Nipsey Hussle had beefed up security at a music video shoot days before his murder — fearing someone would kill him on set, according to a report Tuesday.
Ten armed police officers were hired to guard the Grammy-nominated rapper as he shot the video for the song “Higher,” an upcoming collaboration with DJ Khaled and John Legend, TMZ reported, citing sources.
Security was ramped up over concerns that someone would sneak onto the set and try to kill Hussle, the sources said.
The production crew also wanted a parking deck used in the Thursday shoot in Inglewood entirely shut down to limit access. But others were allowed to park underneath as they filmed on the top two floors.
The shoot wrapped up without a problem.
On Sunday, Hussle, whose real name was Ermias Asghedom, was gunned down outside his clothing store, The Marathon Clothing, in the Hyde Park neighborhood.
The 33-year-old Los Angeles native was an admitted member of the Rollin 60s street gang. But law enforcement sources have said his slaying was likely over a personal beef and not a gang dispute.
Just hours before his death, Hussle tweeted a cryptic message: “Having strong enemies is a blessing.”
Police identified the suspect Monday night as 29-year-old LA resident Eric Holder.
Legend posted about Hussle’s passing Sunday night.
“RIP Nipsey. I just spent Thursday with him filming a video for a beautiful new song we created with Khaled,” he tweeted. “We filmed in Inglewood, close to where he grew up. He was so gifted, so proud of his home, so invested in his community. Utterly stunned that he’s gone so soon.”