Hip-Hop World Mourns Death of Migos‘ Takeoff: ‘This Is Beyond Sad’

Gil Kaufman
·6 min read
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The shocking death of Migos‘ Takeoff, 28, early Tuesday morning (Nov. 1) has elicited a flood of response from the hip-hop community. The youngest member of the rap trio was shot and killed at a Houston-area bowling alley according to the Houston Police Department.

A Houston PD spokesperson said the rapper (born Kirshnik Khari Ball) — who was one third of the Migos trio alongside his uncle, Quavo, and cousin, Offset — was at a private party at a bowling alley in downtown Houston with Quavo around 2:35 a.m. when investigators say shots rang out during an afterparty.

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KHOU reported that police said someone started shooting at the gathering of around 40 people, sparking guests to flee the area with one victim, Takeoff, shot in the head or neck. Two other unidentified victims were reportedly transported to a local hospital in private vehicles.

Ja Rule echoed the thoughts of many commenters in his memorial for the slain rapper. “Rip Takeoff.. this s–t has to STOP… sending love to friends and family,” he tweeted, while producer London On Da Track said, “Long live Takeoff s–t krazy out here.” Lecrae was at a loss for words about Takeoff’s death, which came just hours after the rapper and his uncle, Quavo, released the Halloween-themed video for their Unc & Phew single “Messy.”

“No hot takes. No profound thoughts. Just sad that another rapper, son, brother, and friend has been killed. God be with all those who feel the loss,” Lecrae wrote, with producer Mike Will Made It writing, “RIP TAKE, DAM LIL BRO,” along with crying face, praying hands, broken heart, crown and flowers emoji. Gang Starr’s DJ Premier decried the senselessness of the death. “Condolences to Takeoff’s family,” he wrote. “This is beyond sad to be killed in a senseless situation with so much success.”

Producer Drumma Boy, a frequent Migos collaborator, sent his thoughts about the rapper’s tragic death to Billboard: “My first time working with the Migos was on a record called ‘Look at My Dab.’ Quavo & Offset always had crazy energy & were outspoken, but Takeoff was the guy you could talk to. He was the guy telling you what kinda beats to have ready for the next session and putting you on game to win. A trendsetter, true poet and artist the way he turned life stories into club vibes that made you feel good and wanna have fun. The influence and impact he made on the world before 30 is legendary, and will always be remembered. Respect king.”

Midwest rapper Ugly God emphasized how revolutionary the Migos flow was, writing, “do y’all not realize these n—-s changed the whole cadence of rap when they came out? rip Takeoff. this man has been staying out the way, keeping it minimal, and minding his own buisiness since the beginning. If that’s not enough to be left alone, then idk.”

In the days following the killing, everyone from Katy Perry to Miguel, Pharrell, Outkast and Alicia Keys also paid tribute, with fellow ATL native T.I. offering a lengthy homage, writing, “Lil bro was a real solid, respectful, honest, quiet, polite kid who conducted himself like a Man of Respect and Stayed out the way.”

At press time a spokesperson for Offset had not returned requests for comment on the incident and a Houston PD spokesperson said there was no additional information on the injured and no suspects in custody or motive for the shooting; it also appeared that Quavo and Offset had not yet commented on Takeoff’s death.

See some of the reactions to Takeoff’s death below.

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