The Marathon Lives On: Why Snoop Dogg’s Raw 2019 Eulogy for Nipsey Hussle is Breaking the Internet Again in 2025
In the heart of Los Angeles, there are moments that define a generation, and then there are moments that stop time entirely. On April 11, 2019, the Staples Center—the hallowed ground where Kobe Bryant built a dynasty—became the site of a different kind of coronation. It was the “Celebration of Life” for Ermias Joseph Asghedom, known to the world as Nipsey Hussle. While the event happened years ago, a massive resurgence of interest in 2025 has brought the emotional weight of that day back into the spotlight, proving that Nipsey’s legacy is not just a memory, but a living, breathing movement.
The viral resurgence of this footage across TikTok and YouTube hasn’t happened by accident. In an era where “clout” is often chased through superficial means, the hip-hop community is looking back at Nipsey Hussle as the gold standard of authenticity. The centerpiece of this digital revival is the eulogy delivered by Snoop Dogg, a man who has seen everything in the rap game but found himself nearly broken by the loss of a younger artist he viewed as a peer, a protege, and a brother.
Setting the Scene: A City at a Standstill
To understand why this footage is hitting so hard today, one must remember the atmosphere of April 2019. The demand for the 21,000 free tickets to the memorial was so astronomical that they disappeared in minutes. People lined up overnight, not for a concert, but for a chance to breathe the same air as the man who told them that “The Marathon Continues.”
The service was a masterclass in cultural significance. It featured a letter from former President Barack Obama, who praised Nipsey’s vision for the Crenshaw district. It featured the soulful sounds of Stevie Wonder and Jhené Aiko. But when Snoop Dogg walked toward the podium, the room shifted. This wasn’t the “Uncle Snoop” we see in lighthearted commercials; this was the West Coast Legend, a man who had survived the violent 1990s, standing before a floral-adorned coffin and struggling to find his voice.
The Raw Truth from the D-O-Double-G
Snoop’s eulogy is widely considered one of the most authentic speeches in the history of the culture. He began by acknowledging the “Queen” to Nipsey’s “King,” Lauren London. Snoop spoke of “Black Excellence,” comparing Nipsey and Lauren’s partnership to his own long-standing marriage. He didn’t just offer condolences; he offered a lifelong commitment, promising Lauren and the children that his family would always be a shoulder to cry on.
One of the most poignant moments occurred when Snoop addressed Nipsey’s father. He recalled visiting Nipsey’s “The Marathon” clothing store on Slauson Avenue—often pulling up solo, without security—and seeing the quiet pride in the older man’s eyes. In a declaration that transcended street politics, Snoop told him, “You may have lost a son, but you picked up another son in me.” This wasn’t a script; it was a bond forged in the fires of South Central.
The “Good Crip” and the Spirit of Unity
Perhaps the most famous line from the entire service was Snoop’s play on John 3:16. With a heavy heart, he declared, “For God so loved the world that He gave us a good Crip.” It was a line that acknowledged Nipsey’s roots while celebrating his transformation into a beacon of hope. Nipsey Hussle was a man who remained in the neighborhood he grew up in, reinvesting his millions into local businesses and trying to provide a blueprint for the youth to escape the cycle of violence.
The impact of his life was visible in the streets. Following the service, a 25-mile procession wound through South Los Angeles, passing through Inglewood and Watts. In a phenomenon that hadn’t been seen since the 1992 riots, rival gang leaders brokered truces to honor his memory. Crips and Bloods stood side-by-side in peace—a testament to the unifying power of a man who died trying to save his community.
Navigating the 2025 Controversies
As with any legendary figure, the passage of time has brought about its share of internet rumors and sensationalism. Recently, clickbait titles have surfaced claiming “new footage” of affiliates “attacking” Snoop at the funeral or alleging secret feuds between Snoop and Nipsey’s brother, Black Sam. However, a deeper look reveals these to be largely unsubstantiated gossip. Most of these “new” videos are actually compilations of 90s-era Death Row drama, repackaged to capitalize on the enduring fascination with Nipsey’s story.
The reality remains that the bond between Snoop and Nipsey was rooted in a “kind spirit.” Snoop often remarked that Nipsey’s mentality was stronger than rappers who had been in the game for fifteen years. He saw in Nipsey a version of himself that was even more focused on the “business” of community building.
Why the Marathon Never Ends
Why are we still talking about this in 2025? Because Nipsey Hussle’s story is the ultimate tragedy of “what could have been.” At 33, he was just hitting his stride, fresh off a Grammy nomination for Victory Lap. He was shot and killed outside his own store over a conversation about rumors—a senseless end to a life that was dedicated to ending senselessness.
In a rare interview, even boxing legend Mike Tyson referred to Nipsey as a “God” and an “Angel” walking among us. The sentiment is shared by millions. Nipsey Hussle didn’t just rap about the struggle; he stayed in the struggle to fix it. He died a millionaire while standing on the same corner where he once sold tapes.
As these funeral clips continue to circulate, they serve as a reminder of the power of a life well-lived. Snoop Dogg’s tears weren’t just for a friend; they were for a vision that was cut short. But as the mantra goes, the Marathon continues through every person who chooses entrepreneurship over the streets, independence over hand-outs, and community over self. Nipsey Hussle may be gone, but the spirit he and Snoop celebrated at the Staples Center is more alive today than ever before.
