Nipsey Hussle Square Unveiled in LA
Los Angeles city officials and the hip-hop community unveiled "Nipsey Hussle Square" seven years after his death, honoring the late rapper and philanthropist's impact on South Central LA. The landmark serves as a testament to Nipsey's legacy as a community leader and his positive influence on the neighborhood. Meanwhile, Teyana Taylor was named one of Time Magazine's Women of the Year for 2026 in recognition of her influence in music, fashion, and cultural activism.
The newly christened "Nipsey Hussle Square" sits at the intersection of Crenshaw Boulevard and Slauson Avenue, a place of deep significance. This is the very corner where Hussle, born Ermias Asghedom, sold his early mixtapes from the trunk of his car and later established his Marathon Clothing store. It is also where his life was tragically taken in 2019. The dedication ceremony featured emotional speeches from Hussle's partner Lauren London and his brother, Blacc Sam. London recalled Nipsey predicting that the entire section would one day be named after him. Los Angeles City Council President Marqueece Harris-Dawson and other officials were also in attendance to honor the late rapper. Hussle's impact on his community went far beyond music; he was a dedicated philanthropist and entrepreneur. He invested in local businesses, provided jobs for the homeless and formerly incarcerated individuals, and funded renovations for school playgrounds and basketball courts. A key part of his vision was economic empowerment. Before his death, Hussle had purchased the strip mall where his store was located, with plans to redevelop it into a mixed-use complex with affordable housing. He also co-founded Vector90, a coworking space and STEM center designed to bridge the gap between the inner city and Silicon Valley. Meanwhile, Teyana Taylor's recognition as one of Time's Women of the Year comes after a monumental year in her career. The multi-talented artist earned a Golden Globe award and her first Oscar nomination for her role as Perfidia Beverly Hills in the film "One Battle After Another." Taylor also saw a successful return to music, with her 2025 album "Escape Room" receiving a Grammy nomination for best R&B album. Beyond her personal accolades, Time celebrated her wide-ranging influence across fashion and cultural activism. The 35-year-old is also preparing for her feature directorial debut and is enrolled in culinary school.
