this—authorized or unauthorized—you need to find a different niche of writing to express your appreciation for an artist. A book of essays, perhaps. A topical book that focuses on one aspect of interest or dissects one album. If you're not going to go all out with this level of journalistic integrity, attention to detail, and passion...leave the autobiographies for those with these skills in their wheelhouse. I've said before, biographies are hit and miss with me. The last really good one I read was the unauthorized biography of Andrew Cuomo, The Contender.
Kenner takes the tone and controlled approach of someone professional enough to not exude the frenetic whimsicalness of a fan trying their hand at serious writing. However, he manages to do this without falling victim to nonfiction "dryness" as some biographers/journalists do. He has emotions on the subject matter. Deep, palpable emotions. He has opinions on what he is writing about, but they are always secondary to the priority. He does not shy away from the reader's unasked question "But how do you feel about this." Kenner balances the liberty of his writing voice with the preciseness of accounting the events as they happened. I have to imagine that writing a biography is a bit of a tedious task. Especially when it’s on someone whose career you've been following out of genuine interest and respect for years. Now you have to go back and get the details of things you already know just so, and not have your book come out sounding like a tired collage of articles ripped from interviews. But he executed it perfectly. I will admit I was skeptical when I first heard this book was coming out. I did not know he had been writing this before Nipsey's assassination. I did not know he had actually interviewed Nipsey on multiple occasions. Thoughts of opportunism ran through my head. As well as images of book agents/publishing house people pulling one of their hip young literary darlings to the side a week after The star-studded Staples Center funeral aired saying "We have to be the first to get a bio out about this Nipsey Hustler character that Obama eulogized in a letter. You listen to rap music, right? Here's a sizeable advance…write it." I was wrong. I believe Rob Kenner was not motivated by the moment, but by the movement. A movement sadly not enough people knew about. The Marathon.
Second….to my fellow Nip fans.
You might think this book doesn't have anything new to offer....it does. At least for me it did. I was familiar with the likes of J. Stone, Cuzzy, Cobby, Hoggy, Pac Man. Of course Blacc Sam and Fatts. I knew them through his music, their own music, or interviews. I also knew of Big U, Johnny Shipes, and a few other names. However, this book introduced me to pivotal characters on Nipsey's journey that I had no clue about. Such as Dexter, a straight-laced photographer who moved to the neighborhood as an adult, who let a young Nipsey and other aspiring artists—many of whom were 60s—record at his family's house for free. Never heard of this man. Take Ralo as another example. I knew the name—yelled out by Nipsey on circa 2010 tracks—but I've never heard/seen him do an interview. I assumed he was a producer or beatmaker or something of the sort. But I had no idea what his thoughts, feelings, and contributions were prior to this book. So even if you've been a fan, there will more than likely be bits and pieces you haven't heard before. There were also a couple of other situations/instances that I'd never heard as fleshed out and expanded upon as they were in this book. I won't name them for sake of spoiling the reading experience. This book is not just magazine and interview regurgitations as some biographies are. Sure, there's some of that, but there is certainly enough new insight to justify reading it even has a longtime Nip fan who's already consumed all his content.
Third…to those wanting to learn.
I'm not one of those who judge people who caught on to Nipsey after his passing. In my opinion, the more people who hear his message(s) the better.
[[I do judge those who knew of him and wrote him off or disparaged him while he was alive, and then came flocking back after he died like fans that never left. I remember when a writer, from what was one of my favorite hip-hop publications, took a few of his words out of context in an otherwise extremely positive post he made on IG. She wrote an essay where she melodramatically declared she would not be listening to Victory Lap when it came out. Her boss and fellow staff writers at this website backed her up and followed suit. True to their word, they did not review the album when it came out. No flowery think pieces. No dissections of any of the profound interviews Nip gave during that press run. They did not write about him again. Until he died. Then, magically, it was like the whole personal boycott never happened. In one week they wrote multiple articles about him, singing his praises like they never stopped. Yes, even the writer who spearheaded the boycott. It was as if she had never taken to Twitter with nary a beat of pause to throw mud on his name. People are funny & fickle that way.]]
