On the Black Ink Crew: Chicago episode “Do the Hussle,” while Phor gets a second chance to pursue his dream, Charmaine gets a call from Tone Kapone to co-host his radio show on 107.5 WGCI. Tone tells Charmaine rapper Nipsey Hussle is coming in for an interview. He warns her, “Don’t kill my show.” Charmaine says “okay” but she’s clearly nervous. It’s her first drive-time celebrity interview.
When Nipsey sits down and they’re on air, Charmaine takes over the interview. While Tone disapproves, she does get Nipsey talking about the hustle, what it took to get him to his “Victory Lap.” That’s the title of his first official album. Nipsey tells Charmaine: “It’s been an eight, nine year mix tape grind. It took a long time but we got it done.” He’s been making mix tapes since 2005. Nipsey (born Ermias Asghedom) was born in raised in the South L.A. neighborhood of Crenshaw, where he was a member of the Rollin 60s Crips gang. In 2008 and 2009, Nipsey released Bullets Ain’t Go No Name, Vol 1, Vol. 2 and Vol 3. He went on to collaborate with Drake (“Killer”) and Snoop Dogg (“Upside Down”), among others. On a personal note: Nipsey is dating actress Lauren London (Lil Wayne’s ex); they have a one-year-old son Kross together. Black Ink Crew: Chicago airs Wednesdays at 8pm on VH1.
