Rapper Nipsey Hussle: From Gang Life to Self-Made Millionaire Andrew Medal sits down with rapper Nipsey Hussle to discuss how gang life catapulted his success, his latest album 'Victory Lap' and his various businesses, including a blockchain-specific startup.

By Andrew Medal Edited by Dan Bova

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Nipsey Hussle is arguably hip-hop's hottest star right now, with his much-anticipated album release of Victory Lap. Hussle has been making his name from a steady stream of mixtapes including 2013's Crenshaw, which he sold at $100 a pop, netting $100,000 in the process. He's collaborated with artists like YG, Diddy and Jeezy. His record label All In Records recently partnered with Atlantic Records to increase his distribution, and he's turning the industry on its head by owning the rights to his music. He's an entrepreneur in every sense with multiple businesses including his record label and his clothing brand The Marathon Company, and he's even an early investor in some blockchain-based startups. Hussle kicks off Season 2 of Action & Ambition with Entrepreneur Network partner Andrew Medal.

Related: Hip Hop Legend Damon Dash Explains How His Street Mentality Catapulted Him to the Top

Andrew Medal

Entrepreneur & Angel Investor

Andrew Medal is the founder of The Paper Chase, which is a bi-weekly newsletter. He is an entrepreneur and angel investor.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Growing a Business

Entrepreneurs Should Invest in Service, Not Just Sales — Here's How to Build a Customer-First Business

A customer-first business strategy that prioritizes exceptional service, empowers employees and leverages feedback can transform satisfied customers into loyal advocates, driving sustainable, long-term growth.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

Your Old Apple AirPods Can Soon Act as an Over-the-Counter Hearing Aid, According to the FDA

The new software is compatible with the Apple AirPods Pro and accessible through iOS — for free and now FDA-authorized.

Diversity

3 Lessons Entrepreneurs Can Learn from Frederick Douglass About Leading in Challenging Times

Navigating a business can have its ups and downs. Whether you've navigated a tricky quarterly earnings report or had to hire and fire staff during a difficult time for the business, you know that being a leader in times of stress, uncertainty, and difficulty can make you a stronger leader overall.

Side Hustle

She Spent Her Honeymoon Working on a Side Hustle. It Raised $35 Million and Counts Celebrities Among Its Investors.

Blake Geffen, founder of luxury accessory rental company Vivrelle, "skipped the bellinis" in the Maldives — and got to work on her company instead.