Nipsey Hussle (1985-2019) was a Los Angeles-based rapper and community supporter.  Known for his extreme work ethic, he bought stores in his neighborhood so he could give jobs to people who needed them. He started a company called Vector90 to enable young people to explore the arts, and to let them express themselves. Sadly, in March 2019 he was gunned down at one of his stores. His death ripped the community apart and made national headlines, and his legacy (expressed by the title of one of his popular mixtapes, “The Marathon Continues”) is still felt today. This portrait was created by local artist Kwazar to hold Hussle up as a pillar of the community, and to inspire others to follow in his footsteps.

Michael “Kwazar” Martin is an Indianapolis-based painter, muralist, and street artist. He is self-taught and counts popular culture, Black and African heritage, and sports among his artistic influences.