Who Is Blacc Sam? The Brother Nipsey Hussle

In the heart of South Central Los Angeles, where resilience is forged in fire and dreams are often dimmed by the harsh realities of the streets, Samuel “Blacc Sam” Asghedom emerged as a figure of strength, strategy, and unwavering loyalty. Known to many as the older brother of the late rap icon Nipsey Hussle, Blacc Sam has become a pillar of his community and a vital steward of his brother’s enduring legacy.

Born on March 4, 1982, to DeWitt Asghedom and Angelique Smith, Sam was raised in the Crenshaw District of South Central L.A., a neighborhood shaped by systemic neglect, gang culture, and economic challenges. While many succumbed to the pressures of that environment, Blacc Sam developed a street-smart survival instinct and entrepreneurial hustle from a young age.

In the late ’90s and early 2000s, Sam built a name for himself through various ventures—including bootleg DVD sales and managing a medicinal marijuana pipeline between California and Atlanta. He reportedly grossed upwards of $700,000 annually, using that income not just for survival, but to fuel a bigger vision.

More than a hustler, Blacc Sam was a visionary—particularly when it came to protecting and uplifting his younger brother, Ermias “Nipsey Hussle” Asghedom. He recognized Nipsey’s rare potential early on and committed himself to guiding his brother toward a life beyond gang affiliations and street politics.

A turning point came when the brothers took a trip to Eritrea, their father’s homeland. That experience deepened their cultural roots and redefined their mission. Back in L.A., they opened their first store, Slauson Tees, in 2006—a small shop that sold clothing and CDs but symbolized something far greater: Black ownership, neighborhood pride, and economic empowerment.

Their partnership grew into The Marathon Store, launched in 2017. Located at the intersection of Crenshaw and Slauson, the store was more than a retail space—it was a beacon of hope and a blueprint for community reinvestment. Sam and Nipsey believed in creating opportunities for the same streets that raised them.

Throughout their journey, they faced raids, legal challenges, and scrutiny—but Sam remained the business backbone, making strategic decisions and protecting their assets while Nipsey made music and amplified the message.

After Nipsey’s tragic murder in 2019, Blacc Sam became the chief torchbearer of his brother’s vision. Grieving in public but operating with quiet strength, he made it his mission to expand the Marathon brand and continue their shared goals. He ensured that Nipsey's children had ownership stakes in the family's real estate holdings, safeguarding the generational wealth they had started building together.

Under his leadership, a second Marathon Store location opened, and the family continues to grow the Marathon Clothing line, keeping Nipsey’s name—and purpose—alive.

Blacc Sam is more than Nipsey Hussle’s brother. He is a businessman, community leader, cultural gatekeeper, and protector of a legacy built on sweat, struggle, and a dream for better. He doesn't seek the spotlight, but his impact is undeniable.

In a world where many fade into grief or fall into chaos, Blacc Sam chose purpose. His story is a reminder that behind every icon stands someone who believed first—and fought hardest to make that vision real.

Follow the journey and support the movement at @themarathonclothing. The marathon continues—because Blacc Sam never stopped running.