Anyways, got off subject. I hope every bookstagramer I've seen that's posted pictures of this book actually read it. Sometimes I wonder. I have put in a request for it at my library and will be recommending it to as many patrons as I can. I live in a small rural town where I'm sure Nipsey is not widely known, and I hope to change that to some extent.
Random thoughts while reading
-I like that this book seamlessly incorporates LA culture and history into the narrative---from before Ermias was born, through his childhood, and henceforth. Nipsey is LA and LA is Nipsey. And for people with preconceived notions of South Central, one-dimensional views of gangbangers, and other misgivings of young Black men from certain areas with certain attire and vernacular ...I think this book does a good job of giving a titillating history lesson at the same time it tells a story. A true story, to be sure. This book never glorifies gang-banging or villainizes it.
Here's a quote from the book I really liked regarding this topic
"Gangsta rap" is a useful crutch for reporters who specialize in oversimplifying complex stories and repeating police talking points verbatim. Critics of gangsta rap---whatever that means---make sure to overlook all nuance.
-I had no idea "lawyer Mark" in the beginning of "Hussle & Motivate" was actually Nipsey's real lawyer. Like the lawyer from his case that happened around the time he signed the Epic deal circa 2009 onward through 2018 when that music video came out. That tickled me.
-I highly recommend people watch the fatherhood video on YouTube. Snippets were mentioned in the section of the book about Nipsey finding out in jail he had a child (Emani) on the way. But do yourself a favor and watch the video.
-I'm glad the We Are The World story was included because it always gave me chills. A story that I think was originally told on an episode off Snoop's GGN network. It was divine intervention that Nipsey ended up at the "We Are The World" recording. (Not saying Steve Lobel is anything akin to God, but perhaps God worked through Steve that day). As described in the book, and as you can clearly see if you look up the video, it was nothing but cemented legends of the past and the biggest pop stars of the present in that building. Household names. And then there's Nipsey—someone that the world (as in your grandma and your youngest daughter) doesn't know, someone who doesn't have an album to his name let alone a hit single, someone who was told once caught that he was in fact NOT supposed to be there—in the mix throwing up five fingers with one hand and two fingers and a thumb with the other. When you look back at that NOW? After his death? After all he accomplished since that day in February 2009? He was SUPPOSED to be there. And he was.
-The LAPD 77th Division is mentioned to a degree that is hard to ignore. Take that however you want to. And the quote near the end of the book from the Black cop who asked to remain unnamed? Yeah. That needs to be read by people who probably are never going to read this book or any other book about the life and times of a Black man.
-I think the FDT chapter is so important. I knew the song got pushback and that YG's label received notices from the Secret Service...ultimately resulting in heavy-handed censorship and removal of lines, but I don't think I fully grasped to what extent. I had no idea that they also were the reason for Sad Boy's censoring on "Blacks & Browns" off of Still Brazy. So the Secret Service essentially had access to censor a whole album? What? Also, the usually stoic Nipsey calling out the radio stations in disappointment for not standing with him, YG, and the people and playing the song...and in doing so...in a rare moment of briefly expressed vexation....admitting that he was fine with them not supporting his solo stuff :( But that THIS was different.
-Points for giving Nessa her props. I caught that.
-I couldn’t care less that he had a Cardi B record in the stash (I heard it, it’s fine). I want to know what’s up with that No Pressure 2? That is, if that was even going to be a thing. Because there seems to be a lot of Bino collabs without a home. Where was that “Sacrifices” song going to go? I felt the progression on that song. The emotional progression. The artistic progression. The vulnerability.
-I never knew about the interview Nip gave the last time he was in Eritrea. When the reporter asked him "if gangs were scary" there was something so innocent and genuine about that question. It made me a little sad. Coming from an American reporter, that's such a loaded question. Depending on if it's a news station or a podcast, it can make the interviewer sound like an inhospitable baiter or insensitive spectator. Not the case here. There was something pure about the question, and Hussle's response.
