3 Things Black Creatives Can STILL Learn From Nipsey Hussle in 2023

As we near the anniversary of Nipsey Hussle’s untimely death, it’s important to reflect on his legacy and the lessons he left behind for black creatives. One key aspect of Hussle’s entrepreneurship was his ability to continually provide new ways for his most loyal fans to consume exclusive content and products.

Nipsey Hussle was a rapper, entrepreneur, and community activist who left an indelible mark on the music industry and beyond. He was known for his relentless pursuit of success, his dedication to his community, and his commitment to using his platform to inspire others. As black creatives, there are several valuable lessons we can learn from Nipsey Hussle’s legacy.

Here are three things black creatives can STILL learn in 2023 from Nipsey Hussle:

1. Use social media as leverage, not a database

Nipsey Hussle understood the power of social media and used it to his advantage. He saw it as a tool to connect with his fans, build his brand, and leverage his influence. As a creative, it’s important to use social media to create a relationship with your audience and build a community around your work. Don’t just treat social media as a place to store your work, use it to engage with your audience, and build a loyal following.

2. Invest in black-owned digital technology

Nipsey believed in supporting black-owned businesses, and this included investing in digital technology. By connecting with Ryan Leslie, he was introduced to new digital tools that allowed him to own the relationship and data of his transactions. As a creative, it’s important to invest in technology that can help you take control of your work and your business. Seek out and support black-owned businesses whenever possible, and invest in tools that can help you take your work to the next level.

3. Read marketing strategy books

Nipsey Hussle was a voracious reader and understood the value of knowledge. He read marketing strategy books to help him build his brand and create a lasting impact. As a creative, take the time to read and learn from experts in the field to help you better market your work and create a lasting legacy. Learn about branding, marketing, and business strategy to help you create a brand that stands out from the crowd.

A bonus lesson from Nip, for black creatives is the importance of building unexpected relationships and collaborations. In the case of Nipsey’s clothing store,The Marathon Clothing, the store’s app was built when Hussle met Iddris Sandu, a 20-year-old engineer, completely by chance at a Starbucks. This chance meeting led to a conversation about the store and the idea to fuse technology into the fabric of the shop, resulting in Sandu building the app just three weeks later.

Hussle recognized the importance of collaboration and saw the value in bringing in someone with a different skill set to help achieve his vision. This approach is especially important for creatives who often work independently and may not have expertise in all areas of their work. By seeking out collaborations and building relationships with individuals from different fields, black creatives can gain new perspectives and skills that can help take their work to the next level.

Nipsey Hussle’s legacy as a rapper, entrepreneur, and community activist offers a wealth of lessons for black creatives looking to achieve success in their respective fields. By using social media as leverage, investing in black-owned technology, reading marketing strategy books, aiming to inspire, and building unexpected relationships and collaborations, black creatives can create a lasting impact and leave a legacy that inspires future generations.

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