As fans, friends and family continue to mourn the tragic loss of rapper and activist Nipsey Hussle, the African nation of Eritrea mourns, as well.

On Monday, the Eritrean Minister of Information Yemane G. Meskel tweeted his condolences and expressed sorrow over the news of Sunday's fatal shooting.

"Extremely saddened to hear the news of the tragic and untimely death of iconic recording artist/entrepreneur Ermias Asgedom (Nipsey Hussle)," the minister wrote. "RIP & condolences to his family."

Extremely saddened to hear the news of the tragic and untimely death of iconic recording artist/entrepreneur Ermias Asgedom (Nipsey Hussle). RIP & condolences to his family. (Nipsey visited his home country in April last year; Profile interview attached) https://t.co/AM87gfgRPu
pic.twitter.com/EPaHJGCzm8

— Yemane G. Meskel (@hawelti) April 1, 2019

OkayAfrica reports Hussle was half-American and half-Eritrean, an identity he had begun to embrace just last year.

The 33-year-old, who grew up most of his life without his Eritrean-born father, told reporters that he initially visited the country for three months when he was 18.

"I went out there for three months in 2003—met my granny for the first time, met my cousins, so it definitely had a major impact," he said in a 2018 interview on Dallas' 97.9 The Beat radio station. "I was raised in LA by my mom, my mom's family is Black American, but I always knew my heritage from my dad, but I never met my family. My dad was the only one in America—everybody else is back home."

"So when I went out there, it educated me to the other side," he continued. "It just gave me an understanding of what my dad's life was like growing up, what his family was like. I got embraced and they loved me and I became aware of the culture."

"I'm half American and half Eritrean—as much as I am a Black person from America, I am a Black person from Africa too. I embraced both sides of that after I went out there."

CNN reports the late rapper trekked back to the motherland just a few months after the interview with his brother and father. Hussle reportedly intended to continue building with his African family and even sought to develop business in the country.

Nipsey Hussle and his brother Blac Sam receiving blessing from their 90 years old grandmother in #Eritrea Rest In Peace King ???????? #NipseyHussleForever
#TheMarathonContinues
pic.twitter.com/faS1mcsNba

— #ErmiasAsghedom ???? (@Zeinab_Fana) April 1, 2019

@NipseyHussle is an 'A class' rapper and a successful business man. He visited Dolce Vita textiles in #Asmara yesterday to explore the business opportunities in #Eritrea. pic.twitter.com/oJZfqhCwmu

— Hadnet Keleta (@hadnetkeleta) April 20, 2018

Hussle and his family also had the honor of meeting Eritrea President Isaias Afwerki. He was invited to sit down with the ministry of information's online journalists for an interview about his life in America and his experiences with gang violence.

“If you come from areas in which gang activities are common then that becomes part of who you are," Hussle said about growing up in South Central LA. "You encounter it as a natural part of life. I guess the equivalent metaphor would be coming from a place of war. If you do, you are conscious about war even as a child and later, without even realizing it, you become part of it.”

"I love to be here," he said about his time in Eritrea. "The people, the food, the culture, and the lifestyle are extremely good."

Hussle's impact was felt. Eritreans poured out on social media, tweeting about how Hussle's music, philanthropy, community building and encouragement motivated them as a collective and as individuals.

Eritreans worldwide feel sorrow for the loss of a talented star, a loving family man & a compassionate compatriot. Condolences to us all.

— Billion Temesghen (@billietemesghen) April 1, 2019

almost certain that he was the first habesha american in entertainment that i ever knew about. his presence meant so much ????https://t.co/0km6vKe4et

— agerenesh ashagre (@agerenesh) April 1, 2019

Nipsey taught us that even as a children of African Immigrants, where it feels like you’re never ‘American’ enough for America or ‘African’ enough for Africa, we can still create our own lane, give back and create community regardless of our identity.
There’s no limits.

— Amarachi Nwosu (@AmaraWorldWide) April 1, 2019

you made eritreans feel seen in a world where we often felt invisible. you made us proud. you gave us a voice and reminded the world its always about the neighborhood. my sense of community was sharpened because of your advocacy. thank you for your victory lap brother. pic.twitter.com/89FUpK71ac

— negārit, awakener✨ (@mielafetaw) April 1, 2019

R.I.P to the brother #NipseyHussle

Back in 2010 I had the privilege of meeting him and talking while on set for Def Jam Rapstar commercial. We talked about his Eritrean roots, L.A, the Continent and our purpose in the diaspora. Heartbroken to see this young King go. ???? pic.twitter.com/i6Y8Czcomz

— Blitz the Ambassador (@BlitzAmbassador) April 1, 2019

Nipsey Hussle was shot six times and killed outside of his clothing store in Los Angeles on Sunday. Two other parties were injured during the shooting and are said to be in critical condition. Authorities have identified 29-year-old Eric Holder in the shooting and are still pursuing leads relating to a female cohort, as Blavity previously reported.

The police are encouraging anyone with information to contact Los Angeles South Bureau Homicide at 323-786-5100. The car involved in the shooting is a white, four-door 2016 Chevy Cruze with California license plate 7RJD742.

"Detectives have worked tirelessly and are now asking for the public's help in locating the suspect in this case," the Los Angeles Police Department said in a statement.

Now, check these out:

Police Identify Man As Suspect In Nipsey Hussle Killing

Nick Cannon Has Promised To Complete Nipsey Hussle's Documentary On Dr. Sebi

Nipsey Hussle Killed In Shooting Outside His LA Store

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