American rapper and husband of Cardi B, Offset is still struggling to cope with grief following Takeoff’s death.
In an interview on “Way Up With Angela Yee,” the Migos member openly admitted that he continues to experience daily tears as he mourns the loss of his bandmate. The pain of losing a close friend and fellow artist has deeply affected him, and he remains in a state of emotional distress.
“I’m not healed. I’m being honest. I lost my brother. I’m not healed, I’m not good. This st don’t help nothing. I be feeling like people don’t,” the 31-year-old shared. “We’re stars, so people be thinking it’s cool, but I’m a real grown man. I cry every day about this st. At some point, it f**ks me up every day.”
“I’m still a human being. I’m dealing through st personally, and people’s opinions matter nowadays. What’s on Twitter matters. It’s like, I play cool,” the emcee continued. “I smile for the cameras. I do fashion week and do all this st.”
Offset then confessed that it’s all different behind the scenes. He said he needs my woman [Cardi B] to be there for me for what I’m going through, and then you’re making it harder for me by bringing up bullst or my old past when I’m really going through some other st.”
The man charged in the killing of Takeoff has been granted $5,000 by a judge to hire a private investigator to aid his defense, per NBC News.
33-year-old Patrick Xavier Clark, who was arrested earlier this month and charged with the murder of the Migos rapper, filed a motion this week asking for funds to hire an investigator who agreed to work at a reduced rate. In his filing made on Monday, the suspect said he had “exhausted all finances to pay for his attorney who has agreed to a substantially reduced rate.”
The court granted the motion on Friday, and the Harris County Sheriff’s Office has been ordered to allow a P.I. to access Clark, who is currently behind bars, with a laptop, printer, and device to record their conversations. Authorities said Clark was the man who pulled the trigger on Takeoff during the early hours of Nov. 1 in Houston, Texas. Clark was identified by police through the use of shooting reconstruction and ballistics evidence. Cellphone and surveillance footage, which “surfaced over time,” additionally helped with identifying him.
Clark’s attorneys said he wasn’t the individual who shot Takeoff following a “lucrative” dice game that escalated to violence. His attorney Letitia Quinones said her client is “nervous” and “concerned” because he is “being charged with something that he believes he’s innocent of.”
Patrick Xavier Clark’s bond is set at $2 million, although he has a bond reduction hearing on Dec. 14.
Takeoff was shot in the head and torso amid the altercation, which happened as he and fellow Migos rapper Quavo left a bowling alley.
According to police, the late artist was an innocent bystander and not involved in the dispute that led to gunfire.
The man accused of killing Takeoff is requesting funding from the courtto hire a private eye, TMZ reports.
33-year-old Patrick Xavier Clark, who claimed his innocence in court earlier this week, has asked for $5,000 to hire an investigator to help with his defense. According to court documents, he said that he’s unable to cover the costs to hire someone because Clark’s family already spent their money on an attorney who has agreed to work at a reduced rate. Clark argued that he needs to hire someone to “properly investigate” and effectively prepare for the trial, and added there’s an investigator who has already agreed to work on his case for the reduced rate of $85 an hour.
The House police department confirmed Clark was arrested and charged with the murder of the 28-year-old Migos rapper last week. Takeoff was fatally shot during the early hours of Nov. 1 when an argument broke out at a Houston bowling alley and escalated to violence. While Takeoff was not involved in the argument, which authorities said stemmed from a “lucrative” dice game, he was shot in the head and back during the altercation.
In an appearance in court, Clark’s attorneys said that he wasn’t the person who shot Takeoff. His attorney Letitia Quinones said her client is “nervous” and “concerned” because he is “being charged with something that he believes he’s innocent of, so how would anyone do in that type of circumstance?”
Clark is being held on $2 million bond and is set to attend a bond reduction hearing on Dec. 14. Police have cited cellphone and surveillance footage as evidence that Clark was the gunman.
The man who has been accused of killing rapper Takeoff says he’s innocent.
33-year-old Patrick Xavier Clark, who was arrested and charged with the murder of Takeoff last week, said through his attorneys that he didn’t fatally shoot the rapper in Houston, Texas last month. During a brief court appearance on Monday, attorney Letitia Quinones said her client is “nervous” and “concerned” because he is “being charged with something that he believes he’s innocent of, so how would anyone do in that type of circumstance?”
