Nipsey Hussle's streaming number's have increased dramatically following his untimely death; a financial win for his family due to Hussle's business savvy and ability to do what most artists haven't: blow up in rap while maintaining ownership of his masters.

People were left stunned upon news of Hussle's expected and heinous demise. Hussle, a Los Angeles native, rapper, entrepreneur and community leader is well respected within his neighborhood and the hip-hop community. Hip-hop fans revere Hussle's music, although prior to death, it may not have reached the ear of casual listeners.

Hussle was murdered outside of his The Marathon Clothing store on Slauson Avenue in South Los Angeles on March 31. Eric Holder, the man alleged to be Hussle's killer, was apprehended two days after the killing. Police believe it's Holder seen on surveillance video shooting Hussle in his torso and head, then kicking the downed man before fleeing into a nearby alley. Holder escaped via getaway driver awaiting his arrival.

After over a decade of releasing mixtapes, Hussle's debut and sole studio album Victory Lap was released on Feb. 16, 2018. The album debuted at No. 4 on the March 3, 2018 Billboard 200 albums chart, which ranks most popular albums of the week based on multi-metric consumption. Prior to death, this was Hussle's only project to appear on the chart.

The album also sold 53,00 total units first week, 30,000 coming from traditional album sales, 21,000 from streaming equivalent albums (SEA) and 2,000 track equivalent albums (TEA). It was also nominated for Rap Album of the Year in the 2018 Grammy Awards.

According to Complex, Victory Lap hadn't appeared on the Billboard 200 chart since May 5, 2018, when it ranked at No. 195. Following Hussle's death, the album hit a new peak on the chart for the week of April 13, 2019, ranking No. 2 and selling 66,000 units.

Four of Hussle's previously released mixtapes are also ranked on the Billboard 200 chart for the week of April 13, 2019. Crenshaw is No. 63 with 11,000 units sold, Slauson Boy 2 is No. 109 with 8,000 units, The Marathon is No. 179 with 6,000 units, and Mailbox Money is No. 192 with 6,000 units.

According to Forbes, Hussle's music earned 10 million plays on March 31, the day his death was reported. The same catalog received 1.7 million plays a day prior to his death, a nearly 500 percent increase. The catalog has since seen a 2,776 percent increase, according to Nielsen Music reports.

"By owning your master recordings, you keep creative control and you're free to release our music however you want via whichever channels you choose," said Paul Hitchman, President of AWAL, a music service for independent artists.

Hussle was familiar with these facts about independence and acted accordingly while building his music career. Hussle's family, including his longtime girlfriend and actress Lauren London and 2 children, will continue to profit thanks to Hussle's decision to partner with a major label, avoiding signing away ownership of the music he made.

Hussle's Celebration of Life funeral service was held April 12 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles.