Bino Rideaux Honors His Mentor Nipsey Hussle with Long-Awaited Album "Prolific"

TL;DR: Rapper Bino Rideaux is releasing "Prolific," a collaborative album recorded with his late mentor Nipsey Hussle back in 2017. The project was held back for years by Hussle’s family until they felt the time was right. It’s a tribute to their brotherhood and Hussle’s lasting legacy.

Who Is Bino Rideaux?

Bino Rideaux (born Brandon Rainey) is a rapper from South-Central Los Angeles. Think of him as a rising star who got a massive boost from one of hip-hop’s most respected figures.

Quick facts about Bino:

• Started gaining attention with his 2015 mixtape "Life Is Like a Movie"
• Became close with Nipsey Hussle in 2016
• Released successful projects like the "SIXTAPE" series with Blxst
• Now has his own established catalog before this posthumous release

The Special Bond with Nipsey Hussle

How They Met

1. 2015: Rideaux drops his debut solo mixtape
2. 2016: Hussle hears it, invites Rideaux to his studio
3. First session: They create two tracks that land on Hussle’s "Slauson Boy 2"
4. Ongoing: Rideaux keeps coming back to "soak up game" (learn from Hussle)
5. 2017: They release their first joint project, "No Pressure"

More Than Music — Family

"It’s a testament to the fact that every time you see me, you see bro."
— Bino Rideaux

Rideaux has tattoos on his face honoring Hussle:

• "Victory" — His daughter’s name AND reference to Hussle’s album "Victory Lap"
• "God Will Rise" — Translation of Hussle’s given name, Ermias (from Tigrinya, his father’s Eritrean language)

What Is "Prolific"?

The Album Basics

How It Was Made

• Hussle rented a studio for three months — "like a summer camp but for work"
• Constant workflow: producers, engineers, friends all collaborating
• They slept, showered, and worked there together
• Hussle even picked the cover art (a photo at the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel)

Why Did It Take So Long to Release?

The Family’s Decision

After Hussle’s death in March 2019, his brother Samiel "Blacc Sam" Asghedom (estate administrator) wasn’t ready to release new music.

"When we drop the music, we gotta feel like it’s the right time."
— Blacc Sam

The Turning Point

1. Time passed — Grief softened, perspective grew
2. Revisiting the vault — Team listened to unreleased sessions
3. Group chat formed — Rideaux + both teams discussed timing
4. Consensus reached — Everyone agreed: now is right

Rideaux’s Journey Since Hussle Passed

The Grief & The Grind

• Stepped away briefly after Hussle’s death
• Returned inspired by Hussle’s "Marathon" mindset (keep going no matter what)
• *"He would want me to keep going. ‘This sht don’t stop.’"**

Building His Own Legacy

• 2019: "SIXTAPE" with Blxst → summer anthem ("Savage," "Selfish")
• Sequels: SIXTAPE 2, SIXTAPE 3 (4th in the works)
• Solo projects: "Outside," "Sorry 4 Tha Wait ll," "Tha Language" (2025)
• Now: Same age Hussle was when he died (33) — full circle moment

What Makes "Prolific" Different from "No Pressure"?

"We’re making songs for women… completely different approach."
— Bino Rideaux

The Rollout: How They’re Sharing It

Singles & Videos Released

1. "Reckless" — Stress of fame, 1.2M+ views (family footage + new Rideaux clips)
2. "Sacrifices" — Original studio session clips
3. "All Summer" — More behind-the-scenes footage

Physical Collectibles

• Limited edition vinyl records (multiple variants)
• Cassettes (throwback!)
• T-shirts

Launch Event: "The Prolific Experience"

• Where: The Novo, downtown LA
• What: Playback session + panel discussion
• Who: Dedicated fans, family, team

> IMPORTANT POINTS TO REMEMBER

• This isn’t a "cash grab" posthumous album — It was fully recorded, sequenced, and approved by Hussle before he passed
• Rideaux isn’t just "Hussle’s protégé" anymore — He’s a proven artist with his own hits
• The title "Prolific" has deep meaning — It’s the word Hussle had tattooed on his temple; Rideaux now has "Victory" in that same spot
• Family controlled the timeline — Blacc Sam protected the legacy until it felt right
• It’s a love letter — From Rideaux to his "sensei," big brother, and mentor

Summary

Bino Rideaux and Nipsey Hussle weren’t just collaborators — they were family. After meeting in 2016, they created music together in a intense three-month studio "camp" in 2017. That music became "Prolific," an album Hussle personally curated (even the cover art).

When Hussle tragically died in 2019, his brother Blacc Sam paused all unreleased music out of respect. Six years later, with Rideaux now a star in his own right, the family decided the time was right.

Prolific shows a softer, more experimental side of both artists — singing for the ladies, trying Caribbean beats, being vulnerable. It’s being released with care: singles, videos with rare footage, vinyl, cassettes, and a live event.

Most importantly? Rideaux sees this as his life’s mission:

"There’s nothing else I’d rather do with the rest of my career than honor bro."

FAQ

1. Is this a new album recorded after Nipsey died?

No! It was fully recorded and sequenced in 2017 — two years before his passing. Hussle approved the tracklist and cover art himself.

2. Why did Nipsey’s brother wait so long to release it?

Blacc Sam wanted to protect Nipsey’s legacy and only release music when it felt right emotionally and artistically — not because fans or outsiders pressured them.

3. Who is Bino Rideaux without Nipsey?

A successful artist with hit projects (SIXTAPE series with Blxst, multiple solo tapes) and his own sound. He was already established when "Prolific" was finalized.

4. What does "Prolific" mean in this context?

It’s a direct tribute: Hussle had "PROLIFIC" tattooed on his right temple. Rideaux now has "Victory" tattooed in that exact same spot on his face.

5. Where can I hear it?

The singles ("Reckless," "Sacrifices," "All Summer") are on YouTube/streaming platforms. The full album drops around August 2025 (Hussle’s birthday) with vinyl, cassettes, and merch at store.prolificthealbum.com.

Originally reported by the Los Angeles Times. This story celebrates brotherhood, legacy, and the marathon that continues.