Takeoff was fatally shot at age 28 during the early hours of Nov. 1 when gunfire erupted following a “lucrative” game of dice. He was shot in the head and torso as approximately 30 people left a private gathering at a Houston bowling alley. Authorities said Takeoff was not involved in the dispute that led to gunfire, and was “an innocent bystander.”
Clark is being held on $2 million bond and is set to attend a bond reduction hearing on Dec. 14. Police said they determined Clark’s identity through the use of shooting reconstruction and ballistics evidence, as well as cellphone and surveillance footage that “surfaced over time.”
“Yesterday evening, we arrested Patrick Xavier Clark,” said police chief Troy Finner in a press conference on Friday.
“More than an entertainer, he was a son, brother, cousin, a friend, and a mentor to those in the music industry,” added Houston mayor Sylvester Turner of Takeoff.
“I am glad a suspect has been arrested and charged with Takeoff’s death. I’m certain it will bring some comfort to the family, though it does not bring Takeoff back. This is a significant step towards seeking justice, and I hope it also brings additional comfort to all who loved Takeoff.”
A man has been detained by police and charged with murder in connection with the shooting death of the rapper Takeoff.
The Grammy-nominated artist, 28, was shot and died last month in Houston, Texas, outside a bowling alley.
Although the singer was “an innocent bystander,” Houston police claimed that the shooting was related to a game of dice.
Takeoff was the rap group Migos’ youngest member, and his passing was lamented by admirers and musicians.
At a news conference on Friday, Houston Police revealed that they had captured Patrick Xavier Clark, 33, in custody using surveillance footage from the shooting’s night of the occurrence.
“[Clark] was there on the scene and he was in possession of a weapon,” said Houston Police Chief Troy Finner.
“Don’t let the fear paralyse you,” Chief Finner said in his appeal. “Step up and say something.”
Mayor Sylvester Turner of Houston said he hopes the arrest will bring some comfort to the family of Takeoff.
He added that Takeoff was more than an entertainer, but also a “son, brother, cousin and a friend, and a mentor to those in the music industry”.
Takeoff, born Kirsnick Khari Ball, was one-third of the chart-topping Atlanta-based rap group Migos, who is known for several hits like Bad and Boujee and Stir Fry.
They were nominated for two Grammy Awards – one for best rap album and one for best rap performance – in 2018.
His death was met with an outpour of tributes from fans and musicians like Drake, Kid Cudi, Dave and Rick Ross, who remembered Takeoff as “young legend” and a pioneer of a distinct style of rapping known as the “Migos flow.”
The 28-year-old musician was one of three people shot outside a downtown bowling alley in Houston at 02:30 local time (07:30 GMT) on 1 November, after a dispute erupted at the end of a private party after a dice game.
Sgt. Michael Burrow with the Houston homicide division said on Friday that Takeoff was not involved in playing the dice game or the argument that took place outside the alley, and he was not armed.
“He was an innocent bystander,” Sgt. Burrow said.
Another man and a woman suffered non-life-threatening injuries during the shooting.
Cameron Joshua, 22, was also arrested in connection with the shooting on 22 November and charged with unlawful carrying of a weapon.
Quavo took to Instagram on Saturday to share an emotional tribute to his nephew and fellow Migos rapper Takeoff, who was shot and killed earlier this month at a bowling alley in Houston, TX.
“It’s so hard to tell you I’ma miss you because you always with me and we did everything together,” Quavo’s message begins. “Since we were kids you been by my side, lookin up at me, them eyes waiting on me to make the next move.. then you followed up right behind me.”
“This whole time I’ve been trying to figure out what you really are to me because nephew wasn’t it,” he added. “We hated that word ‘nephew’ or when they said “Unc and Phew” cuz we always knew we were way closer than that and it made me feel old too.”
Quavo continued, “But I knew you weren’t my brother cuz you are my sister’s son, so I couldn’t say brother. Now I finally get it…You are OUR angel.”
Takeoff, real name Kirsnick Khari Ball, was remembered on Friday by family, friends, and fans, as thousands packed inside Atlanta’s State Farm Arena for the “Celebration of Life for Takeoff.”
“After I made the first move, you always followed up right behind me,” Quavo reportedly said during the service. “You always waited for me to do it first so you could do it right with me. You never competed with me, we was always on the same team because you hated plotting against me because I always played too hard or too rough.”
“[Takeoff] changed the culture of music forever,” Offset shared. “You changed that flow. That flow came from Take, the originator. The originator of that flow. He changed the music.”
Thousands gathered Friday at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena to honor the life and legacy of Takeoff, who was shot and killed in Houston on Nov. 1.
