Creed III has been praised since its release last Friday. In particular for its performance from Jonathan Majors, who plays Damian “Diamond Dame” Anderson, a former friend of Adonis who spent 18 years behind bars and who has his sights set on becoming a heavyweight boxing champ after his release. In a recent interview with Majors, the 33-year-old actor said that Nipsey Hussle’s music helped him prepare for his role.
Majors said in a recent interview with Slashfilmthat in order to prepare for the role, he had to listen to music that he thought his character would most likely listen to. This included music from west coast rap legends, 2Pac and Nipsey Hussle.
“All of Nipsey’s stuff was really helpful. They’re from the same area, Dame and him, so that’s cool,” Majors said. “There’s also dialect work, and so he’s rapping in his L.A. sound. The things he’s talking about are things that resonate with the world that Dame comes from, so that was very helpful.”
He added: “There’s other songs that come from your subconscious that touch you in a way that can align you. You write that song next to the top of the page or whatever, and there’s playlist upon playlist upon playlist. Those can curate it into ‘This is that scene’ or ‘This is that moment.’”
For those that saw the movie, you would know that Nipsey’s music made it into the film. Spoiler alert: in his first fight after being released, Dame comes out to Nipsey’s “Grindin’ All My Life,” and in his second fight, he comes out to “Last Time That I Checc’d.”
Jonathan Majors is undoubtedly turning into one of the biggest stars of the year, in part to his excellent performance as Dame in Creed III. The latest film in the Rocky franchise emerged on Friday to critical and commercial praise. The film reached $100M at the box office in its opening weekend while many have applauded it as one of the best films in the Creed series. Needless to say, the all-star cast and Michael B. Jordan’s excellent directorial debut didn’t disappoint fans who waited years for the follow-up to Creed II.
Majors’s character, Golden Gloves champ Damian “Diamond Dame” Anderson, is a childhood friend of Adonis who ends up serving 20 years in prison for a gun charge (largely due to Donnie’s attack on a man named Leon and subsequently running away). After Dame comes home, he gets Adonis’ help to return to the boxing ring. Majors’ portrayal of Dame proved why he’s a generational talent but apparently, he wouldn’t have been able to get into that space without Nipsey Hussle.
Nipsey Hussle’s Influence On Jonathan Majors
LOS ANGELES, CA – JUNE 23: Nipsey Hussle performs onstage at the STAPLES Center Concert Sponsored by SPRITE during the 2018 BET Experience on June 23, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ser Baffo/Getty Images for BET)
Throughout the movie, Dame uses Nipsey Hussle’s music to enter the ring, largely songs off of Victory Lap. During an interview with Looper, Jonathan Majors explained that Nipsey’s music helped him tap into Dame’s mind. “I listened to a lot of Tupac, Nipsey Hussle,” he said. “All of Nipsey’s stuff was really helpful. They’re from the same area, Dame and him, so that’s cool.” Additionally, Majors said Nip helped him with dialect work. “The things he’s talking about are things that resonate with the world that Dame comes from, so that was very helpful,” he said.
Nipsey’s influence evidently seeped through Dame’s character and into the movie as a whole. He explained that Nip also made music that touched on a range of emotions. “There’s other songs that come from your subconscious that touch you in a way that can align you,” he said. “You write that song next to the top of the page or whatever, and there’s playlist upon playlist upon playlist,” he added, explaining that he would note what songs would work in specific scenes.
We’re slowly approaching the four-year anniversary of Nipsey Hussle’s untimely passing. The rapper was shot and killed in his stomping grounds in L.A. on March 31st, 2019. Fans and friends have kept his name alive since then, while many have sought justice against the man who murdered Nip in broad daylight. Last week, a judge handed down a 60-year to a life sentence to Eric Holder for the death of Nip. Though many expressed relief, it doesn’t bring Nipsey Hussle back.
Since his passing, fans have cherished Nipsey’s catalog even more. He released a handful of classic mixtapes throughout his career and only dropped one album, Victory Lap. From his early bangers to the Grammy-nominated, “Racks In The Middle,” Nipsey Hussle boasts a timeless catalog. However, there have been very few updates surrounding any posthumous releases. His family hasn’t shared any plans to drop unreleased records, though he’s posthumously appeared on a few singles alongside legends like Jay-Z and Dr. Dre.
It seems like another posthumous record from Nipsey Hussle might be coming soon. This week, DJ Drama hit fans with a preview of a verse from Nip that will presumably land on the DJ’s next album. The verse itself, however, isn’t actually new, despite claims that the verse is unreleased. Drama reused Nip’s verse from 2016’s “State Of Mind” for the record, which he described as being a big tune on his upcoming project, I’m Really Like That.
