Actress Lauren London, the longtime girlfriend of late rapper and community leader Nipsey Hussle, made a touching and personal tribute at the artist’s homegoing service Thursday at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.
Taking the stage in a white dress and wearing dark sunglasses, London first read a text she sent to Hussle, whose real name was Ermias Asghedom, Jan. 21. The text was also included in the program booklet given to guests at the service.
“Ermias, I want you to know that I feel real joy in my heart when I'm around you,” London said, reading the text. “I feel safe around you. Protected. Like a shield over me when you're around, I am totally myself with you.”
“I had to write something because I've never felt this type of pain before. His soul was majestic. He was the strongest man that I ever knew,” she said in her written eulogy. “He was brilliant. He researched everything; completely self-taught and always seeking knowledge. ...
“My pain is for my 2-year-old, who probably won't remember how much his dad loved him,” she added, referring to their child together, Kross Ashgedom. “I’m so honored and blessed that I got to experience such a man.”
Related: Lauren London breaks silence on death of Nipsey Hussle: 'I am completely lost'
London ended her eulogy with a message directly to Hussle, saying, “Ermias, the love of my life, you know what it is. Grief is the final act of love. My heart hears you, I feel you everywhere I’m so grateful that I had you. I love you beyond this earth, and until we meet again, the marathon continues.”
Earlier in the service, London appeared on stage with her children, Cameron Carter and Kross Asghedom, and Emani Asghedom, Hussle's daughter from another relationship. The Associated Press reported that Cameron shared that he had a dream about Hussle days after his March 31 death.
“I realized Ermias told me what heaven was like,” Cameron said. “He told me it was paradise.”
Emani was overcome with emotion, unable to speak. Instead, she passed the microphone to Kross, who babbled into the mic, drawing laughter and “awws” from the audience.
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