Among those in attendance to pay their respects were fellow Migos rappers Quavo and Offset, both of whom gave speeches at the memorial service, as well Cardi B, Drake, Gucci Mane, Cardi B, City Girls, YG, Lil Yachty, Cee-Lo Green, Teyana Taylor, Rich the Kid, Russell Simmons, Murda Beatz, and Mustard.
In addition, the service, which was referred to as a Celebration of Life, included musical performances from Chlöe Bailey, Justin Bieber, Yolanda Adams, and Byron Cage. The late rapper was also given The Phoenix Award by Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens during the memorial.
“I don’t wanna question you, God, but I don’t get you sometimes,” Offset said while speaking to attendees, according to Rolling Stone.
Drake, who’s collaborated with Migos on hit singles such as “Walk It Talk It,” also delivered a eulogy in honor of Takeoff at the service. Comparing himself and Migos to the Rat Pack (Dean Martin, Sammy Davis Jr, and Frank Sinatra), Drake reminisced on going on tour with the trio.
“I miss performing with my brothers,” Drake said. “After all these years watching Dean Martin, I realized I want to grow old with my friends. We should do that more.”
Pierre “P” Thomas and Kevin “Coach K” Lee also spoke at the memorial.
Following the emotional service, Cardi took to Instagram to pay tribute to Takeoff with a heartbreaking post.
“Takeoff your untimely passing has brought a great deal of pain and sorrow to so many lives,” Cardi wrote. “The impact you had in this world was so considerable and we have struggled to grasp this tragedy. I am heartbroken but I am grateful for all the precious memories we got to share while you were here with us.
“This has truly been a nightmare and the pain is incomparable. The emptiness your brothers are feeling is unbearable and I pray that you give Offset, Quavo, and your friends and family the strength to keep going as they are trying to cope with this loss.”
She added: “I believe that angels send signs and beautiful dreams to loved ones to assure them that they’re watching them and they’re okay and happy…send your mom some of those [praying emoji].”
Quavo also took to Instagram to remember Takeoff, writing, “I knew you weren’t my brother cuz you are my sister’s son, so I couldn’t say brother. Now I finally get it…You are OUR angel.”
You can read the official obituary for Takeoff, real name Kirsnik Khari Ball, below.
Kirsnik Khari Ball
June 18, 1994-November 1, 2022
Kirsnick “Takeoff” Khari Ball, 28, of Atlanta left us on November 1, 2022, after an untimely incident took him decades before his time. Kirsnick (or Takeoff, as fans, friends and family alike all called him) was a most gentle soul, with a peace about him alongside a wise demeanor far beyond his years. Endearing and impressive both on stage and in private life, Takeoff commanded respect wherever his path took him from musicians, family, industry and peers alike.
What mattered most to Takeoff was his family and he was known to spread real love to all the lives of everyone who knew him. The beloved son of Titania “Treet” Davenport and Kenneth Ball, Takeoff (or Kirsnick) was the most loving grandson of Edna Marshall and most devoted nephew and artistic collaborator of Quavious “Quavo” Marshall. He is survived by siblings Ezekiel Davenport and Heaven Davenport, Aunt Kashara Reed and numerous cousins.
He was an amazing talent who led an extraordinary life; from being a kid growing up in Gwinnett County making music in his Grandma’s basement to performing worldwide on arena tours with hundreds of thousands of screaming fans paying witness to his lyrical prowess in any given year. He was a critical darling with press often touting him as a great lyricist and rapper of our time and a fan favorite. His deep bond with his Uncle Quavious Marshall known to the world as simply “Quavo ‘’ carried them from childhood family members to profound musical partners in the super group Migos alongside childhood friend Kiari “Offset” Cephus. Migos changed music as we know it and shifted the style of rap for almost a decade after their first viral hit and their unique uses of adlibs and word play. Takeoff’s contribution to the culture through Migos and beyond with his own solo album and recent critically heralded album with Quavo is a part of music history with chart topping hits, rave reviews, television moments, Billboard chart #1s, and billions of streams of music. Takeoff and crew went from internet viral up & comers in the basement to chart topping artists donning the cover of Rolling Stone and Grammy nominations.
Born in Atlanta, Georgia, Takeoff attended Berkmar High School in Gwinnett County and had been vocal that when they were all playing sports (Quavo and Offset) he was training to be a rapper. One sweet school days anecdote before the rap acclaim was winning the 4th grade spelling bee! All he ever wanted to be was a rapper- it was his singular goal and he achieved it in a monumental way. He always loved music, rapping, all things space and watching films and TV series. On a human level it was simple: When Takeoff smiled you just thought everything was going to be OK. He was a deep thinker and it would show up in conversations and veiled in rap lyrics.