DJ Drama and Nipsey Hussle are no strangers to each other. Prior to the release of Victory Lap, Nip linked up with Drama for the third part of the Marathon series, Crenshaw. Unfortunately, we didn’t get many collaborations from them since then. If Nip was still with us today, it would’ve been amazing to see how he would’ve approached a Gangsta Grillz mixtape. Nonetheless, we’re excited to hear what Drama has cooking up on his forthcoming album. Check the snippet above and sound off with your thoughts in the comments. We’ll keep you posted on anymore updates surrounding DJ Drama’s upcoming project, I’m Really Like That.
Nearly four years after the death of Nipsey Hussle, his accused killer, Eric Holder, was finally sentenced to jail time. A jury convicted Holder last July of first-degree murder and attempted voluntary manslaughter following a lengthy trial. However, it was only this week that a judge handed down a 60-year prison sentence. The high-profile case earned coverage across the globe while Holder and his attorney tried to reduce the charge from first-degree murder, which was ultimately denied.
Holder will likely spend his remaining years behind bars. At the time of his sentencing, he was 33 years old, which means that he’ll be in his 90s if he’s ever released. However, his sentencing became a relief to many friends, fans and peers of Nipsey, who’ve demanded justice since his death in 2019. In addition to first degree murder and attempted voluntary manslaughter, the jury also found Holder guilty of 2 counts of assault with a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
Cowboy Reflects On Eric Holder’s Conviction For Nipsey Hussle’s Death
A close friend of Nipsey Hussle, Cowboy, was approached by TMZ outside of the courtroom following Holder’s conviction. He explained that “justice was definitely served” but regardless of Holder’s sentencing, he said that it won’t bring back Nipsey. “60 years, that’ll hold him. It was definitely justice for Nipsey,” he said before explaining that the death of Nipset still hurts. “It’s going to hurt forever. It’s going to be an open wound forever because we’re not going to get over Nipsey… He got all this time but it’s not going to bring Nipsey back.”
Cowboy continued to explain the significance of Nipsey Hussle to his community. He also expressed his condolences to Nipsey’s family, who wasn’t in attendance at the sentencing. “I’m still grieving Nipsey,” he explained. “I could imagine how his mom, his dad, his brother – they were tight. I’m still hurt and I was just his friend,” he added. Though they might not be biologically related, Cowboy explained that Nip’s family provided him with plenty of knowledge over the years that he never got from his own family. Check out his interview with TMZ above.
Eric Holder, the killer of Nipsey Hussle, has been sentenced to 60 years to life in prison. Holder was found guilty of first-degree murder.
Outside of the courtroom, Hussle’s friend Cowboy spoke on the sentence.
“Justice was definitely served,” Cowboy said. “I was never in it for the time, I just wanted to know why. 60 years, that will hold him. That was definitely justice for Nipsey.”
The sentence is handed down, but Cowboy expresses that time won’t fill the void of the late rapper.
“It’s going to be an open wound forever,” Cowboys said. “None of this is going to bring Nipsey back. He was our friend. He was our everything. It’s a big void.”
Holder killed Nipsey Hussle in 2019, and prosecutors note that after the murder, he kicked the late rapper in the head.
According to TMZ, Holder shot two additional people during the crime. In addition to first-degree murder, Hussle was found guilty of 2 counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter, 2 counts of assault with a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Holder left Hussle after a brief encounter only to return several minutes later and shoot the rapper 11 times.
During the trial, Holder’s attorney, Aaron Jansen, did not seek acquittal but instead attempted a lesser charge of manslaughter. During his argument, Jansen argued his client was “triggered” by accusations of cooperating with law enforcement.
“This was not just a pleasant conversation between homies who are chopping it up … this was a serious accusation,” Jansen said.
One of the first witnesses was Shermi Villanueva, a 47-year-old injured in The Marathon Store’s parking lot. During Villanueva’s testimony, the last words of Nipsey Hussle were recounted.
“‘He shot me. He shot me,’” Villanueva said he heard Hussle say. “I heard it, and then I saw Nipsey fall. When I looked and see Nipsey, I started to run.”
(SPOILERS for this week’s Bel-Air episode will be found below.)
Bel-Air is back for season two and things aren’t as wholesome as any of the show’s characters would’ve hoped to start. The season one finale was highlighted by Will’s decision to leave the Bel-Air mansion after he learned that Phil, Viv, and his mom lied about Will’s father. Though it was done out of love and protection, Will felt betrayed by the most important adults in his life. Thankfully though, what started as a family divided to begin episode one of Bel-Air season two, ended as one reunited as Phil put his pride aside to apologize to will and invite him back into the house. Elsewhere, love is in the air for Jazz and Hilary!
