Late Rapper Takeoff Feared Manifesting Early Death in His Lyrics: 'Certain Things You Just Don't Say'

Migos rapper Takeoff discussed getting his due in music and his fear of manifesting an early death via his lyrics in a wide-ranging interview that premiered just one week before his tragic death.

The Grammy-nominated hip-hop star, who was shot and killed early Tuesday in Houston at age 28, appeared with his uncle and bandmate Quavo on an episode of the Drink Champs podcast that aired on Oct. 22.

During the chat with hosts N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN, the musicians talked about their new collaborative album Only Built for Infinity Links, which came out on Oct. 7, and N.O.R.E. praised Takeoff for his verses on the record.

"Enough is enough, you know? I'm chill and I'm laid-back, but it's time to pop it," the rapper replied. "I mean, time to give me my flowers, you know what I mean? I don't want them later on when I ain't here. I want them right now."

As the conversation continued, talk turned to security and safety as a musician, with Takeoff agreeing with N.O.R.E. that being a rapper is among the more dangerous jobs in the world.

The "Messy" rapper explained that, in light of recent robberies and murders of stars like Pop Smoke and PnB Rock, he was often cautious of what he posted on social media so as not to alert any potential criminals as to his whereabouts.

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"You've got to be careful with social media now," he said. "You gotta watch what you post because even though you're just trying to show off and show your fans stuff, it's people that follow you and watch you that [have] bad intentions and don't want the best for you. They're looking at your page and see you every day… That's why I don't even really post like that, or if I do, I post after I left the spot. I post tomorrow or the next day and you think I'm at a location, but nah, I'm at the crib."

RELATED: Migos Rapper Takeoff Dead at 28 in Houston Shooting

After N.O.R.E. asked Takeoff and Quavo if they consider Los Angeles the "murder rap capital of the world," Quavo, 31, said he and his nephew were "always paranoid from the start" of their careers, and took their security very seriously.

Kenneth Cappello Takeoff and Quavo

He also said they actively avoid rapping about death so as not to manifest anything negative.

"We [were] rapping about [Lamborghinis] and money and cars before we even had Lambos, and then we got Lambos," Quavo explained. "You rap about death, you rap about smoking somebody, it is… You can look us up… We never even said 'If I die today…'"

Added Takeoff: "I don't like that. I don't play like that… I'm just a witness of manifestation... I've seen it, so I know the power of the tongue is powerful. So what you speak comes to existence. There's certain things you just don't say."

The rapper continued, saying that he'd "always had dreams" of achieving success as a rapper, and was laser-focused on his goal throughout his youth.

"You know everybody plays sports and did what they did. I ain't never played sports. I always loved music from the jump, so I didn't even have a plan B. I made myself not have a plan B on purpose just so I could fulfill my plan A," he said. "I knew what I was gonna do, and I knew it was what I wanted to do. And I did it, and God is good."

Jeff Hahne/Getty Takeoff

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In light of Takeoff's death, N.O.R.E. paid tribute to his guest, writing on Twitter that it was "a sad day for all of us!"

"#Takeoff was a true student of #HipHop & Gone way too soon," he wrote. "Glad we gave you your flowers King, you deserved every bit of it! #LongLiveTakeOff prayers & condolences to his family & friends!"

Takeoff (real name Kirsnick Khari Ball) was shot dead outside a downtown bowling alley, police confirmed Tuesday. He was at a private party with Quavo — who was not injured — when an altercation broke out at 2:34 a.m. and shots were fired.

"It is with broken hearts and deep sadness that we mourn the loss of our beloved brother Kirsnick Khari Ball, known to the world as Takeoff. Senseless violence and a stray bullet has taken another life from this world and we are devastated," his label, Quality Control, said in a statement Tuesday evening. "Please respect his family and friends as we all continue to process this monumental loss."