Hop on board the cultural express: L.A. Metro will honor the late, legendary Nipsey Hussle (who would have turned 40 this year) with a heartfelt tribute that blends transit with deeper meaning—perfect for a city that thrives on stories, beats and everyday hustle.
Starting Friday, August 15, Metro will drop 12,000 limited‑edition TAP cards as part of its Metro x Culture series that honors “Angelenos who’ve shaped L.A. culture—especially those whose journeys began on Metro buses and trains.” One design pays homage to Hussle’s roots at Crenshaw & Slauson with a photo taken by Anthony Pham; another features a photo by Jonathan Mannion of Hussle riding the bus through Watts, a visual ode to the streets he rapped about.
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“At its heart, the series recognizes transit as a narrative thread in the stories of iconic Angelenos, including the upcoming Nipsey Hussle card. Many of these figures grew up riding Metro — on buses like the 108 or trains like the Blue Line — and Metro played a pivotal role in their personal journeys,” per the Metro said Metro website. “Through this series, Metro aims to amplify L.A. culture by showcasing stories of real influence and legacy, boost engagement with TAP by inspiring riders to collect cards that hold personal meaning, and reinforce Metro’s role as a catalyst for everyday life and opportunity in Los Angeles.”
The TAP cards will be available at the Hyde Park, Crenshaw, Slauson, Compton, Hollywood/Vine and Expo/Crenshaw stations (as well as Metro Customer Centers) while supplies last.
In addition, Metro will temporarily rename the K line's Hyde Park Station to “Nipsey Hussle Station,” in an acknowledgement of the rapper’s legacy and near the site of his Marathon Clothing store. The name change will last from Friday, August 15 to Sunday, August 31.
Known for his raw lyricism and entrepreneurial spirit, Hussle—born Ermias Joseph Asghedom—championed community investment, education and economic empowerment across Los Angeles. From Crenshaw to the world, the rapper's legacy and message ("The Marathon Continues") are powerful calls to keep striving, building and uplifting. He was fatally shot at the age of 33 in 2019.
Previous commemorative TAP cards have honored 75 years of Pride in L.A., Keith Haring, Angels Flight and more.