The Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) is paying tribute to Nipsey Hussle’s enduring legacy.
Last week, the transit service temporarily renamed its Hyde Park station as Nipsey Hussle Station on what would have been the late rapper’s 40th birthday. The dedication is part of Metro’s Metro x Culture series, which celebrates Los Angeles’ cultural landscape through its artists, musicians, and community figures. Alongside the renaming, Metro also released two limited-edition TAP cards featuring Hussle.
“The Hussle family is proud to be partnering with Metro for the renaming of the station in honor of Nipsey for his 40th birthday,” the family said in a statement. “Access to Metro played a vital role in providing transportation from South Central to Watts to pursue his early musical aspirations. Metro helped bridge the gap, not just between neighborhoods, but between his vision and his future. The family hopes insight to Hussle’s early years utilizing the Metro will bring light to Hussle’s favorite quote, ‘The highest human act is to inspire.’”
The TAP cards, limited to 12,000, showcase two distinct designs. The “Crenshaw & Slauson” card has a black-and-white portrait of Hussle at the famed intersection, captured by photographer Jonathan Mannion, and the “Watts” card depicts the rapper riding a Metro bus. They are available at select Metro station ticket vending machines, Metro Customer Care centers, and through Metro’s LIFE Program.
Metro CEO Stephanie Wiggins emphasized the broader significance of the tribute.
“Hussle’s legacy goes far beyond music. He was a visionary who understood the power of community, connection and opportunity,” she said. “At Metro, we share his belief that public transportation is more than just a way to get around; it’s a vital lifeline that can unite neighborhoods, open doors and uplift lives. Honoring Hussle with these commemorative TAP cards and temporarily renaming the Hyde Park station is our way of celebrating his enduring impact on Los Angeles.”
The renaming of Hyde Park to Nipsey Hussle Station will remain in place through August 31. Nipsey was shot and killed in 2019 in front of his Marathon Clothing store in South Central Los Angeles.
