Takeoff was one-third of the chart-topping American band Migos
(Picture: AP)Grammy-nominated musician Takeoff died aged 28 on Tuesday in a shooting at a bowling alley in Houston, Texas.
His record label, Quality Control Music, said in a statement: “Senseless violence and a stray bullet has taken another life from this world and we are devastated.”
At least 40 people were at the location when the shooting took place. A party reportedly ended at 1am but carried over until the incident occurred. Local media reported that police said there was an argument that led to the shooting.
Who was Takeoff and what has been the reaction to his death?
Who was Takeoff?
Born Kirsnick Khari Ball, Takeoff was one-third of the chart-topping American band Migos, whose hits included Walk It Talk It, Stir Fry and Versace.
The band achieved mainstream success with their 2016 single Bad and Boujee, which was nominated for best rap performance at the Grammy Awards. Takeoff, who was the youngest member of the band, did not appear on that song, saying he missed the recording session.
He was considered to be one of the key architects of the Migos sound.
The rapper started making beats and developing rhythms at a young age. However, he did not start producing music professionally until 2011.
Takeoff was in the band with his uncle, Quavo, and cousin, Offset.
The rapper had recently collaborated with his uncle on a duo project called Unc & Phew. They released their debut album Only Built for Infinity Links last month.
The music video for their song Messy was released earlier this week.
Reactions to Takeoff’s death
Fellow rapper Gucci Mane, who recently worked with Takeoff on the track Us vs. Them, said on Instagram: “This broke my heart.”
Drake also expressed his condolences on Instagram. “I got the best memories of all of us seeing the world together and bringing light to every city we touch,” he said. “That’s what I’ll focus on for now.”
Another rapper, Desiigner, mourned on an Instagram Live and claimed he was quitting rap.
“I’m done with rap,” he said. “It’s done, it’s done, it’s done, it’s done. Not to Takeoff, bro. It’s done.”
Reality star Khloe Kardashian said on Twitter: “This is so sad. Wow! over what?? May God cover everyone who is in pain. These senseless acts have got to end. So so sad.”