Final Thoughts
Kenner wrote of Nipsey, "The idea came to him, like so many other things, while reading."
Reverse that and it's true to me. Many of my book ideas come while listening to music. I find more inspiration in music than any other artistic medium. As an independent author, I found and continue to find so much inspiration in Nipsey Hussle. Being indie in the book world isn’t cool yet. These bookstagramer influencers aren’t reviewing indie books like that. Getting ANYONE to review an indie book is a feat. Traditional publishing through a major publishing house, or a popular smaller press like GrayWolf, is still seen as the way to gain true visibility. Going one hundred percent independent is very much an uphill incline (outside of a couple of genres like romance & fantasy that are more embracive of indies). I hope the book world sees the shift the music world has. But before the music world saw that shift, before the Chances and the Brents, Nipsey was preaching creative control and ownership. Near the end of the book, there’s a quote from his last interview with Big Boy. The one where he said, "I've felt every emotion." I’m paraphrasing now, but basically he said he finally felt like he was at the point to fully be an artist. That touched me. Remember, that’s what he wanted to be first. To avoid having to use gimmicks or forfeit his morals (like so many other musical acts do in order to get hot) he had to give away sooo much content for free and carve new avenues for revenue. Thus leading many to praise him for his business savvy or motivational speaking skills before his art. But the art has always been there. You just overlooked it. IMO he doesn’t have a bad project to his name. But if you listened to The Marathon and didn’t realize you were listening to a true artist in every sense of the word—a beautiful lyricist, a brave storyteller, an expert sequencer with intention behind every beat choice and vocal inflection—then you must have some kind of bias. That project came out eight years before his debut album. Nine years before he made that statement on Big Boy TV. It's disheartening to know he didn't get that time to just focus on his love, his passion. To know he never got to enjoy freely making music that he knew was finally going to be heard by a wider audience
People can have their ideas about "gangster rap." Republicans think it does more damage than good. Back in the day, it evoked a Democrat to come up with an advisory sticker. But this “gangster rapper” only ever inspired me to be better. To pursue my passions in spite of fear and regardless of moments of dejection. To be disciplined, unwavering, and purposeful.
LLNH
For more book & music related content, follow me on IG @wordsfromchelsea
February 9, 2022
I have so much respect for Nipsey Hussle. This book is a true tribute to his legacy as an activist, community member, & key player in the culture of hip hop.
July 29, 2024
This book was completely different from what I imagined. It gave history lessons, background knowledge, and created a vivid picture of Nip. This book was right on time as a reminder that life has Its ups and downs, but the marathon continues. Highly recommend reading!
March 23, 2021
“Seize the opportunity, believe and take control of it then get on your marathon and grind til it’s over with” - Nipsey Hussle
The Marathon Don’t Stop is a really thought provoking read. It gives an insight to the life and times of the late rapper and Philanthropist, Nipsey Hussle. It shows the grit, work ethic, and hustle mentality that he had for every aspect of his life. The writer provides a non-biased perspective that the success didn’t happen overnight while giving detailed information and feedback from many of Nipsey’s peers. He portrays the methodical efforts and tenacity that went into the man that Nip grew to be. He speaks highly of how studious and ferocious Nipsey was with learning and how he chose to give back to his community. Life is not a sprint, it truly is a marathon and I loved that this was the mantra that Nipsey chose for his life.
This book not only gives an eye opening view of Nipsey, it is an inspiring piece that can encourage anyone. I received this book from @netgalley and the publisher @simonandschuster in exchange for an honest review.
The Marathon Don’t Stop is a really thought provoking read. It gives an insight to the life and times of the late rapper and Philanthropist, Nipsey Hussle. It shows the grit, work ethic, and hustle mentality that he had for every aspect of his life. The writer provides a non-biased perspective that the success didn’t happen overnight while giving detailed information and feedback from many of Nipsey’s peers. He portrays the methodical efforts and tenacity that went into the man that Nip grew to be. He speaks highly of how studious and ferocious Nipsey was with learning and how he chose to give back to his community. Life is not a sprint, it truly is a marathon and I loved that this was the mantra that Nipsey chose for his life.
