Nipsey Hussle EXPOSES Why He Didn’t Trust Rick Ross | Last Interview Details

The hip-hop world lost a generational voice when Ermias Joseph Asghedom—better known as Nipsey Hussle—was tragically killed in March 2019. Revered for his authenticity, business acumen, and deep-rooted commitment to his community, Nipsey’s words still resonate today, often gaining new significance in the context of the industry’s shifting alliances and rivalries. In his final interviews, Nipsey touched on many core themes: empowerment, perseverance, loyalty, and, notably, trust—particularly when navigating industry partnerships with peers like Rick Ross.

In this piece, we examine what Nipsey truly valued in hip-hop alliances, the nuances of trust among rap’s elite, and why these dynamics called for careful discernment in his own words.

Building a Legacy of Authenticity and Independence

Nipsey Hussle was more than a rapper: he was a movement. From the outset of his career, he chose a course defined by independence and principle. Where other artists raced to sign with major labels, Nipsey laid the groundwork for All Money In, his own imprint, stating in countless interviews that owning his masters and retaining creative control was not just a business decision, but a statement of self-respect.

In this climate, trust became currency. Collaborators could elevate or erode Nipsey’s hard-won credibility. “I move with the people who believe in what I believe… otherwise we’re just in business, not in purpose,” he remarked in one of his final conversations recorded with a major hip-hop podcast.

Here, context is key: the industry at large is a complex ecosystem. Friendships, rivalries, and uneasy truces exist side by side, and for every public show of solidarity, there can be private doubts—especially for those as protective of their vision as Nipsey Hussle.

The Rick Ross Connection: Alliance or Arms-Length?

Rick Ross, himself a self-styled boss and architect of the Maybach Music Group, occupies a parallel space to Nipsey: both rappers built empires and mentored younger talent, both understood the importance of hustler’s ambition, and both projected an image of brooding, deliberate power.

They collaborated on tracks like “Rich Nigga Lifestyle” and “Mark My Words.” Their chemistry in the studio seemed symbiotic—two moguls sharing lessons on wealth, survival, and honor. In interviews, both would often speak highly of the other’s work ethic and street knowledge.

Yet, as with any partnership in a competitive industry operating at a high financial and cultural level, boundaries were essential. Nipsey was candid about the business side of these alliances. “I’m always open to work with real ones, but I don’t get too close unless I know their moves,” Nipsey shared in an interview with Genius in 2018. While never singling out Ross with suspicion, he acknowledged, “I’ve seen people smile in photos together and stab each other in the back the next day. Respect is earned, not just negotiated.”

Lessons on Trust from Nipsey’s Perspective

Nipsey Hussle’s worldview was shaped by experiences both on the streets of South Los Angeles and in label boardrooms. He made clear the distinction between camaraderie and opportunism.

In one of his last video interviews with Big Boy’s Neighborhood, Nipsey fielded a question about working with big-name artists and moguls. “You gotta know who’s coming to the table for you—and who’s coming for the table. It’s different,” Nipsey said, gazing out thoughtfully. When pressed further, he elaborated: “I respect Ross, respect what he built. But for anybody in this, you don’t hand the keys to your kingdom over. You partner up, you don’t surrender.”

Those closest to him say this wasn’t mistrust singling out Ross, but a general business ethos. DJ Khalil, a longtime collaborator, once noted, “Nipsey respected Ross but was careful with everyone. He trusted energy, not titles.”

The Cautionary Tales and Calculated Moves

Nipsey was acutely aware of hip-hop history—the stories of deals gone bad, friendships soured by money, and empires toppled by misplaced confidence. Clips from interviews as early as 2012 reveal his skepticism of “overnight alliances.” He advocated for vetting, for watching how people moved, for valuing the long-term over the flash-in-the-pan.

“There’s loyalty and then there’s leverage,” Nipsey said in a mid-2018 interview. “Some people want a real seat at your table. Some are only there for what they can eat before you close the kitchen.”

Rick Ross, for his part, seemed to understand this mindset, often telling interviewers that only bosses truly understand bosses. The two men, while perhaps never best friends, maintained a professional distance rooted in mutual respect and ambitious intent.

Loyalty to Community Above All

The last year of Nipsey’s life saw him double down on local empowerment—real estate, STEM education for kids, and the opening of The Marathon Clothing store in Crenshaw. Trust, for Nipsey, was proven through actions, not words.

When asked in a final radio interview if he ever felt betrayed by major industry figures, Nipsey responded, “Not surprised when folks switch up. I put my faith in family, my circle, people building something bigger than just themselves.”

Analysts and cultural critics often pointed out how Nipsey’s model disrupted the old power structures and why his philosophy on trust—guarded, pragmatic, but open to good faith—remains both radical and necessary in hip-hop today.

Legacy: The Real “Exposure”

Although gossip channels and internet speculation may claim that Nipsey “exposed” specific industry peers, the reality is far richer and more nuanced. Nipsey Hussle didn’t spend his final interviews naming names or stoking feuds. Instead, he exposed the system that rewards cutthroat competition over communal uplift, and warned new generations to be wise, patient, and deliberate in all partnerships.

For fans and aspiring artists, Nipsey’s legacy is less about who he didn’t trust, and more about why: a refusal to compromise on authenticity, loyalty, and long-term vision.

Conclusion: Lessons in Cautious Camaraderie

Nipsey Hussle’s last words on trust serve as a blueprint for the future: Collaborate, but never at the cost of integrity. Align yourself with those who build, not those who merely benefit from your foundation. And know that in the end, real alliances are about more than shared clout—they’re about shared values.

To “expose” mistrust was, for Nipsey, not to start beef, but to teach: move smart, love deeper, and keep your circle sacred. In that wisdom, his voice endures—guiding both hip-hop and the world beyond.