(Image taken from: www.pinterest.com)
Volunteer Writer: Sydney M. Cayer
Email: scayer@umassd.edu
Kirshnik Khari Ball, professionally known as Takeoff, was shot and killed outside of a private party in downtown Houston.
The rapper known as Takeoff, who was a member of the Migos, was 28 years old at the time of his death.
The police said the shooting happened at a private party outside of 810 Billiards & Bowling during the early hours of November 1st.
There were around 40 individuals around at the time of the incident. An argument ensued and shots were fired from two weapons.
According to the New York Times, a 23-year-old man and a 24 year-old-woman were taken to the hospital and did not have life-threatening injuries.
Takeoff was born in Lawrenceville, Georgia, and has impacted the hip-hop community since 2008, but he did not release his first project until 2011.
Takeoff was described as “the reserved one” and was “extremely talented” and “you can hear his influence” throughout the Migos projects by Greg Street, a DJ in Atlanta.
During his professional career, he was most known for being a member of the rap trio, Migos. The group is best known for their songs Bad and Boujee (feat. Lil Uzi Vert), Stir Fry, Walk it Talk it, and Motorsport.
The group released a total of 14 albums and 45 singles. The Migos won the BET Award for Best Group in 2020, 2019, 2018, and 2017. In 2017 they won the BET Award for Best Collaboration for their song Bad and Boujee.
In 2018 they won the American Music Award for Favorite Group, and in 2015 they won the YouTube Music Award. Solo, Takeoff released two albums and 13 singles. Many of his songs feature Migos group member, Quavo.
Others in the industry offered condolences on Twitter to the young rapper.
“We lost a legend #Takeoff” – Yung Rénzél.
“TakeOff forever Legendary” – Future.
“Rest in peace, Takeoff. Sending our deepest condolences and prayers to his family, friends and community of people touched by his craft” – Outkast.
“Takeoff ain’t deserve that” – Denzel Curry.
“This Takeoff shit so weird .. I’m genuinely creeped out by the world . I cried . God bless that man’s spirit his family and friends . SUCH A TALENTED SOUL .. ion understand” – SZA.
Takeoff’s death is an unfortunate reminder of just how many rappers the world has lost due to senseless violence.