Photo courtesy of Motown Records
It didn’t feel real when word of Takeoff’s murder spread in the early hours of Nov. 1. Following his untimely death, the Migos rapper — born Kirshnik Khari Ball — has been immortalized as one of hip-hop’s quietly, quintessential icons over the course of his decade-long career.
Stemming from a candlelight vigil held in his hometown of Atlanta, Takeoff is set to be laid to rest on Friday (Nov. 11) at State Farm Arena, home of the Atlanta Hawks. The venue, which has a capacity of 20,000, is expected to bring in thousands of friends, family and fans as the funeral will be open to the public. Tickets are currently on sale, but the event will be free for Georgia residents.
Close collaborators like Drake weren’t remiss to recall personal moments with the slain Last Rocket. “I’m sure people know how we started, of course, with ‘Versace,’” Drake said on Sound 42 Radio. “And from there we formed a brotherhood. I always talk about the fact that this is 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 a dark cloud over this business that we love so much.”
Additionally, Migos groupmate Offset delayed his sophomore album, which was set for release on the day of Takeoff’s funeral (Nov. 11). Neither Quavo or Offset have commented publically since Takeoff’s slaying on Halloween. The Atlanta Falcons also paid their respects during their game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday (Nov. 6), as an outpour of love and support has flooded timelines since his passing earlier this month. Expect a slew of superstar talent to attend his funeral this weekend — evoking memories and anecdotes to the weight of Takeoff’s impact.
Takeoff was one of three people shot at a Houston bowling alley and pool hall during a private Halloween party. He was only 28 years old, as his death was reportedly over a dice game at 810 Billiards & Bowling.
According to the Houston Chronicle, the party reportedly ended around 1 a.m. where officers found multiple gunshell casings on the third floor of the building. Videos swirled online of a argument between Quavo and aggravators at 810, where Quavo, Takeoff and their crew walked out to avoid further conflict. As they left, shots rang out — reportedly aimed for Quavo, but had lethally strayed Takeoff.
Houston PD Sgt. Michael Arrington reported that most of the 40 or 50 attendees left the event prior to the time shots rang out around 2 a.m. Police say no one saw who fired the shots, as the investigation remains active in effort to identify the shooter. The two other victims were transported to a nearby hospital and underwent surgery following the incident.
Takeoff, 28, just recently dropped his debut duo album with partner-in-crime and uncle, Quavo. Only Built For Infinity Links waged through the hip-hop community as one of the most anticipated projects of the year. Neither Quavo or former Migos member Offset have posted about the rapper’s sudden death as of yet.
Takeoff’s debut solo album The Last Rocket (2018) asserted his star power on his own accord, as both Migos’ groupmates referred to him as the trio’s “best rapper” in multiple interviews over the years. His music will forever ring in our ears, with tributes being paid all throughout the industry forever.
Rest In Peace, Takeoff.
This story will be updated.
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