On Friday, August 15, Los Angeles paid tribute to Nipsey Hussle on what would have been his 40th birthday. The L.A. Metro temporarily renamed its Hyde Park station to Nipsey Hussle Station and released two limited-edition TAP cards celebrating the late rapper’s legacy.
A Tribute Through Transit
As part of Metro’s Metro x Culture series, the initiative highlights local artists, musicians, and community figures who shaped the city. The limited run of 12,000 TAP cards features two designs:
- “Crenshaw & Slauson” – a black-and-white portrait of Nipsey at the intersection where his story began, shot by Jonathan Mannion.
- “Watts” – an image of Hussle riding a Metro bus, capturing his early years of using transit to chase his dreams.
The temporary renaming of Hyde Park station as Nipsey Hussle Station will remain in place through August 31.
The Hussle Family’s Message
In a statement, Nipsey’s family shared: “Metro helped bridge the gap, not just between neighborhoods, but between his vision and his future. We hope that shining light on his early years using Metro will remind people of one of his favorite quotes: ‘The highest human act is to inspire.’”
Metro’s Words on Legacy
Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins added: “Hussle’s legacy goes far beyond music. He was a visionary who understood the power of community, connection, and opportunity. Honoring him with these TAP cards and the station renaming is our way of celebrating his enduring impact on Los Angeles.”
Remembering Nipsey
Nipsey Hussle was tragically killed in 2019 outside his Marathon Clothing store in South Central L.A. Though gone too soon, his influence continues to inspire the city — from the streets he walked to the station now carrying his name.
