Los Angeles rapper Waysteer emerged unscathed from a deadly shooting that claimed one life and left two others injured near the grand opening of Marathon Burger in Long Beach, sharing a brief video from inside the restaurant to confirm his survival. The footage, captured shortly after the incident on March 1, 2026, shows him energetic and relieved amid the chaos that unfolded just half a block away. This quick response underscores the resilience of those attending what was meant to be a celebratory event honoring Nipsey Hussle’s legacy.
The shooting erupted around 3:32 p.m. in the 200 block of Pine Avenue, close to the Marathon Burger at 245 Pine Avenue, where hundreds had gathered for the ribbon-cutting ceremony. Authorities found three young men in their late teens or early 20s suffering from gunshot wounds, with one succumbing to injuries at a local hospital while the other two remained in stable condition as of March 3. The altercation reportedly began in a nearby parking garage and spilled onto the street, prompting panic among the crowd that included celebrities like Snoop Dogg. Police detained two individuals at the scene, though no arrests have been announced, and the motive remains under investigation. For the latest on the case, visit the Long Beach Police Department website.
In the 10-second video posted on X by KollegeKidd, Waysteer appears shirtless in the Marathon Burger kitchen, holding a certificate and gesturing animatedly toward the camera. Overlaid text reads “Waysteer From Hoover & Shout Out The Marathon The Grand Opening Of The Marathon Burger In Long Beach,” highlighting his affiliation with the 74 Hoover Criminals and support for the event. His facial expressions shift from serious to playful, including sticking out his tongue and smiling, while he speaks directly, though no clear transcript is available; the visuals convey triumph over the close call. The clip, viewed over 21,000 times, serves as his statement of survival without delving into specifics of the incident. See the original post here.
Waysteer, known for his street-influenced tracks and local rap battles, was present to support the opening spearheaded by Blacc Sam, Nipsey Hussle’s brother. The Marathon Burger chain aims to foster jobs and economic growth in South Los Angeles communities, continuing Hussle’s vision of empowerment. Despite the violence occurring outside the event’s secured perimeter, the restaurant continued operations, demonstrating commitment to community progress. Explore more about Hussle’s initiatives on the Marathon Clothing site.
This tragedy reveals the ongoing struggle to maintain safety during community uplift efforts in areas plagued by historical tensions. Waysteer’s unharmed emergence and vibrant video response highlight personal endurance, yet they also emphasize the broader call for preventive measures to safeguard such positive gatherings. As the investigation unfolds, the incident prompts reflection on how to honor legacies like Hussle’s without the shadow of violence. Follow updates via the Long Beach PD’s X account.
