The Sum Up: Victory Lap by Nipsey Hussle

Released on February 16, 2018,

2/19/20252 min read

The Sum Up: Victory Lap by Nipsey Hussle

On February 16, 2018, Nipsey Hussle dropped his long-awaited debut studio album, Victory Lap, a project that wasn’t just a record—it was a mission statement. After years of grinding independently, selling mixtapes out of the trunk, and building his All Money In empire, Nipsey finally arrived on the main stage with an album that solidified his legacy.

Victory Lap wasn’t just about rap—it was about ownership, perseverance, and financial literacy. Nipsey’s journey embodied the hustle mentality, and this album was the soundtrack to independence, empowerment, and real boss moves.

The Sound & Hip-Hop Influence

Nipsey crafted Victory Lap as an anthem for the self-made, blending West Coast gangsta rap with motivational storytelling. The beats were luxurious yet street, filled with soulful samples, crisp drums, and laid-back California vibes. It was an evolution of G-Funk, Crenshaw street music, and business-minded lyricism, making Nipsey a modern-day hybrid of Ice Cube, Jay-Z, and Snoop Dogg.

This wasn’t an album for radio spins—it was an entrepreneurial masterclass in rap form, teaching listeners about ownership, wealth-building, and community upliftment.

The Singles & Standout Tracks

  • "Rap N****s" – A hard-hitting anthem where Nip made it clear that he was self-made, never industry-made.

  • "Dedication" (feat. Kendrick Lamar) – A powerful track where Nip and Kendrick reflect on the journey from the bottom to the top.

  • "Hussle & Motivate" – Inspired by Jay-Z’s "Hard Knock Life," this track was a motivational anthem for the streets.

  • "Grinding All My Life" – The ultimate hustler’s theme song, detailing Nip’s years of work with no shortcuts.

  • "Blue Laces 2" – A cinematic masterpiece filled with vivid storytelling about life in Crenshaw, gang politics, and survival.

Each track on Victory Lap felt strategic, intentional, and deeply personal, showing how far Nipsey had come.

Certifications & Success

  • Victory Lap was certified Platinum by the RIAA.

  • The album debuted at No. 4 on the Billboard 200, later reaching No. 2 after Nipsey’s passing.

  • It earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album in 2019, solidifying Nipsey’s impact.

  • "Racks in the Middle" (feat. Roddy Ricch) later won a Grammy for Best Rap Performance in 2020.

The Lasting Impact

Nipsey Hussle wasn’t just a rapper—he was a leader, an innovator, and a community builder. Victory Lap became more than just an album; it became a blueprint for self-made success. He preached economic empowerment, real estate investments, and ownership, teaching young Black entrepreneurs how to create generational wealth.

After his tragic passing in March 2019, Victory Lap became a cultural bible, with fans revisiting Nip’s words as life lessons. His Marathon Mindset continues to inspire entrepreneurs, artists, and activists.

Verdict

Victory Lap was the culmination of years of independent grinding, and it cemented Nipsey Hussle as one of hip-hop’s greatest visionaries. His voice, message, and movement live on through this album, proving that The Marathon Continues—forever.

Rating: 10/10 – A modern classic and a must-listen for anyone chasing greatness.

4o