As noted by social media users who pointed out a lyric on Nipsey Hussle‘s “Ocean Views” song, the late rapper was commemorated by Stevie Wonder through a melody that holds a deep place of significance to the late rapper. During Thursday’s memorial service in Los Angeles (April 11), Wonder sang “Rocket Love” before the moment was complete.
“It’s a heartbreak to again lose a member of our family,” Wonder said, per The New York Times. “It’s a heartbreak because it’s so unnecessary. It is so painful to know that we don’t have enough people taking a position that says, ‘listen, we must have stronger gun laws.'”
The award-winning musician also stressed the importance of tightening firearm laws to prevent senseless gun violence. “It is almost like the world is becoming blind. I pray that we will grow and that the leaders who have responsibility to perpetuate life will do it by making sure that the laws will make it very hard for people to have guns and take their frustrations out to kill life.” Wonder also performed Eric Clapton’s “Tears In Heaven.”
#LIVE Stevie Wonder performs Rocket Love at #NipseyHussleMemorial. Watch live here https://t.co/hA9XI8Oq2b pic.twitter.com/i4RXkPofbg
— CBS Los Angeles (@CBSLA) April 11, 2019
Wonder’s performance can be viewed at the 48-minute mark.