The Marathon Continues: Everything You Need To Know About The Nipsey Hussle Limited-Edition TAP Card Drop

Los Angeles Metro riders and fans of the late Nipsey Hussle scrambled to get their hands on a piece of history this past August, 2025, when the transit authority released two highly-anticipated, limited-edition TAP cards. This commemorative release, a powerful tribute to the hip-hop icon and community developer, coincided with what would have been his 40th birthday, solidifying his legacy as an enduring symbol of entrepreneurial spirit and neighborhood investment in South Los Angeles. The scarcity and deep cultural meaning of the cards have instantly transformed them from a mere transit pass into a coveted collector's item, capturing the essence of the Marathon mentality. The event marked a major milestone in the "Metro x Culture" series, an initiative designed to connect the city's public transit system with the profound cultural figures who have shaped Los Angeles. These TAP cards—featuring two distinct, powerful portraits of the rapper—represent more than just a fare payment method; they are a tangible link to the Crenshaw neighborhood and the vision Nipsey Hussle championed for economic empowerment and community pride. With only 12,000 units released, the demand far outstripped supply, turning the limited drop into a significant cultural moment.

The Man Behind The Marathon: A Nipsey Hussle Biography

Ermias Joseph Asghedom, known globally as Nipsey Hussle, was a Grammy-nominated rapper, entrepreneur, and community activist whose impact transcended music. His life, though tragically cut short, remains a powerful narrative of self-determination, investment, and the pursuit of generational wealth.

• Full Name: Ermias Joseph Asghedom
• Date of Birth: August 15, 1985
• Place of Birth: Los Angeles, California
• Parents: Dawit Asghedom (Eritrean immigrant) and Angelique Smith (African American)
• Neighborhood: Crenshaw, South Los Angeles
• Musical Debut: Released his first mixtape, Slauson Boy Volume 1, in 2005.
• Breakthrough: Gained widespread attention with his *Crenshaw* mixtape in 2013, famously selling 1,000 copies for $100 each.
• Major Album: His 2018 debut studio album, Victory Lap, earned him a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album.
• Businesses: Co-founded The Marathon Clothing store at Crenshaw and Slauson, Vector 90 (a co-working space and STEM center), and Marathon Agency.
• Tragedy: Shot and killed on March 31, 2019, outside his Marathon Clothing store.
• Legacy: His philosophy, "The Marathon Continues," became a global mantra for perseverance and long-term vision.

Hussle's dedication to his South L.A. community was a cornerstone of his identity, focusing on creating jobs and opportunities for local residents through his businesses. His work in community development, including the Vector 90 initiative, demonstrated a commitment to bridging the gap between underserved communities and Silicon Valley. This legacy of giving back is what the Metro TAP card release truly celebrates.

The Limited-Edition Nipsey Hussle TAP Card Designs and Rarity

The cultural weight of the Nipsey Hussle TAP card is directly tied to its extreme scarcity and the iconic imagery chosen to represent the artist's life and work. Metro Los Angeles released a total of 12,000 cards across two distinct designs, making them instant collector's items.

Design 1: The "Crenshaw & Slauson" Card

This card pays homage to the legendary intersection that served as the epicenter of Nipsey Hussle's entrepreneurial and community efforts—Crenshaw and Slauson Avenue.

The design features a striking black-and-white horizontal portrait of Hussle, captured on his home turf by photographer Jonathan Mannion. This image is emblematic of his grounded nature and unwavering commitment to the neighborhood he called home. It is a visual representation of his "Marathon" mindset—a long-term commitment to self-improvement and community investment.

Design 2: The "Victory Lap" Card

The second card, often referred to by fans as the "Victory Lap" or "Bus" card, captures a more stylized and colorful image of the late rapper.

This design is a color-stylized horizontal portrait of Nipsey Hussle, photographed by Anthony Pham. While one snippet referred to it as the "Watts" design, the image is widely known to feature Hussle on a bus, symbolizing the journey and the connection to public transit that is central to the L.A. experience. The vibrant colors contrast with the first card, representing the artistic and celebratory side of his life and career, particularly his Grammy-nominated album, Victory Lap.

The cards were made available starting at 10 a.m. on August 15th, Nipsey Hussle Day, and were only sold in person at six Metro Customer Centers and specific Metro station ticket machines, including the Hyde Park Station and Crenshaw Station. The limited release ensured that the cards sold out almost immediately, driving up their value on secondary markets and proving the immense, continued cultural resonance of the artist.

The Deeper Significance: Metro x Culture and Community Honor

The release of the Nipsey Hussle TAP card is far more than a marketing stunt; it is a profound civic recognition of a figure who utilized his platform to drive positive change. This initiative is a key part of the Los Angeles Metro’s ongoing "Metro x Culture" series, which aims to honor L.A. icons and connect the transit system with the city's rich cultural tapestry. The partnership was developed in close collaboration with Nipsey Hussle’s family, ensuring the tribute was authentic and respectful of his enduring legacy. By placing his image on a daily utility item like the TAP card, Metro has subtly integrated his message of perseverance and local pride into the daily lives of Angelenos. Furthermore, the card drop coincided with another significant honor: the temporary renaming of the Hyde Park Station on the K Line (Crenshaw/LAX Line) to "Nipsey Hussle Station." This temporary renaming, coupled with the limited-edition cards, created a powerful, multi-faceted tribute that turned the transit system into a public memorial. The K Line itself runs through the heart of the Crenshaw district, making the connection deeply symbolic. The overwhelming response to the card drop—with lines forming hours before sales began—underscores the fact that Nipsey Hussle is not just a musical figure but a cultural and community icon whose vision, "The Marathon Don't Stop," continues to inspire millions. His message of ownership, technology, and local investment is now literally carried in the wallets of thousands of Los Angeles residents, ensuring his legacy travels with them on every journey.

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