By now you probably heard that Nipsey Hussle was gunned down Sunday in Los Angeles. I've heard his name before but I don't listen to his music so I'm not familiar with him. However, upon hearing all the reports of his death I decided to see what he was about. Come to find out Nipsey was a marketing genius. Making mix tapes for over 10 years and selling them out of the trunk of the car is not a new phenomena in the rap world but to sell them for $00 and most recently $1,000 is definitely something new. Taking a page from Wu-Tang who famously produced one album in 2015 and sold it for $2,000,00 is where Nipsey got the idea to market and sell direct to consumer omitting the middle man and keeping the profits.

Nipsey however went far beyond the music world of hawking mix tapes. He owed a clothing store in L.A. on Crenshaw Blvd. where he sold his mixtapes, albums and Crenshaw themed clothing. Nipsey teamed up with investors to take advantage of "Opportunity Zones" that enable investors to empower low income areas while receiving major tax incentives in the process. Below are two articles featured in Forbes that talk about Nipsey and his long term vision for economic independence.

Although Nipsey's life was taken suddenly and tragically it is not in vain. Nipsey's vision will serve as a blueprint for all individuals of color to follow, to build, to grow and become financially independent.

RIP Nipsey Hussle