Takeoff’s biggest passion in life was music, and all he ever wanted to do was leave a mark and have a legacy that lasted for decades as he once told Complex magazine during an interview for a cover story. His Mom Treet used to play him all the Hip Hop she loved and from the time he could crawl he would head to the speakers and pull himself up to dance and move to the bass. From a young child he was always intent on being a rapper with his favorites being Lil Wayne and all the Cash Money crew. His curiosity and love of rappers was immense and he’d keep up on every artist coming out from the underground to big stars, always grinding through Youtube looking at everyone’s videos. If you were an artist who had a video out then Takeoff saw it! He was a true and deep fan of Hip Hop and remained a student of it til his last day even when considered a master himself by so many.
Notable moments in his short but massively seminal career: over 17 billion streams, two albums debuted at #1 on Billboard Charts and remained in Top 10 for 21 weeks, global hit “Bad and Boujee” #1 breaking records worldwide,a global arena tour alongside Drake, two performances on the legendary Saturday Night Live aka SNL, a hilarious Carpool Karaoke with James Corden viewed over 61 million times, gracing the cover of Rolling Stone to headlining festivals worldwide. The impact of his group Migos remains profound.
In the last many months of his life, Takeoff turned to writing and recording with Quavo to create their joint album “Only Built For Infinity Links” which came out to much critical acclaim and kicked off by a performance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. The campaign was just beginning and plans to tour and spread the music globally were in play.
There are no words or sentiments conveyed that could aptly encompass the love so many had for him and the impact he made on this world. Takeoff would want the world to see the light in what he created and keep lifting each other up and supporting the creations people put into the world. He’s now up with there with the stars he loved so much and remains in all our ethers on a daily basis living on through his music and the love he brought to so many.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to The Rocket Foundation: https://www.rocket-foundation.org
Fans of slain rapper Takeoff, a member of the hip-hop trio Migos who was shot and killed a week ago, will gather on Friday to honour his life and musical contributions.
Takeoff, born Kirsnick Khari Ball, was killed in a shooting outside a Houston bowling alley on November 1. During the shooting, a woman and another man were also injured. There have been no arrests.
According to a news release from Quality Control Music and Motown Records, a celebration will take place at noon Friday in Atlanta’s State Farm Arena. Georgia residents will be able to get free tickets through Ticketmaster.
“Takeoff was one of the most influential names in modern music whose creativity left a profound impact on music and culture as we know it today,” read the release
Instead of flowers or gifts, the family is asking that people make donations to The Rocket Foundation, which aims to support programs using community-based solutions to stop gun violence, according to its website. The website says the foundation was established in honor of Takeoff.
The 28-year-old Takeoff formed one-third of the Grammy Award-nominated trio Migos along with his uncle Quavo and cousin Offset from suburban Atlanta. Migos broke out nearly a decade ago with the 2013 hit “Versace,” which hit even greater heights in popularity though a Drake remix.
Takeoff was the youngest of the Migos trio and often considered to be its most laidback member. Despite being more reserved, he did a lot of his talking through his rhymes. He had hoped to gain more respect for his lyrical ability through “Only Built for Infinity Links,” an album he released with Quavo just last month.
The Atlanta Symphony Hallis not a natural breeding ground for hip-hop heads and hypebeasts. In fact, it’s just the opposite. It’s the kind of establishment that you’d expect to host conservative suits and wealthy business types for fundraisers and stuffy mixers. That’s probably why on Saturday, Nov. 5 at the orchestral venue felt so special.
In the heart of Atlanta’s midtown area, a diverse group of rap fans, influencers, entrepreneurs and more flocked to the lobby of the symphony hall on Peachtree Street for the Red Bull Symphonic starring Rick Ross. Debuting for the first time in the United States, the Red Bull Symphonic marked a joyous celebration merging classic and contemporary rap music. Backed by the award-winning all-Black symphony, Orchestra Noir, Rick Ross delivered a stunning performance that helped change the narrative surrounding rap and uplifted a community that has experienced so many highs and lows this year.
The guests were decked in extravagant dresses and suave suits, but with a twist. On their feet were the latest sneaker drops from Travis Scott’s Cactus Jack collaboration with Jordan to Air Forces and vibrant colorways of the Jordan 1s. It might not have been the typical dress code for the events that usually occur at this venue, but it was definitely the appropriate choice for an occasion as unprecedented as this one.
