Nipsey Hussle will be posthumously awarded the Humanitarian Award at 2019 BET Awards.
The late rapper – who is also nominated for Best Male Hip-Hop Artist – was in the process of starting a foundation to improve his neighborhood of Los Angeles before he was shot and killed in March outside his Marathon clothing store in the California city, and his philanthropic efforts will be recognized at the upcoming ceremony.
Connie Orlando, executive Vice-President, head of programming at BET, announced: “As a prolific artist and leader, Nipsey Hussle was zealous about driving change for the betterment of his community, empowering and employing those in need and being an influential and highly respected leader.
“His passing was a tremendous loss to the entertainment industry and to the culture.”
Connie added: “We will continue to remember his advocacy and be inspired by the groundwork he set forth and his dire commitment to social change. We are forever grateful, humbled and honored to have experienced his presence and we are invested in doing our part to ensure that the marathon will indeed continue.”
“It is an immense honor for us to recognize him with this year’s Humanitarian Award.”
Long before his passing, the musician had begun laying the groundwork for a charity designed to improve the quality of life in Crenshaw, particularly for young people.
Nipsey’s relatives took over plans for the organization and according to the website, made it their “top priority” over the ‘Double Up’ hitmaker’s 14 other businesses.
One of the foundation’s aims was to improve STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) programs for students.
Los Angeles City Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson revealed that the kind-hearted star had already donated shoes to students at 59th Street Elementary, well as repaving the basketball courts at the school.
And that’s not all as Nipsey had a meeting with L.A. Police Commissioner Steve Soboroff scheduled to take place the day after his murder to discuss what could be done to help prevent gang violence.
The #TimeDone campaign with Californians for Safety and Justice continues to do the work the ‘Racks In The Middle’ hitmaker had intended to carry out.
Meanwhile, the star-studded bash will also see Mary J. Blige honored with the Lifetime Achievement award as earlier reported by The Sauce.
The first wave of performers to be announced for the 19th annual ceremony – which will be hosted by Regina Hall – including Cardi B, DJ Khaled, Migos, H.E.R., Lil Nas X, Lizzo, Lil Baby, Yung Miami of City Girls and Lucky Daye.
‘Invasion of Privacy’ rapper Cardi leads the list of nominees with a staggering seven nods this year. The 2019 BET Awards will air on Sunday, June 23 at 8 pm.
Nipsey Hussle was more than a rapper, he was also a savvy businessman. And as such, he was involved in various ventures including a lucrative collaboration with athleisure clothing brand Puma. The father of two who had an ongoing collaboration with mega-brand Puma at the time of his death may not be here to see his work come to life, but the German company is determined to see it through.
The Marathon Continues.
