Dave East bought a store in Harlem, New York — an act that was inspired by his late friend Nipsey Hussle. He revealed the news about the purchase on Tuesday (Nov.30) alongside a picture of him holding his keys in his new establishment.
“Bought My First Store Today,” he wrote on social media. “I Told Nipsey He Laid The Blueprint For Real Ones Everywhere. Wish Shooter Could See This Shit. Coming Soon 2022? Couldn’t Have Made This Happen Without @queenofharlem The Realest!!!” In an accompanying video, he gave fans a tour of what appears to be a convenience store.
Dave developed a close friendship with Nipsey, who preached about entrepreneurship and investing in one’s own community. The “Victory Lap” rapper had his hand in multiple ventures like his label “ALL Money IN,” marketing company The MARATHON Agency , his Vector 90 community center and his STEM program titled “Too Big To Fail.” In March 2019, while in front of The Marathon Clothing Store he built in his hometown of Los Angeles, California, he was shot and killed at the age of 33. His death was met with many tributes, including a few from East himself.
In the wake of Nipsey’s passing, the Harlem rapper hosted a vigil for fans in New York who wanted to honor the West Coast emcee. He’s also mentioned Nip in his music, paid homage to him with a back tattoo and spoke about him in various interviews.
“It’s wack he went out like that. That nigga’s a king,” East once told Complex of Nipsey’s passing. “Kings ain’t supposed to go out like that. But, that’s the world we’re living in. It’s wack he went out like that, but it sharpened me and a million other niggas up. He went out like a G.”
Look below to see the store that Dave East bought.