Since its inception, rap has received a lot of negative press. It’s often been looked at as a fad or used as a scapegoat during election cycles. Though rap has been the most dominant genre in the U.S. since 2018, amongst the music community, it is still viewed as the inferior genre. The Grammys is a big indicator. In 2022, rap was noticeably left out of the top categories nominations for Song of the Year and Record of the Year.
Image via Red Bull
Maestro Jason Ikeem Rodgers told Complex during a rehearsal ahead of the show that the Symphonic intends to change the conversation and put the genre on a bigger and brighter platform. “Hip-hop is so versatile and so much could be done with it and now people are starting to see that,” he says. “I love the effect of us putting rap and hip-hop on a grand stage. It shows us in a different light. We think that we have to go to nightclubs and hookah lounges to hear hip-hop, but you can also come to a concert hall like this with musicians who are classically-trained.”
As the last few guests hustled into their seats, the house lights dimmed and the stage lights illuminated in hues of crimson and white. The players of Orchestra Noir filed into their seats on stage followed by Maestro Rodgers. It’s show time.
The show began with a performance by Mapy, the self-proclaimed “Violin Queen” from Paris who performed a series of radio hits such as Wizkid’s “Essence.” Mapy was then followed by the Sainted Trap Choir, a 15-person ensemble who delivered a stellar performance of gospel and trap songs. Then, after a 10-minute intermission, horns, strings, and drums let out a harmonious sound as Rick Ross entered the stage, wearing a pink leather shirt, white pants, and a stack of diamond chained dangling from his neck.
“The devil is a lie,” Rick Ross declared before a buzzing crowd. The line is a reference to Ross’ 2014 collaboration with Jay-Z of the same name. Though the crowd’s screams and cheers were relentless, Rick Ross wasted no time jumping into his set.
For over an hour, Rozay took fans on a journey through his catalog, playing his biggest hits from 2006’s “Hustlin” to 2010’s “B.M.F.” and 2012’s “Stay Schemin’.” Particularly moving moments included Ross’ rendition of “Devil in a Red Dress,” his legendary 2010 collaboration with Kanye West. The performance of “Aston Martin Music” was also memorable. On stage, Ross and the orchestra were joined by the all-black choir, Sainted Trap Choir, who provided soul background vocals. During “Here I Am,” Ross two-stepped while DJ Sam Sneak encouraged him on the mic.
Image via Red Bull
The live show was particularly refreshing since many contemporary artists perform behind their own recorded vocals and electronic production. Any artist would have been incredible when backed by Orchestra Noir, but Rick Ross was the ideal fit for a show of this magnitude. The rapper’s husky voice against regal and luxe production makes him an obvious choice to be translated on the orchestral stage.
Maestro Jason Rodgers worked alongside assistant music director Larry J. Smith to dissect and transcribe Rick Ross’ music for the symphonic stage. “That was an awesome process,” Rodgers said. “I wanted to try this new method where we worked separately. I concentrated on the strings, and he concentrated on the winds and rhythm section. Seeing Rick Ross’ music that is already in my opinion so orchestral, was great.”
The Atlanta Symphonic was undoubtedly a historic moment for the self-proclaimed Boss of rap whose elegant and luxe music has touched rap fans for more than a decade. But it was also a monumental Saturday night for rap as a whole. Classical music has been accused of classism and elitism, catering to high-class white audiences. Orchestra Noir is proving that Black people are not only striving to be the rappers on the mics but the musicians behind the cellos, violins, and trumpets. “Seeing black people on that stage is amazing. It shows our diverse talent as a people,” Rodgers adds. ‘That’s really important for young Black boys and girls to see and say, ‘Hey, I can see myself in that symphony up there because I see people that look like me too.’”
Image via Red Bull
In the middle of Rick Ross’ performance, he took a brief pause to address an important topic. “As brothers and sisters, we can’t keep tearing ourselves down. We got to initiate the change. Rest in peace, Takeoff,” Ross said before asking everyone to take of silence for the late rapper.
Takeoff, one-third of Atlanta rap trio Migos, was fatally shot on November 1, outside of a bowling alley in Houston, Texas. Alongside his family and fellow band members, Quavo and Offset, Migos shot to stardom in the early 2010s and quickly became one of the most influential rap groups in music. Takeoff was often considered the reticent member of the group but his hypnotic flows and adlibs were very incomparable and shaped the current sound of trap music.
