HOUSTON – A Houston rapper organized a candlelight vigil Wednesday for Los Angeles rapper Nipsey Hussle.
Hussle, 33, was gunned down Sunday outside a clothing store he owned in South Los Angeles.
In an Instagram post, rapper Trae tha Truth announced the vigil for Hussle, which was held at Midtown Park on Travis Street from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“I need every one of every race, set, hood, every community activist and every fan to pull up and show him we (are) rockin’ for him down here, too,” the post read. “Everyone who (knows) me (knows) how I felt about him and how close we were.”
"I wouldn't be mad if it was five people, I wouldn't be mad if it was 5,000. I'm appreciative of whoever step up and come out for him. I want him to be able to see from up above that we had just as much love with us not being from LA. and then on top of that, he was like a brother to me so I feel it is real important that we show up for him," Trae Tha Truth said.
MORE: hundreds show up to Midtown Park to remember Nipsey Hussle pic.twitter.com/CmOejiIQzG
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Attendees were encouraged to bring balloons and electric candles. Open flames are not allowed in the park.
Los Angeles police arrested a suspect Tuesday in connection with Hussle’s death.
With balloons in hand and heavy hearts, more than 1,000 people packed the park to remember the Grammy-nominated rapper.
"I think this is a testament to his life, it's a testament. Look at all these people around. He's not even from Houston, Texas, but that's how many people he's touched," Adam Alcala said.
Despite being based out of Los Angeles, local rappers and the Houston community came together not to mourn the loss of Hussle, but to celebrate his life.
"It's amazing. Actually, I'm not really surprised because I knew a lot of people had love for Nipsey Hussle," Larry Brown said.
"I think it's, like, a special moment despite the tragedy that occurred. Just seeing Houston to be able to come together and represent as a whole. It honors Nipsey's life," Fatima Yousef said.
Close friends and fans who showed up to share memories said Hussle was always known for giving back to the community, and the impact he made will always be remembered.
"As a brother, as a father, as anything he was, he gave it his all and he was genuine. At the end of the day, you don't find too many genuine people," Trae Tha Truth said.