Takeoff, one third of the platinum-selling rap group Migos, was shot and killed early Tuesday in Houston, Texas. He was 28.
Houston police say they responded to the scene of a shooting in downtown Houston at a bowling and pool hall around 2:30 a.m. local time. Takeoff, who’s real name is Kirsnif Khari Ball, and bandmate Quavo were playing dice when an altercation broke out and someone opened fire, according to law enforcement and multiple witnesses. Takeoff suffered a gunshot wound to the head or neck and was pronounced dead at the scene. Police were informed that a private party had been held at the venue prior to the shooting. Two other victims were taken in private vehicles to hospitals; an investigation is ongoing.
Takeoff, born in Lawrenceville, Georgia, began performing with his uncle and fellow rapper Quavo, along with his cousin, Offset, as Migos in 2008. The trio shot to fame in 2013 with their first major hit, “Versace,” and went on to become multi-Platinum hitmakers and scoring a Billboard No. 1 with “Bad and Boujee” in 2016. Recently, Takeoff and Quavo formed the duo “Unc & Phew” and released their debut album, “Only Built for Infinity Links,” on October 7. The music video for their song “Messy” was just released on Monday.
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