Takeoff’s death marks another tragedy that the rap community has experienced this year. Rappers PnB Rock, Trouble, and Young Dolph also died as a result of gun violence in 2022. The air has especially been thick in Atlanta where the city is grappling with gun violence and the government’s targeting of rappers. Young Thug and Gunna were arrested in May 2022 on RICO charges at the height of their careers.
Of course the pain cannot be erased in one night, but Rodgers suggests the Red Bull Symphonic will restore some hope and joy to a broken community. “It’s so tragic how we lose some of our younger rappers and young hip-hop stars and it’s just a shame that it’s so prevalent in the culture,” he begins. “With a project like this showing that hip-hop music can be viewed and listened to in different ways, I think that’s important for people to see because it puts us in a different setting. We need to continue to take hip-hop and put hip-hop in different lights. Right now, I don’t think people have the right idea of hip-hop. It has many different elements.”
The performance closed with a powerful rendition of “God Did” where Rick Ross and Orchestra Noir were once again joined by the choir and Mapy and the Sainted Trap Choir.
The Red Bull Symphonic showed the city of Atlanta and the music industry what the artists in rap and the fans who championed the genre have known all along: rap is an exquisite art form that deserves to be seen on the most regal of stages.
The nurse who tried to help Takeoff after he was fatally shot recently opened up about what she witnessed and why she decided to respond to the scene. As previously reported by Face2Face Africa, the Migos band member was shot and killed at a bowling alley in Houston on November 1.
In an interview with KHOU, the infusion nurse,who opted not to disclose her identity, said there was nothing she could do to keep the 28-year-year old rapper alive. She also recalled what she heard and saw before she went to the scene of the incident.
“I live close by and I heard, ‘Pow pow pow pow pow,’ and it stopped and I went, ‘That’s so weird so I got up in my pajamas, go over to the balcony, my neighbors were underneath me. I said ‘Did yall hear that?’ And they said ‘Yeah.’ And I said ‘I don’t think that was a car or firecrackers. That sounded like gunshots,’” she said.
The nurse said she initially chose not to leave her home because she suspected it was an active shooter situation. But she said she heard someone scream after things calmed down.
“I’m thinking that’s the victim. That’s the person who’s shot,” she recalled. “It sounded like a cry of agony. It was a cry of agony but emotional not physical.”
The nurse said she later got to know the person who screamed was fellow band member and Takeoff’s uncle Quavo. The 31-year-old was said to be asking for assistance as well as an ambulance. And in the wake of his plea, the nurse said she rushed to the scene after she took her equipment from her car. She added that she later got to know the victim was Takeoff.
“You can hear my voice in a video yelling ‘I’m a nurse. No, no, no. I’m a nurse,’ because I wanted to let them know,” she said. “I was scared, but I had to go.”
But she said there was nothing she could do to resuscitate the deceased rapper. “His head was way up and his eyes were rolled back and fixed,” she recalled. “And I saw a pile of blood behind his head.”
The nurse also told KHOU that she checked the victim’s pulse several times. And though social media users said she should have performed CPR on Takeoff, she said that could have aggravated his condition.
“Would not be appropriate, especially with a gunshot wound,” she said. “You would never do CPR because you would be circulating the blood and the blood would go right out of the hole.”
The nurse said she commiserates with Takeoff’s family as her son’s age is around that of the deceased rapper. She also said she decided to speak on the incident because she wants “somebody to know that good people sometimes show up, just because.”
And though she had conversations with the Houston Police Department in the wake of the fatal shooting, she said she could not provide any concrete information because she wasn’t at the scene when the shots were fired.
The nurse also said she hopes the person who fatally shot the rapper would be identified by someone who knows him. The fatal incident is currently being investigated by the Houston Police Department.
After a briefer homage to Takeoff on Instagram, Drake eulogized the fallen 28-year-old as he opened his radio show on Thursday night.
On the second episode of Table for One on SiriusXM—leading up to his 21 Savage collab album Her Loss at midnight—Drake remembered the “legendary, unprecedented” Migos member with whom he collaborated on hits including “Walk It Talk It.”
Sounding slightly choked-up at points, the 36-year-old tried to impress upon listeners that life is “worth living, and everybody deserves that chance.”
Read/hear Drake’s full remarks on the death of Takeoff below.