This book not only gives an eye opening view of Nipsey, it is an inspiring piece that can encourage anyone. I received this book from @netgalley and the publisher @simonandschuster in exchange for an honest review.
April 12, 2021
[3.5. stars] The book was really well written and researched. Kenner's project allows the reader to learn a lot more about Nipsey and how much work him and his team many years before his project "Victory Lap" was released in 2018. It's a book that couldn't exist without the first hand accounts from people close to him, which really richly colored the book. Former managers, producers and crew members were first hand accounts that were quoted. The book's acknowledgments show there were people he spoke with but were not attributed in the text. So naturally, key interviews with his parents, siblings and partner are not present but strung together from Kenner citing printed interviews or press. It was an interesting book.
April 10, 2021
Everyone should read this book, whether you like rap or not. This book will make you knowledgeable and change your understanding of the “hood��� and gangs. Nipsey’s life is bigger than us. He stood for more than just music, or even just his hood. He changed the rap game more than any rapper in the last decade. He didn’t just do things for the community, he did it “with the community.”
October 30, 2024
This book took me into a world I knew nothing about and I really enjoyed it. I have huge respect for people who work hard to achieve their dreams and Nipsey Hussle was one of those. His love for his family and his community knew no bounds. It's a shame his life was cut short.
June 27, 2023
Nipsey Hussle had a profound impact on music, entrepreneurship, and community activism. His authentic music, entrepreneurial ventures, and dedication to community development inspired many. Nipsey's legacy as a philanthropist and role model continues to motivate future generations. His tragic passing in 2019 amplified the significance of his contributions, leaving a lasting imprint on the industry and the communities he aimed to uplift. Extremely heartbreaking ❤️🩹
July 24, 2021
This book was great! I never knew Nipsey Hussle like that so to read about how he came up in life and strived to empower his community was cool. There’s some good history lessons about the gangs in LA and you’ll read about Nipsey and how he was involved in that life. Hip hop lost a real one for real!
October 14, 2025
First half was stronger than the second half. The book was a little hagiographic at times.
Good book if you’re interested in Nipsey, hip hop history and culture, or LA gang history and culture. Also a good book if you want to be inspired by someone giving back to his own community, since that’s what Nipsey did for black people in Southern LA.
Good book if you’re interested in Nipsey, hip hop history and culture, or LA gang history and culture. Also a good book if you want to be inspired by someone giving back to his own community, since that’s what Nipsey did for black people in Southern LA.
April 13, 2021
I think Rob Kenner did an amazing job tracking all of these events and the people he chose to interview were perfect. This book made all of Nipsey’s interviews and songs Make more sense. It’s the behind-the-scenes look into his life. It felt like I was on Slauson witnessing these events for myself. RIP to the great! “Don’t stress out nigga, poke my chest out nigga” - Neighborhood Nip
July 26, 2022
It was a good read. Most information consisted of things that you could find in interviews, that were common knowledge. Some things were assumptions and not fact checked like his sons birthday and age. He says they share the same sign but Cross is clearly a virgo.
May 17, 2023
This book is beautiful. I love a story that really dives in depth about how someone loved, mastered and studied their craft. This man was amazing and brilliant but completely about his community. He was adored and unlike any other. He was a rare breed.
His story needs to be told.
His story needs to be told.
September 8, 2024
Did I enjoy this, yes! Was it what I expected, no! It was a good history lesson but I feel like it was missing something. I often felt like the narrator was giving his POV, Nipsey’s POV then his opinion.
February 5, 2022
This book is the best. And the audio version read by Landon Woodson is lovely. I heartily recommend to all.
October 8, 2024
Such a well written book about Nipsey Hussle. An inspiring read
January 27, 2025
I read this, 50's Bio and Tupac's Bio all last year and the three of them were well written and engaging. Kudos to this author for letting us inside Nipseys life. Poor Nipsey. I hate that he's not here anymore. What a sad story. Such a good man whose life was taken. I looked up the author and he's very credible and a good writer.
