Dave East’s long-awaited debut Survival arrives today featuring collaborations with Nas, Lil Baby, Teyana Taylor, and the late Nipsey Hussle.
The Harlem rapper pays homage to his fallen friend on the heartfelt closer “The Marathon Continues,” which opens with some words wisdom from Neighborhood Nip himself.
Dave carries the torch as he recounts their friendship. “Your voice keep playing in my head / Don’t wanna believe you dead,” he raps over the araabMUZIK and Motif Alumni production. “You made me proud to tell the whole world I’m a damn Crip / This Marathon will continue, ni**a, I can’t quit.”
East goes on to reveal that he and Nipsey were planning a joint project together and reflects on good times. “The blueprint being bosses / You created that,” he raps. “You gave out so much free game / That shit was charity.”
Snoop also pays tribute to Nipsey at the end. “Your legacy will live on, nephew. The Marathon continues. Nipsey Hussle, the leader, the father, the brother, the teacher, the king, the god, live on.”
In an interview with Revolt, East opened up about the devastating loss. “Fuck rap. I’m going to keep it 100. That was my ni**a,” he said. “Anything we did together or anytime I had to be around that ni**a, I cherish it. It’s wack he went out like that. That ni**a’s a king.”
Survival also features appearances from Gunna, The-Dream, Fabolous, Jacquees, E-40, and more. Stream the album below.