The aforementioned events in the first episode of Bel-Air season two are soundtracked by songs that help to accentuate the emotions behind each scene. You can find a list of them belong as well as details about the scenes that the records soundtracked.
Nipsey Hussle — “Last Time That I Checc’d” Feat. YG
Nipsey Hussle’s “Last Time That I Checc’d” off Victory Lap checks in around the 01:24 mark. A short time later, we see Will who wakes up in a slightly messy room — one that is notably not in Uncle Phil’s massive Bel-Air mansion — to get dressed for the day. He heads out into the city to start his day. We later learn that the room is in Jazz’s house in South Los Angeles.
MIKNNA — “Angel City”
MIKNNA’s record plays faintly in the background around the 3:02 mark as Will orders some breakfast at a local restaurant. A man named JB meets him there and he gives Will some money that was made off some a deal they had. We later find out that JB is helping Will secure basketball matchups for money.
Bryce Green & 81Maantra — “Boom”
We hear Bryce Green & 81Maantra around the 06:18 mark as Will and Carlton are driving to school together. Carlton lets Will know that Phil and Viv are worried about him, but Will’s rather large stash of cash has Carlton worried about what Will is doing to make money.
Easy McCoy — “Deja Vu”
At around the 07:15 mark, Easy McCoy’s “Deja Vu” briefly plays as the Bel-Air title flashes on the screen. This record is the theme song for Bel-Air.
The Royal Chief — “See Me Now”
The Royal Chief’s “See Me Now” plays around the 10:09 mark while Will and Carlton walk through the halls of their school. Carlton explains what’s changed with his school friends and also throws out the idea of him and Will becoming the school’s latest dynamic duo. Carlton may also have a new crush, a girl named Yazmin, on his hands.
BOSCO — “Easy” Feat. Smiles Davis & Royal Bait
BOSCO’s song can be heard around the 13:25 mark. At this point of the episode, Hilary meets with Ivy as they begin their run as the leaders of the content creator house. It’s also here that Hilary learns about her responsibilities as a manager and the true dynamic of her business relationship with Ivy.
Freddy Bam Bam — “Need You”
Freddy Bam Bam’s “Need You” plays softly in the background around the 15:04 mark when Hilary vents to Jazz about having to fire two men from the influence house. Afterward, they discuss their relationship status and whether or not it’s time to place an official label on it, something Hilary isn’t in a rush to do.
Last Verse — “Semper”
At around the 28:34 mark, Will walks onto an outdoor basketball court in Venice as Last Verse’s “Semper.” It’s there that he hopes to meet a scout named Doc in order to form a relationship and further his basketball career.
Via The Great — “Champion”
Via The Great’s “Champion” plays around the 31:45 mark and it soundtracks Will’s pick-up game against a much bigger guy named Big Dre. Things start off slow for Will, but he eventually picks things up and wins the game.
City Girls — “Good Love” Feat. Usher
The party begins around the 37:14 mark. It’s Ashley’s official 13th birthday party and it gets underway with City Girls’ “Good Love” being the record that everyone dances to. While most of the attendees are dancing together and having a great time, Hilary stands at a distance jealous of Jazz dancing with Ivy.
Manus — “On Top” Feat. Turbo9
Manus’ “On Top” plays around the 38:21 mark as Phil overlooks the water deep in thought. Carlton comes up to him and gently confronts him about running away from the issues and tension between Phil and Will. A short time later, Phil asks Will to speak with him.
Saweetie — “Bo$$ Chick”
To round out the music at the end of this episode, Saweetie’s “Bo$$ Chick” plays around the 42:55 mark. Saweetie herself makes an appearance to sing happy birthday to Ashely and gives her well-wishes on a new year of life. Will makes the tough decision to put things on pause in their relationship.
Some artists covered here are Warner Music artists. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
Eric Holder, the killer of Nipsey Hussle, has been sentenced to 60 years to life in prison. Holder was found guilty of first-degree murder.
Holder killed Nipsey Hussle in 2019, and prosecutors note that after the murder, he kicked the late rapper in the head.
According to TMZ, Holder shot two additional people during the crime. In addition to first-degree murder, Hussle was found guilty of 2 counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter, 2 counts of assault with a firearm, and possession of a firearm by a felon.
According to the Los Angeles Times, Holder left Hussle after a brief encounter only to return several minutes later and shoot the rapper 11 times.
