Nipsey Hussle Bodyguard Announces Retirement in Emotional Message

Nipsey Hussle attends 2019 Grammy Awards (Credit: Shutterstock)

J-Roc, the longtime bodyguard of Nipsey Hussle, is leaving the security business.

In a heartfelt message shared Wednesday, Hussle’s longtime employee announced his retirement, citing his friend’s murder on Sunday as the cause.

“Never in a million years I thought I would be writing some sh-t like this … we haven’t made a 100 Million yet,” J-Roc captioned photos of the two posted to Instagram. “We was suppose to grow old and I call u big nose shoot jokes on you all day… but instead I’m here in tears writing this.”

Read More: Lauren London Writes Heartfelt Tribute to Nipsey Hussle

The bodyguard wasn’t with Hussle — real name Ermias Asghedom — on the day of the shooting outside of his clothing store in the 3400 block of West Slauson Ave. According to published reports, the rapper didn’t inform his security detail that he’d be going to the store alone.

J-Roc expressed regret that he wasn’t there with Hussle that day, writing: “I wish I was there. I would switch places with you any day. The world need you here I’m so confused, lost, hurt I lost a brother, best friend, a mentor.”

Hussle’s friend ended his message with his retirement announcement and a promise to take care of his friend’s girlfriend, actress Lauren London, and his two children.

“Got the Babies and L forever I’m done with all this sh-t,” he said. “I retire from being a bodyguard I love you HUSSLE THA GREAT.”

J-Roc’s message came one day after the suspect in Hussle’s slaying, Eric Holder, was apprehended in Bellflower, Calif.

Authorities located Holder after receiving a tip about a possible sighting in the area. Sheriff’s deputies responded and held the suspect at the scene until LAPD homicide detectives arrived. He was later transported to a Los Angeles Police Department facility.

The LAPD took to Twitter to thank the public and the sheriff’s department for their help after Holder was taken into custody, stating: “Eric Holder, the suspected killer of Nipsey Hussle, has been arrested and is in police custody. Thank you to both our community for the heightened awareness/vigilance, and our partners at @LASDHQ.”

Since the arrest, more information about Holder’s background has come to light. Hussle’s business partner, Herman Douglas, who was at the clothing store when the shooting happened, claims the suspect was an aspiring rapper who was motivated by jealousy.

“What seems to be a less talented rapper had envy and hate in his eyes,” Douglas told the Los Angeles Times. “It was nothing else. It was no motive. It was no beef.”

Douglas said the gunman shook Hussle’s hand before the shooting, stating: “Me and Nipsey was talking, and the dude that shot him, he came and shook our hands. Said he was a rapper and this old bulls-t.”

The business partner’s claim contradicts LAPD Chief Michel Moore’s statement on Tuesday that the shooting was over a personal dispute.

As of Thursday, Holder was being held in solitary confinement, and his bail was set at $7,040,000.