Read
April 22, 2021"People gonna doubt you and that don't mean that they right. It just mean they don't understand."
"I started to understand the difference between the truth and what your parents are supposed to tell you," Ermias said. "There's a difference."
"I started to understand the difference between the truth and what your parents are supposed to tell you," Ermias said. "There's a difference."
January 3, 2025
Although it is not a biography this is an interesting look into his life. Hussle and Motivate. Rest In Power 🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️🕊️
June 11, 2023
Four years ago today (March 31), Airmiess Joseph Asghedom, known by most as Nipsey Hussle was shot 11 times and died right in front of his own clothing store, Marathon Clothing in Los Angeles California.
I admittedly did not know very much about him before his death, but I was awestruck at the outpouring of love and recognition he received across the world when I heard that he died. I had to know who was this man that had such a great impact on so many people. What was he all about? Even Barack Obama offered his condolences saying "While most folks look at the Crenshaw neighborhood where he grew up and see only gangs, bullets, and despair, Nipsey saw potential".
This book was published about 1.5 years after he passed, and it is extremely well done. Like the title suggests, we not only learn about Nipsey himself, but we get an understanding of who he was through the times he grew up and lived in. The book touches on key historical moments especially pertaining to LA when Nipsey was younger all the way up to how he was impacted by the election of President Donald Trump. The author pulls multiple quotes from interviews Nipsey did throughout the years, so the book still feels like it’s in his voice even though it was written after his death.
Nipsey was so many things and this book touches on them all. His entrepreneurship, activism, rap career, and how important being a father was to him. I was so inspired by the way he never ever stopped hustling! Whatever he wanted, he went for and never settled for anything less. He had such a strong and clear vision for himself, community and family. He never swayed from that. Everything that he said he would do— he did! Finishing this book made me really sad because he didn’t deserve to die. Gone way too soon is an understatement. But the marathon continues! I know his legacy and the work he was so passionate about will continue.
I admittedly did not know very much about him before his death, but I was awestruck at the outpouring of love and recognition he received across the world when I heard that he died. I had to know who was this man that had such a great impact on so many people. What was he all about? Even Barack Obama offered his condolences saying "While most folks look at the Crenshaw neighborhood where he grew up and see only gangs, bullets, and despair, Nipsey saw potential".
This book was published about 1.5 years after he passed, and it is extremely well done. Like the title suggests, we not only learn about Nipsey himself, but we get an understanding of who he was through the times he grew up and lived in. The book touches on key historical moments especially pertaining to LA when Nipsey was younger all the way up to how he was impacted by the election of President Donald Trump. The author pulls multiple quotes from interviews Nipsey did throughout the years, so the book still feels like it’s in his voice even though it was written after his death.
Nipsey was so many things and this book touches on them all. His entrepreneurship, activism, rap career, and how important being a father was to him. I was so inspired by the way he never ever stopped hustling! Whatever he wanted, he went for and never settled for anything less. He had such a strong and clear vision for himself, community and family. He never swayed from that. Everything that he said he would do— he did! Finishing this book made me really sad because he didn’t deserve to die. Gone way too soon is an understatement. But the marathon continues! I know his legacy and the work he was so passionate about will continue.
December 29, 2024
I would rate this even higher if I could. Rob Kenner did a phenomenal job with this book! Words can't express how much Nipsey has inspired me. I really wish I knew more about him prior to his demise. However, that man's spirit is STRONG and can still be felt. THE MARATHON CONTINUES!!!!
March 30, 2021
The Marathon Don't Stop is an in-depth look at the life of Nipsey Hussle (RIP 3/31/2019). However, Rob Kenner goes beyond Hussle's life, this is also an in-depth view on the history of Los Angeles, CA (specifically the Slauson and Crenshaw areas), the history of gang development, evolution of major players in hip-hop, and the racism prevalent in the entertainment industry. California has this rep of being so progressive, but the book does an excellent job of displaying the racist policies in housing/real estate development, the police (this wasn't covert...), and the entertainment industry that are systematic in shaping and continuing to oppress Black folks in this country. Kenner relies heavily on interviews with some of the major players in Hussle's life, social media posts, and interviews of Hussle, which includes a very extensive bibliography for each chapter.
