Grammy-Nominated Rapper Nipsey Hussle Slain Outside Store: Report

LOS ANGELES — Grammy-nominated rapper Nipsey Hussle was shot dead Sunday outside his clothing store in south Los Angeles, law enforcement sources told NBC News. The rapper was among three people shot, according to the report. Two men were in serious condition and the suspect has not been caught.

The rapper's real name is Ermias Ashgedom. His stage name was inspired by the comedian Nipsey Russell, according to Grammy.com. Just before the shooting, a verified Twitter account for Ashgedom, 33, tweeted: "Having strong enemies is a blessing."

Los Angeles police told KNBC-TV the shooting happened around 3:20 p.m. on the 3400 block of Slauson Avenue. Ashgedom's store is called The Marathon Clothing and is located in a strip mall in the southwest Los Angeles section of Park Mesa Heights.

Ashgedom was linked to the Rollin 60s Neighborhood Crips, a street gang in the city, according to his interview with Complex.

Ashgedom's record "Victory Lap" was nominated for best rap album at the 61st annual Grammy Awards. According to Billboard, the album peaked at No. 3 on March 3, 2019. The record, which was his first full-length album, includes some of his most popular songs, such as "Hussle & Motivate" "Double Up," and "Last Time That I Checc'd."

The rapper was also well known for his single "Racks In The Middle."

Ashgedom's death prompted reactions from well known celebrities including Steph Curry and 50 Cent.

Curry, a star player on the Golden State Warriors, tweeted Sunday "God please cover and restore @NipseyHussle right now!!"

50 Cent and former NFL runningback Reggie Bush offered their thoughts and prayers for Ashgedom as well.