Nipsey Hussle’s ex Tanisha Foster escalates legal battle over custody of daughter after rapper's death

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Nearly five years after Nipsey Hussle’s tragic death, his ex-girlfriend, Tanisha Foster, remains locked in a legal struggle to regain custody of their daughter, Emani.

With a new legal maneuver, she is now calling on the late rapper’s brother, Sam Asghedom, to appear for a deposition, signaling her intent to fight for her parental rights, The Blast reported.

Tanisha Foster's fight to reclaim custody of daughter Emani

Nipsey Hussle was fatally shot outside his store in South Central Los Angeles on March 31, 2019.

Foster had been pushing to end Emani’s court-appointed guardianship, which had been in place since 2019 under the care of Nipsey’s family.

On February 4, she formally requested that Sam Asghedom—who, along with their sister, Samantha Smith, and mother, Angelique Smith, had overseen the rapper’s estate—appear for questioning.

The timing was critical, with a trial date looming on February 25.

This legal battle stemmed from a 2019 petition filed by Samantha, who had sought guardianship over Emani, citing concerns about Foster’s parenting.

The family believed the young girl would be best cared for in their home, ensuring stability and a close connection to her father’s legacy.

Initially, Foster had gone along with the arrangement, acknowledging her financial struggles at the time.

Her attorney later clarified, "Tanisha’s motivation for doing so was in recognition of her own financial limitations; her desire to maintain the standard of living and family contact the minor had experienced with the paternal family prior to her father’s death."

But Foster now argued that the family had broken their promises.

Nipsey Hussle’s daughter at the center of custody battle

Tanisha Foster claimed they had used their influence and wealth to limit her role in Emani’s life, cutting off financial support and restricting visitation.

She insisted that her circumstances had changed and that there was no longer a reason to keep her from reclaiming custody.

According to Foster, Emani herself had voiced a desire to live with her mother.

While the legal battle over Emani’s future raged on, the man responsible for Nipsey Hussle’s death was serving a life sentence.

Eric Holder, the rapper’s convicted murderer, had been sentenced in 2023 to 60 years to life in prison.

During his sentencing, a somber courtroom listened as one of Nipsey’s close friends delivered an emotional speech, followed by a letter from Holder’s father.

The judge upheld the original first-degree murder conviction, rejecting Holder’s attorney’s request to reduce the charges.

Lauren London’s ongoing tribute to Nipsey Hussle’s legacy

Amid the ongoing legal disputes and court proceedings, Nipsey Hussle’s longtime partner, Lauren London, continued to honor his memory.

On what would have been his 38th birthday, she posted a heartfelt tribute to the rapper on Instagram, writing: "Honoring the day you blessed the Earth with your presence. Forevermore. I love you."

The post, accompanied by a photo of Nipsey in a white Puma jacket, drew an outpouring of love from Hollywood figures like Big Sean, Lala Anthony, Taraji P Henson, Kelly Rowland, and Yara Shahidi.

Since his passing, London has remained dedicated to raising their son, Kross, alongside her older son, Kameron Carter, whom she shares with rapper Lil Wayne.