Blacc Sam Talks Nipsey Hussle’s Unreleased Music & the Marathon’s Next Chapter

Blacc Sam, brother of the late Nipsey Hussle and co-founder of The Marathon brand, sat down with Power 106 LA to discuss major business moves, an upcoming music release, and his relentless commitment to preserving Nipsey’s legacy. As the driving force behind Marathon’s expansion, Sam continues to push forward with Nipsey’s vision, ensuring that The Marathon truly does continue.

The Marathon Clothing’s $100,000 Giveaway

One of the biggest announcements from the interview was The Marathon Clothing’s $100,000 giveaway. The contest, which allows fans to enter by purchasing items on themarathonclothing.com, is set to conclude today, with the winner receiving a life-changing cash prize. The giveaway is a testament to the brand’s unconventional and community-driven marketing approach, a strategy deeply influenced by Nipsey’s outside-the-box thinking.

Expanding the Marathon Lifestyle

Beyond clothing, Blacc Sam envisions Marathon as a fully integrated lifestyle brand. The goal is to expand into different areas—food, water, gyms, and more—so that the Marathon name becomes synonymous with everyday life. “It’s coming full circle now because we can finally get the restaurant,” Sam explained. “Fashion, entertainment, food—we want people to think of Marathon as an LA brand.”

The first major step in this expansion is Marathon Burger, set to open on March 1 at 7507 Melrose Avenue. The first 100 customers will eat for free, and special guests are expected to attend. Sam emphasized the meticulous effort that went into perfecting the restaurant’s signature burger, which features Wagyu beef, top-tier bread, and a secret African spice blend. Unlike a typical fast-food venture, the Marathon Burger is a personal project, with Sam frequently working in the kitchen himself. “This isn’t just about making money. We really took our time to get everything right,” he said.

Protecting Nipsey’s Musical Legacy

When it comes to Nipsey’s unreleased music, Blacc Sam is firm: nothing gets released unless Nipsey was directly involved. Many posthumous albums from other artists feel rushed or impersonal, but Sam refuses to let that happen to his brother’s work. “If Nip didn’t actually do the verse or work on the project, we’re not putting it out,” he stated.

That’s why fans are excited for an upcoming docuseries, which will be narrated by Nipsey himself. While details remain scarce, the series is expected to offer an intimate look at his life, music, and business acumen. Alongside this, Sam confirmed a new music project with Bino Rideaux, composed of tracks that Nipsey had largely completed before his passing. The project, which has been carefully refined by Nipsey’s close collaborators, is slated for a Summer 2024 release.

Running the LA Marathon for a Cause

In addition to business and music, Blacc Sam remains active in the community. Last year, he ran the LA Marathon without extensive training—simply waking up and deciding to do it. Despite the lack of preparation, he finished the 26.2-mile race, proving that the Marathon philosophy extends beyond just a brand—it’s a mindset.

This year, the 2025 LA Marathon will once again support The Neighborhood Nip Foundation and The McCourt Foundation, with proceeds helping fund educational and creative programs for local youth. “It’s all about giving back. Nipsey’s whole thing was about setting up opportunities for the next generation,” Sam said.

Revitalizing the Crenshaw & Slauson Plaza

Perhaps the most meaningful project in the works is the renovation of the Crenshaw & Slauson Plaza, the iconic location where Nipsey once sold mixtapes and later built The Marathon Clothing store. Instead of reopening the store at that location, Sam and the team are transforming the space into a learning center for kids—a place where young people can develop skills in music, business, and technology.

Nipsey himself benefited from an after-school music program in Watts, where he first learned how to record and produce. That experience was pivotal in shaping his career, and Sam wants to provide similar opportunities for the youth in his community. “Nip told me every kid who went to that program ended up successfully pursuing music. That’s the kind of impact we want to create,” he shared.

Honoring Nipsey Hussle’s Impact on LA Culture

Since Nipsey’s passing, few artists have done more to keep his name alive than Kendrick Lamar. Whether through lyrics in The Heart Part 5 or his Pop Out performance, Kendrick has consistently paid homage to the late rapper. Sam acknowledged this, expressing gratitude for Kendrick’s continued respect. “The love that Kendrick has shown is always appreciated and respected,” he said.

For many, Nipsey wasn’t just a musician—he was a revolutionary figure in business and community empowerment. His influence changed the way LA artists approach ownership, independence, and generational wealth. “Before Nip, no one was talking about business the way he was,” Sam pointed out.

The Marathon Continues

As Blacc Sam carries out Nipsey Hussle’s mission, he does so with humility, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to authenticity. Despite the growing attention surrounding him, he remains laser-focused on the work. “People take pictures with me, there are Instagram pages dedicated to me, but at the end of the day, I’m just here to make sure the plan gets finished,” he said.

With the launch of Marathon Burger, new music on the way, and a major renovation project at Crenshaw & Slauson, Blacc Sam is ensuring that Nipsey’s impact is felt for generations to come. The Marathon isn’t just continuing—it’s evolving.