The gunman who shot and killed rapper Nipsey Hussle was likely someone close to him, according to a report.
Law enforcement sources told the Los Angeles Times that cops believe the motive was personal, rather than part of a local gang feud like many have suspected.
Hussle, an LA native, was a self-admitted member of the Rollin 60s street crew, which he once described as “one of the biggest Crip gangs of our generation.”
The 33-year-old posted a cryptic tweet just hours before he was killed, saying: “Having strong enemies is a blessing.”
He was one of three people shot on Sunday. The other two victims both survived.
Cops described the suspect — who has gang ties and was still at large Monday — as a black male in his 20s.
He allegedly opened fire on Hussle and the other two individuals while they were standing outside the rapper’s Marathon Clothing store in Hyde Park.
Surveillance footage obtained by TMZ shows a person, possibly the gunman, darting away from the scene after the shooting. One of the victims can be seen collapsing to the ground after being shot. It’s unclear if the person is Hussle.
The rap star’s death came just one day before he was scheduled to meet with LAPD brass “to talk about ways he could help stop gang violence and help us help kids,” according to officials.
Speaking at the meeting Monday, LAPD Chief Michel Moore noted how social media was one of the biggest issues they wanted to deal with — and admitted that it possibly played a role in Hussle’s murder.
“We see social media as absolutely driving violence. I’ll just say it,” Moore said, adding that “social media allows an attitude of disrespect and it gets settled on the street.”
“[Hussle] tragically lost his life,” the chief continued. “Throughout the years as he fostered success in his music career … he chose, rather than to leave … to come back and reinvest. And to reinvest and try to address the various underpinnings that fostered this environment.”