During the trial, Holder’s attorney, Aaron Jansen, did not seek acquittal but instead attempted a lesser charge of manslaughter. During his argument, Jansen argued his client was “triggered” by accusations of cooperating with law enforcement.
“This was not just a pleasant conversation between homies who are chopping it up … this was a serious accusation,” Jansen said.
One of the first witnesses was Shermi Villanueva, a 47-year-old injured in The Marathon Store’s parking lot. During Villanueva’s testimony, the last words of Nipsey Hussle were recounted.
“‘He shot me. He shot me,’” Villanueva said he heard Hussle say. “I heard it, and then I saw Nipsey fall. When I looked and see Nipsey, I started to run.”
Eric Holder, the man who was convicted of shooting and killingNipsey Hussle on March 31, 2019, has been sentenced to 60 years to life in prison. The Associated Press reports Holder was sentenced today after being convicted of first-degree murder last July. He was also convicted of two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter and two counts of assault with a firearm for shooting two other men who both survived.
The sentencing was delayed so Holder’s defense attorney, Aaron Jansen, could attempt to get his potential sentence reduced; although Holder was not eligible for the death penalty, the length of his sentence comes as no surprise. Jansen tried to get Holder’s conviction reduced to manslaughter or second-degree murder, but Superior Court Judge H. Clay Jacke rejected those motions in December.
Holder’s defense relied on testimony that he had not planned to shoot and kill Nipsey at the Marathon Clothing store that day; instead, his defense argued that he’d attacked Hussle in a fit of rage at being accused of snitching by Nipsey. However, witness testimony and surveillance footage suggested he’d had more than enough time to cool off, that he’d initially left the scene before returning armed with two handguns, and that he’d fired multiple times, hitting the two bystanders in addition to the rapper, leaving little reasonable doubt he’d intended to kill.
Although Nipsey’s family declined to appear, one of his close friends, Herman “Cowboy” Douglas, did give a statement at the hearing. “Our community right now, we lost everything, everything we worked for,” he said. “One man’s mistake, one man’s action, messed up a whole community. I don’t care what you give this guy. It ain’t about the time. I just want to know why. The world wants to know why. Why someone would do that?”
Nipsey Hussle is a Warner Music artist. Uproxx is an independent subsidiary of Warner Music Group.
After years of waiting, Eric Holder has been sentenced for the murder of Nipsey Hussle. The Los Angeles rapper was tragically killed in front of his Marathon Clothing Store in his hometown in 2019. He was quickly praised for his community efforts outside of his music career, and the global response was unlike any other experience in pop culture. Eric Holder was arrested promptly after witnesses named him as the assailant.
Surveillance cameras also captured the incident, implicating Holder in the crime. His defense attorneys argued he suffered from mental illness, but that didn’t hold much water. The anticipation of his sentencing has boiled over. Today (February 22), it was learned Holder received 60 years to life in prison.
Details Of The Sentencing Hearing
LOS ANGELES, CA – FEBRUARY 09: Nipsey Hussle attends 2019 Roc Nation THE BRUNCH on February 9, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Phillip Faraone/Getty Images for Roc Nation )
Holder was found guilty of first-degree murder, and considering his past legal indiscretions, his sentence didn’t surprise the public. Additionally, KTLA 5 News reports that Holder was found guilty “of two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter and two counts of assault with a firearm.” Those charges stemmed from the two other victims during the shooting who survived their injuries.
The outlet further shared that Holder “stared straight ahead throughout the proceedings.” A letter from his father was read in court, and Holder didn’t react when the verdict was handed down. The sentencing was initially delayed because the defense hoped to argue down the first-degree conviction, but it proved futile. Holder’s case wasn’t eligible for death penalty discussions.
Nipsey Hussle & Eric Holder Were Acquainted
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 14: Rapper Nipsey Hussle performs onstage during day one of the Rolling Loud Festival at Banc of California Stadium on December 14, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
Investigators revealed that Nipsey and his killer knew each for some time. They were both members of the Rollin’ 60s gang in Los Angeles and had dreams of becoming the next prominent rapper from the City of Angels. It was suggested that someone referred to Holder as a “snitch,” unleashing his ire that resulted in Nipsey’s slaying. A witness testified during the trial that Nipsey’s death was a tragedy for not only his loved ones but for the community as a whole.
Eric Holder has been sentenced to 60 years to life in prison for the 2019 murder of the late rapper Nipsey Hussle. Holder was also convicted on two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter and possession of a firearm. Updated By: Chris Samuel (2/22/23 at 4:15 pm) Eric Holder, who was convicted of shooting and killing […]