“Before I get into the pleasantries, I’d just like to send our deepest condolences from the family to the entire QC, to our brother Quavo, to our brother Offset, to the friends and loved ones of the legendary, unprecedented Takeoff—a guy that I knew for a long, long time. I’m sure people know how we started, of course, with ‘Versace.’ And from there, you know, we formed a brotherhood. I always talk about the fact that this was one family. My friends in the music industry are not friends, they’re family. So, our deepest condolences—tragic loss for all of us and, you know, a dark cloud over this business that we love so much. And, man, I just encourage everybody to lock into that mindset, no matter where you are, you know? It’s just really…it’s a life that’s worth living, and everybody deserves that chance. It’s unfortunate that one of our dear, dear brothers had to leave us this week. And it’s tough to even talk about, I don’t even know how to really—I don’t have the words, I feel like I’m rambling, but, yeah: again, our deepest condolences from the family. We love you, and I appreciate the memories, appreciate the memories.”
On Instagram on Tuesday, Drizzy shared a picture of himself onstage with the Last Rocket MC, writing, “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 🚀.”
Takeoff, born Kirshnik Khari Ball, was fatally shot in Houston in the early hours of Nov. 1.
Quality Control confirmed his passing, with the label stating, “Senseless violence and a stray bullet has taken another life from this world and we are devastated. Please respect his family and friends as we continue to process this monumental loss.”
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said, “We will solve this crime, let us solve this crime. Let us bring the person or persons to justice.”
In October, Takeoff and Quavo shared their first album as Unc & Phew, Only Built for Infinity Links.
New details regarding the death of Takeoff have been revealed as the artist continues to be mourned.
Takeoff, who came to fame as one-third of the platinum-selling rap group Migos, was shot and killed early Tuesday at a private party in Houston, Texas.
He was 28.
The Harris County Medical Examiner’s Office listed the manner of death as homicide with “penetrating gunshot wounds of head and torso into the arm” stated as the cause of his death.
A 23-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman were also injured. Sgt. Michael Arrington of the homicide division told reporters Tuesday that they both were doing ok.
The shooting death of Takeoff, who was known as the quiet, low-key member of his group, which included his uncle Quavo, is the latest high-profile death of a hip-hop artist.
His former group mate and longtime friend Offset has not spoken publicly about Takeoff’s death, but on Wednesday he changed the avatar on his verified Instagram account to a photo of Takeoff with a white heart.
A number of celebrities have paid tribute to the slain artist, including, Drake, Gucci Mane, Machine Gun Kelly and Beyoncé, who changed the landing page of her site to a photo of him.
Takeoff seemed aware of the potential danger that rappers sometimes face,
During a conversation on the “Drink Champs” podcast that recently streamed, he and Quavo talked to hosts N.O.R.E. and DJ EFN about their new album, “Only Built for Infinity Links.”
Talk turned security and the murders of fellow artists Pop Smoke and PnB Rock. Takeoff said, “You’ve got to be careful with social media now.”
“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,” he said. “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.”
Authorities are asking for the witnesses to come forward and provide information in hopes of arresting the person or people responsible.
Houston officials vowed to deliver justice in the killing of rapper Takeoff, with the chief of police calling the 28-year-old Atlantan a “peaceful” man and urging any witnesses to the shooting to come forward.
The rapper, part of the multiplatinum hip-hop trio Migos, was at a bowling alley and billiards hall where a private party was held early Tuesday. A 911 call received at 2:34 a.m. reported a shooting in progress, and officers discovered Takeoff dead on the third level, just outside the front door, police said.
The Harris County medical examiner ruled Takeoff died from “penetrating gunshot wounds of head and torso into arm.”
There were roughly 40 people at the event, many of whom left “possibly out of fear,” Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said.
A man, 23, and woman, 24, also were injured and took private vehicles to the hospital, Sgt. Michael Arrington of the homicide division told reporters Tuesday. He did not elaborate on their injuries but said, “They’re both going to be OK.”
Employees told police gunfire erupted after the party, when a large group of people gathered outside the front door “and it led to an argument where the shooting took place from the disagreement,” Arrington said.
“A lot of people that were there fled the scene and did not stick around to give a statement,” the sergeant said. “All we can hope is you all will reach out and give us evidence to solve the death of Takeoff.”
Public Enemy legend Chuck D is addressing gun violence following the tragic death of Takeoff, who was gunned down Tuesday morning in Houston.
In a conversation with TMZ, Chuck D spoke about his generation’s ability to focus its attention on reminding people that the “music and art form is beautiful,” which he suggested his predecessors have failed to do.
