The legacy of The Marathon CLothing.
By Zuza Gaboush
Image via Billboard
When Nipsey Hussle passed in 2019, the community grieved the loss of an artist, philanthropist, father and friend. Hussle represented a lot for the community he came from, and his positivity and hunger for justice inspired millions. One part of the legacy that Hussle left behind was his brand and clothing store, The Marathon Clothing. This store, originally established on Crenshaw Ave, the neighborhood where Hussle grew up, ended up being the setting of the rapper’s untimely death. Despite the tragedy surrounding his loss, Hussle’s brand and life continues to inspire and motivate the black community today.
Hussle founded his brand in June of 2017, and saw his company as a way to infuse the worlds of fashion, hip-hop and technology into a singular experience. Hussle stated, “The philosophy of this retail space is to be an experience, and while you’re in the process of the experience, you’re surrounded by branded products.” The store was an experimental jump into a new kind of shopping experience, one where the customer was experiencing the brand of TMC, with the option to preview exclusive drops or reserve clothing items via the brand’s app.
Hussle didn’t stop at streetwear. He also opened a fish market, a burger spot, and a STEM centered work space in his Crenshaw neighborhood. Perhaps the most striking part of Hussle’s brand were his intentions for the future of his company and community. Before his death, Hussle had plans to create opportunities for his neighborhood by transforming the entire strip mall surrounding his store into residential housing and generating jobs for the younger generation in his stores. His deep commitment to aiding his community, providing opportunities to the disadvantaged and helping those in need back on their feet penetrated through every aspect of his life, even into his business.
Despite the fact that TMC has been a large success, partnering with Puma, and seen on the likes of Rick Ross, P Diddy and Saweetie, Hussle remained conscious of prioritizing inclusivity with his brand; he ensured that his products included a wide range of price points, allowing the brand to be affordable to anyone.
The Marathon Clothing brand is bigger than fashion. TMC stands as a legacy for spreading compassion, humanity and love, all facets of Hussle’s beliefs that live on after his passing. Nipsey Hussle demonstrated the power of artistic expression in bringing people together and working towards uplifting members of all communities. The change he inspired will be forever remembered and cherished.
