Nathaniel Clark – A&E Editor

nuc5002@psu.edu

Takeoff, a member of the hip-hop trio Migos, was shot and killed the morning of Tuesday, November 1 in downtown Houston. 

The rapper, real name Kirshnik Khari Ball, was attending a private party at 810 Billiards & Bowling with fellow Migos member Quavo. Shortly after the party dispersed around 2 a.m., Police were called to the scene after reports of gunshots. Upon arrival, the rapper’s body was discovered outside of the venue. He was 28-years-old at the time of the shooting. Two other individuals, a 23-year-old male, and a 24-year-old female were also shot yet sustained non-life-threatening injuries

After the announcement of his death, Takeoff’s mother drove from Georgia to Houston to discuss her son’s passing with officials. In a briefing, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said the following about the meeting: “I want everybody to understand the pain and suffering of a mother. Very tough.”

Takeoff’s death is the latest in a string of shootings and killings of prominent rappers in recent years. To combat this epidemic in Houston, Finner plans to meet with local rappers as soon as possible to address the issue of gun violence and what can be done to tamper down the issue. “We also need to make sure and stand together and make sure nobody tears down that industry,” said Finner about the upcoming meeting. 

For the layman, Takeoff and the rest of the Migos came to prominence with their 2013 single “Versace.” This single and their 2017 Grammy-nominated album “Culture” brought upon the popularity of the Atlanta trap scene and soundscape that defined almost all popular music in the late 2010s. 

Shortly before Takeoff’s death was the release of his collaborative project with Quavo. Titled “Only Built for Infinity Links,” the album was the first showing of them as a duo since the third member Offset left the group in early 2022. With Takeoff’s passing, there is currently no news of whether the Migos will continue.

Upon the announcement of Takeoff’s passing, messages of mourning filled social media circles. One of the more vocal posts was by Drake who toured with the Migos in 2018. He posted a picture of the two of them performing together along with the caption, “I got the best memories of all of us seeing the world together and bringing light to every city we touch. That’s what I’ll focus on for now. rest easy space man Take.”