“This is abnormal behavior,” Chuck D said about the gun violence issue that’s claimed countless rappers’ lives over the past few years.
He continued, “It is a tragedy, and the pain is unbearable…The peace, unity, love aspect of hip-hop should be revered.”
Chuck D went on to blame the “industry” for absorbing hip-hop culture en route to “normalizing” such behavior. “In any other walk of life, it would’ve been addressed far earlier,” he said. “You have people who’ve grown up thinking that hip-hop death is a normal thing.”
The hip-hop icon’s comments arrive hours after Takeoff was fatally shot in Houston.
According to TMZ’s initial report, which cited police sources and several alleged witnesses, local officials were first notified of the shooting “shortly after 2:30 a.m.” Both Quavo and Takeoff were at the site, which is said to have been a bowling alley where a dice game was taking place.
At one point, an altercation is alleged to have started, followed by gunfire, although additional details regarding what transpired in the moments leading up to the shooting have not been made public.
Earlier tonight, Quality Control shared their official statement on the Migos rapper’s passing.
“Senseless violence and a stray bullet has taken another life from this world and we are devastated,” they wrote.
“Please respect his family and friends as we continue to process this monumental loss.”
Takeoff, one-third of Migos, is dead after an early morning shooting in Houston … TMZ Hip Hop has confirmed.Law enforcement sources, and multiple witnesses, tell us the fatal incident went down shortly after 2:30 AM … that’s when cops got the call for a man shot at a bowling alley called 810 Billiards & Bowling Houston.
We’re told Takeoff and Quavo were there playing dice when an altercation broke out and that’s when someone opened fire, shooting Takeoff … either in the head or near his head.
TMZ Hip Hop has obtained footage from the scene, and you can see Quavo — in an orange shirt — and others gathered around Takeoff. At first they tried to move him, but then put him back down, and Quavo yelled for someone to get help.Police tell us 2 other people were shot and were taken to the hospital in private vehicles. It’s unclear what their conditions are. Quavo was not injured.
Just a couple of hours before the shooting, Takeoff posted a selfie from the bowling alley. Quavo had posted video earlier in the night, driving around Houston with Jas Prince, who was celebrating his birthday.Takeoff, who’s real name is Kirshnik Khari Ball, was the youngest member of Migos. Quavo was his uncle, and Offset his cousin.They came together as a group in 2008 in Georgia, and became multi-platinum hitmakers … dropping their first major hit, “Versace,” in 2013. They would hit number one on Billboard in 2016 with “Bad and Boujee.”Most recently, Quavo and Offset had released a project as the duo, “Unc & Phew.” They had just released their latest music video, “Messy,” on Monday.Takeoff was 28.RIPStory developing …Source:tmz.com
Quavo and Takeoff have unleashed Only Built for Infinity Links, their first full-length record under the Unc & Phew moniker.
The ATL rappers/family members began working on the project about two years ago, as they prepared to deliver the Migos’ Culture III album. Quavo and Takeoff spoke about the effort in a new interview with Complex’s Jordan Rose, explaining their overall vision and hopes for the release.
“We just want [listeners] to know that we’re consistent individually, as a duo, and as a group,” Quavo said about OBFIL. “People always ask for the [Migos] altogether. A lot of people love that, but at the same time, even when we would go off and do our own features and other things, it’s always successful. We’re just learning from each of our lives. Like I said, it was always just about the three of us and living fast and going crazy, now it’s just about giving them the origins and legacy and what we have done.. People can get lost sometimes, so we have to let them know that we started this and [that] we’re still here.”
Quavo, 31, and Takeoff, 28, said they drew inspiration from some of hip-hop’s most iconic duos: the OBFIL album art was a nod to OutKast’s Stankonia cover, while the title was a reference to Ghostface Killah and Raekwon’s 1995 project Only Built 4 Cuban Linx.
“One night, we’re out at a little sports bar, and Raekwon walks straight in the building,” Quavo recalled. “So I went up and talked to him and just let him know that we appreciate what he’s done for the culture and what he did for us as a group, and that as we branch off as a duo, we’re still following in his footsteps. We asked for his blessing, and he was with it and said he loved what we did. It’s been genuine ever since.”
OBFIL spans 18 tracks, including the previously released “Hotel Lobby,” “Nothing Changed,” “Big Stunna” with Birdman, and the Gucci Mane-assisted “Us vs. Them.” It boasts additional guest appearances from Young Thug, Gunna, YoungBoy Never Broke Again, Mustard, and Summer Walker.
