Nipsey Hussle’s “Higher” Lowrider Heads to Auction

Custom 1959 Chevy Impala Featured in Nipsey Hussle’s “Higher” Video Heads to Auction

A striking 1959 Chevrolet Impala with a connection to the late Nipsey Hussle is set to hit the auction block, and the custom lowrider could command a price well into six figures.

The Baby Blue Impala, which appeared in DJ Khaled’s 2019 music video for “Higher” featuring Nipsey Hussle and John Legend, will be offered through Mecum Auctions during its Monterey event in California. The vehicle carries a presale estimate of $175,000 to $225,000.

Its connection to “Higher” gives the Impala significance that stretches far beyond its extensive customization. The music video was filmed shortly before Nipsey was fatally shot outside his Marathon Clothing store in Los Angeles in March 2019. Following his death, the visuals and song took on a much more emotional meaning for fans.

The Impala is scheduled to cross the auction block Friday as Lot F120, giving collectors an opportunity to own a vehicle connected to one of the most memorable releases from the final chapter of Nipsey’s career.

Mechanically, the classic Chevrolet is powered by a 283-cubic-inch V8 connected to a Turbo Hydramatic 350 transmission. The build also includes power steering, power brakes and an aluminum radiator.

Its lowrider setup, however, is one of the car’s defining features. A custom hydraulic suspension system powered through a trunk-mounted battery configuration allows the Impala to raise, lower and bounce in traditional lowrider fashion.

The exterior and interior continue that theme with Dayton wire wheels, whitewall tires and a Tri-Tone Blue cabin. A Public Enemy LA Car Club plate is also displayed inside the vehicle, adding another detail tied to Southern California’s car culture.

The Impala’s appearance in “Higher” gives those custom touches an additional layer of history.

DJ Khaled released the song only weeks after Nipsey’s death, dedicating proceeds from the record to Nipsey’s children. Under those circumstances, the accompanying video became less of a conventional music video and more of a visual tribute to the slain Los Angeles rapper.

“H​igher” later earned Best Rap/Sung Performance at the 2020 Grammy Awards. Nipsey received another posthumous Grammy that evening for “Racks in the Middle,” further cementing the impact of his work following his death.

Now, the Impala featured alongside him in the “Higher” video is becoming a collectible piece of that history.

Mecum has not publicly identified the vehicle’s current owner, and its $175,000-to-$225,000 estimate does not necessarily indicate where bidding will ultimately end. With its combination of classic Chevrolet styling, elaborate lowrider craftsmanship and direct connection to Nipsey Hussle’s legacy, the final sale price could ultimately come down to just how much collectors value the car’s place in hip-hop history.