LA Metro Honors Nipsey Hussle with TAP Cards
LA Metro releases limited edition TAP cards and renames Slauson Station for Nipsey Hussle's 40th birthday
LA Metro Honors Nipsey Hussle with TAP Cards
Los Angeles transit riders can now commemorate hip-hop icon Nipsey Hussle with two limited edition TAP cards released by Metro. The transit agency announced Thursday it's temporarily renaming Slauson Station to 'Slauson/Nipsey Hussle Station' to mark what would've been the late rapper's 40th birthday on August 15. The tribute recognizes Nipsey's lasting impact on South Los Angeles, where he invested in community programs and local businesses before his death in 2019.
Metro X Culture Series Launches
The Nipsey Hussle tribute marks the inaugural event in Metro's new Metro X Culture Series, which aims to honor influential cultural figures who've shaped Los Angeles. Stephanie Wiggins, Metro Chief Executive Officer, said the rapper was more than an artist. 'He was a visionary who believed in the power of community and the importance of investing in the places we call home,' Wiggins told reporters Thursday. The series connects transit infrastructure with the city's creative community and cultural heritage.
Limited Edition Cards Feature Original Artwork
The two commemorative TAP cards feature original artwork celebrating Nipsey's legacy, though Metro didn't specify how many cards were produced or where riders can obtain them. The cards function as standard fare payment methods across Metro's bus and rail network. Officials said the limited quantities reflect the special nature of the tribute. Metro hasn't announced how long the temporary station rename will remain in effect or when future Metro X Culture Series honorees will be revealed.
Tribute Marks Six Years Since Rapper's Death
Nipsey Hussle, born Ermias Joseph Asghedom, was fatally shot outside his Marathon Clothing store in South Los Angeles on March 31, 2019, at age 33. The August 15 commemoration would've marked his 40th birthday. Wiggins said the tribute recognizes the role culture plays in shaping Los Angeles. 'This is about more than honoring one individual—it's about connecting people to the places that matter most,' she said.
Riders Can Access Commemorative Cards
Metro said the limited edition TAP cards are available now, though specific distribution locations weren't provided by publication time. The cards work like standard TAP cards for fare payment across all Metro services. Officials said the tribute celebrates Nipsey's entrepreneurship and youth programs that revitalized South Los Angeles neighborhoods. Riders can check Moovit for real-time updates on Metro routes serving the renamed Slauson/Nipsey Hussle Station on the Crenshaw/LAX Line.