I felt like I was watching a documentary on Nipsey Hussle (born Ermias Asghedom) and how LA influenced his art and creativity. Kenner emphasizes Hussle's spirit of giving back to the community that shaped him and being a beacon of hope for younger generations to pursue creative interests and see their own value rather than the worth (or lack thereof) placed by society. There was no set timeline of the narrative in terms of chapter breakdown because there was a lot of history and players intertwined with the major events of Hussle's life. Nevertheless, I truly appreciated how in-depth Kenner goes into the history of the area beyond the scope of Hussle's life. This is more than a biography on an influential person, this is a history book that touches the tip of the iceberg of the intricacies that shape a human life: this is the development of someone who was complex, well-respected, and left the world too soon.
I felt like I was watching a documentary on Nipsey Hussle (born Ermias Asghedom) and how LA influenced his art and creativity. Kenner emphasizes Hussle's spirit of giving back to the community that shaped him and being a beacon of hope for younger generations to pursue creative interests and see their own value rather than the worth (or lack thereof) placed by society. There was no set timeline of the narrative in terms of chapter breakdown because there was a lot of history and players intertwined with the major events of Hussle's life. Nevertheless, I truly appreciated how in-depth Kenner goes into the history of the area beyond the scope of Hussle's life. This is more than a biography on an influential person, this is a history book that touches the tip of the iceberg of the intricacies that shape a human life: this is the development of someone who was complex, well-respected, and left the world too soon.
March 7, 2022
The Marathon Don't Stopp tells the story of Ermais Asghedom, widely known as Nipsey Hussle, and his rise to stardom in the music industry. More than his rise to stardom, The Marathon Don't Stop chronicles Nipsey's desire to give back to the streets that raised him.
Reflections:
With everyone still on a high from the amazing SuperBowl halftime show, I thought'd it'd be a good time to share my reflections from this one. I listened on audio, and while I'm sure the physical copy is just as good, I really enjoyed listening to this one.
While the Marathon Don't Stop is a nonfiction book about Nipsey Hussle, the rapper, it is truly about so much more than that. To me, this book was a microcosm of what rap and hiphop are as a culture, fun to listen to...but also so much more.
Nipsey dedicated his life to giving back to the streets that helped raise him. Never shying away from his own gang affiliations, he was a staunch believer in the community and family that is often provided within the culture of the streets. He went above and beyond searching for stardom and truly lived and practiced the idea of "all money in."
I LOVED hearing about the way he was creative and entrepreneural without ever losing sight of what the money would represent for his community. He lived and breathed what he preached and as a result, is revered by the hip hop/rap industry. This was such a great reflection on all that he stood for and I truly enjoyed learning more about him.
Reflections:
With everyone still on a high from the amazing SuperBowl halftime show, I thought'd it'd be a good time to share my reflections from this one. I listened on audio, and while I'm sure the physical copy is just as good, I really enjoyed listening to this one.
While the Marathon Don't Stop is a nonfiction book about Nipsey Hussle, the rapper, it is truly about so much more than that. To me, this book was a microcosm of what rap and hiphop are as a culture, fun to listen to...but also so much more.
Nipsey dedicated his life to giving back to the streets that helped raise him. Never shying away from his own gang affiliations, he was a staunch believer in the community and family that is often provided within the culture of the streets. He went above and beyond searching for stardom and truly lived and practiced the idea of "all money in."
I LOVED hearing about the way he was creative and entrepreneural without ever losing sight of what the money would represent for his community. He lived and breathed what he preached and as a result, is revered by the hip hop/rap industry. This was such a great reflection on all that he stood for and I truly enjoyed learning more about him.
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