On Monday, it was announced that DuVernay — known for her work on the Emmy-winningWhen They See Us,A Wrinkle in TimeandSelma— has been tapped to direct and produce a feature-length documentary on Hussle for Netflix,The Hollywood ReporterandDeadlinereported.
A rep for DuVernay did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
The documentary will be a co-production between DuVernay’s company Array Now and Nipsey’s Marathon Films, Deadline reported.
According to Deadline, Nipsey’s estate reached out to DuVernay to direct the film.
Further details on the film have not yet been released.
Nipsey wastragically gunned downoutside of his Los Angeles clothing store, the Marathon Clothing Company on March 31, 2019. He was 33.
Randy Shropshire/Getty Images; Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
News of the documentary come after DuVernayintroduced a memorial performancein Nipsey’s honor at the 2020 Grammys in January.
“Tonight we celebrate the enduring memory of an artist and a leader who made brave, brilliant strides to unite this community here in Los Angeles and around the world,” DuVernay said.
The late rap icon, whose real name was Ermias Asghedom, posthumously won his first Grammy for best rap performance for “Racks in the Middle,” which also features Roddy Ricch and Hit-Boy.
Paying homage to Hussle on music’s biggest night,John Legend,DJ Khaled,Meek Mill, Kirk Franklin, Roddy Ricch andYGhit the stage to deliver an all-star performance that was truly a nod to the late rapper’s musical legacy.
Mill kicked off the heartfelt performance and then Ricch joined in, snaking through the crowd.
“Long live Nipsey Hussle,” Khaled said when he took the stage, encouraging the audience in the Staples Center to rise to their feet. Legend accompaniednew dad Khaledon piano for a performance of Hussle’s posthumous release “Higher.”
Sharief Ziyada/Getty Images
The track, which features Legend, 41, also won best rap/sung performance at the ceremony.
“An activist, entrepreneur and rapper, Nipsey Hussle had a lasting impact on not just his community, but also the culture at large,” Ken Ehrlich,Grammy Awardsexecutive producer previously said of the late star.
“There is no denying the influence he had and his legacy will be felt for generations to come,” he added.
On New Year’s Eve, Londonpaid tribute to Nipseyand remembered the last new year they spent together.
“2019 changed the rest of my Life. My existence shifted. Half of me is in Heaven and the other half is here to pick up and continue,” London wrote on Instagram. “Things will never be the same but every day I still wake up and Pray Lord, Use Me.”
“Long Live Ermias,” she added at the end, using Hussle’s real name.
She also shared a shot of the two of them celebrating their last New Year’s Eve together last year.
source: people.com
