What Nipsey Hussle’s Booklist Said About Him and His Legacy
There are some people who leave this world without ever really leaving this world. Nipsey Hussle is definitely one of the special people. He has built a magnetic legacy that will last for generations to come. Nipsey has created jobs and contributed positively to the community from which he came in a number of ways. He disrupted cycles of inescapable poverty for some families and taught many how to use the resources around them to build up the environments that kept them down. He also helped change the public face of gang culture and shed light on its core values-- past the stereotypical norms the rest of the world subscribes to.
Nipsey Hussle’s tragic departure from this Earth made the world stop. For a moment, we all had to contend with the fact that there are people in this world that can’t see beyond their greed, envy, and anger. A lot of us didn’t want to accept that. That would mean taking a closer, more critical look at our communities and the pain that lies in the very center of them. We would have to acknowledge the wounds that haven’t healed from centuries of trauma, and we would also have to acknowledge the wounds that lie dormant within us all.
The passing of Nipsey Hussle touched a lot of people-- even those who aren’t familiar with his music. Nipsey was an educator to those around him and patrons of his art. He passed on his knowledge through his music and captivated his fans with his genuine verbal activism. Some may wonder where the source of his knowledge comes from, and luckily for us, he left us with the gift of his recently famed book list. Here is Nipsey Hussle’s book list and the list of things each book says about his character and his legacy:
Blood in My Eye by George Jackson --
Nipsey Hussle was brave and valued bravery.
This book was written by George Jackson right before he was killed in the San Quinton Prison by prison guards in 1971. George became a political activist while in prison for allegedly stealing 70 dollars from a gas station. George was set to spend the rest of his life in prison, yet still chose to speak up about racial injustice under the violent watch of the oppressive California prison system.
Conscious Capitalism by John Mackey and Rajendra Sisodia
Nipsey Hussle wanted to build businesses for the betterment of society.
In this book, founder of Wholefoods John Mackey and Rajendra Sisodia, cofounder of Conscious capitalism, Inc. go into detail about how capitalism and business can help build communities while also being profitable. A lot of people are of the opinion that capitalism is inherently bad. This book provides an in-depth look at why that isn’t -- and shouldn’t be-- the case.
Contageous: Why things Catch On by Jonah Berger
Nipsey Hussle was a marketing maverick.
This book by Jonah Berger talks about how to cause a social impact that will help your business. How do you get attention? How do you start a movement in the name of marketing? How can starting a movement positively impact sales and the reputation of your business?
How to Eat to Live by Elijah Muhammad
Nipsey Hussle was conscious about his spiritual and physical well-being.
Known in some communities as the Honorable Elija Muhammad, Elija Muhammad was a religious leader who led the nation of Islam from 1934-1975. A mentor to a number of revolutionaries, including Malcom X, he was the leader of the Black Separatist movement following W.D. Fard. Not only is he one of the most controversial figures in the nation of Islam, he was also a self-proclaimed nutritionist who believed physical well-being and spiritual enlightenment went hand-in-hand.
The Richest Man in Babylon by George S. Clason
Nipsey Hussle worked to Achieve and Maintain Financial Wealth.
This classic collection of parables has built notoriety by leaders all over the world. This book has been referenced in many interviews with some of the wealthiest and accomplished people on Earth. This book is full of applicable solutions to financial woes and answers that have led many to financial prosperity.
The Spook Who Sat by the Door by Sam Greenlee
Nipsey Hussle was proud of his culture and excited by revolutionary change.
The Spook Who Sat by the Door is a satirical novel that deals with the inner workings of race, class and culture in America. This book is about a fictional Dan Freeman, who is from the ghetto and decides , after spending time as a CIA agent, that he would like to build a revolutionary army to fight the powers that be. This book is a very interesting conversation starter, and I recommend everyone read it.
Three Magic Words: The Key to Power, Peace and Plenty by Uell Stanley Anderson
Nipsey Hussle knew how Powerful he was.
This book includes a collection of essays wherein the writer explains the power of the mind and provides the tools used to leverage that power. This book explains how powerful thought is and how the creator uses thought to propel your own vision.
The way of the Superior Man: A Spiritual Guide for Mastering the Challenges of Women, Work & Sexual Desires by David Deida
Nipsey Hussle valued integrity and authenticity.
While this isn’t my favorite book for a few reasons (all of which I won’t go into too much detail here), this book talks about the powers and challenges of masculinity. My favorite idea behind this book is combining strength with emotion. This is presented as a fundamental value that I think is really important.
48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene
Nipsey Hussle was fond of power and wanted to learn how to gain and leverage his power.
This book instructs the reader through the power tactics of some of the world’s greatest power figures like Machiavelli, Sun Tzu, and Carl Von Clausewitz along with other historical figures who used the power they garnished in a myriad of ways.
Soul on Ice by Eldridge Cleaver
Nipsey Hussle favored societal change for the advancement of the systematically oppressed.
In one of my personal favorite autobiographies, Eldridge Cleaver, political activist and early leader of the Black Panther Party, tells the story of his own oppression and the oppression of the community he belongs to. In this book Cleaver chronicles his experience during the Civil Rights movement and justifies his push for radical change.
With his thirst for knowledge and his incessant need to spread the word and put the word to action, Nipsey Hussle was able to cultivate change that will last forever. With this book list and the memory of such an honorable man in Hip Hop we can take comfort in knowing that the marathon continues.
Which books have you read? Which are on your “to-be-read” list? Share in the comments below. And as always-- remember to indulge endlessly.