The legendary Migos rapper Takeoff, a.k.a. Kirshnik Khari Ball was shot dead in Houston yesterday. He was 28. An emcee with a profound impact on hip-hop and black culture was killed amidst a ‘dice game’ at 810 Billiards & Bowling.
The late rapper made his breakthrough, along with his iconic rap-trio Migos, in June 2013 with the release of ‘Versace’. One-third of the group alongside Quavo and Offset, Takeoff started Migos with ‘Juug Season’ in 2011. The group had been releasing exceptional records filled with massive hip-hop bangers ever since such as the ‘Culture’ trilogy, Y.R.N. 1, Y.R.N. 2 and No Label 1.
The late rapper stayed away from the global stardom and often remained elusive. However, the young rap pioneer let his bars and lyricism do the talking.
Last month, Quavo and Takeoff released their debut collaborative album ‘Only Built for Infinity Links’ without Offset. Notably, Migos was put to a brief hiatus amidst back-and-forth reports of feuds and altercations within the group which were never addressed unambiguously in public by the three emcees.
Take-off leaves behind an unmatched legacy, a phenomenal discography and a sincere concern over America’s gun laws and violence.
The Hip-Hop world is shocked and dismayed at the death of a pioneer of modern rap music. Here’s how it went after Takeoff’s death.
Drake
YG
Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs
Travis Scott
Meek Mill
Gucci Mane
Don Toliver
Chance The Rapper
Rick Ross
DJ Khaled
Tyga
Rubi Rose
Denzel Curry
Rich the Kid
Yung Miami
Cordae
The Indian hip-hop community mourns Take-off’s death as well. After his death was confirmed, Indian emcees and lyricist took to Instagram to express their solidarity and offer their prayers.
MC Stan
Raftaar
Ikka
Raga
Sikander Kahlon
Gurinder Gill
Rest in Peace, Take-off.
