Culture | November 13th, 2022
Takeoff’s Legacy Lives On
By: Kya Cudjo
Kirshnik Khari Ball, known across the nation as ‘Takeoff’ and one-third of the hip-hop trio Migos, was shot and killed at a private party in Houston, Texas.
Migos is an American hip-hop group from Lawrenceville, Georgia, founded in 2008. The group also consists of rappers Quavo and Offset.
Quavo and Offset were spotted for the first time since the tragedy at the rapper’s wake in Atlanta Thursday night. Offset’s wife and fellow songstress, Cardi B, accompanied the now duet.
To understand the Migos’ relationship a bit more, Takeoff is the nephew of Quavo, and Offset is a cousin. Quavo’s mother, Edna Marshall, raised the three of them in the northern suburbs of Atlanta. Marshall is frequently shouted out in Migos songs as “Mama!”
According to New York Times, the trio rose to national prominence with their hit single “Versace” in 2013.
Meanwhile, they have produced dozens of songs and have been nominated for BET Hip Hop Awards, MTV Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards for ‘Top Rap Song.’ They were nominated twice for Grammy Awards for best rappers and have won five named BET Awards for Best Group consecutively from 2018-2020.
The famous hip-hop trio, Migos, broke up after months of speculation, label drama, social media unfollows, and the group releasing a handful of music separately.
Quavo and Takeoff finally clarified the Migos separation in a teaser from Unc & Phew’s upcoming appearance on Revolt TV’s ‘Big Facts’ podcast.
“I just feel like we want to see our career as a duo, you know what I’m saying?” Quavo said. “Because you know, we just came from a loyal family, sh*t that’s supposed to stick together. And sometimes, when sh*t don’t work out, it ain’t meant to be.”
Takeoff, who is often looked at as the chill, and calmer rapper of the group, took a more optimistic approach in his response.
“We don’t know all the answers, you feel me? God knows. We pray a lot, you know? Whatever ain’t right and however you supposed to see it fit, you put it back together, or however you do it, we pray. So only time will tell. We always family now, that ain’t gon’ change.”
Takeoff’s lawyer, Drew Findling, told the NY times, “When you’re around Takeoff, there’s a sense of peacefulness about his aura,” said Findling. “He listens to you, he looks at you, he’s more focused on what you have to say than what he has to say. The world was starting to learn about Takeoff. It was his time to shine.”
TMZ officials were told Takeoff and Quavo were at a bowling alley, 810 Billiards & Bowling Houston, playing dice when an altercation broke out, and that’s when someone opened fire, shooting Takeoff either in the head or near his head. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Disturbing and graphic footage from the scene shows Quavo, in an orange shirt, and others gathered around Takeoff, lying on the floor in a pool of blood.
In this video, you can hear the pain and distraught cries of Quavo yelling for his nephew.
Celebrity Tributes
Rich The Kid shared an emotional Instagram post following Takeoff’s death.
“Today, I lost more than a brother. My twin, my best friend, everything. I don’t wanna believe it. I can’t,” he began.
Photo credit: Drake’s Instagram @champagnepapi
Rapper Drake shared a photo of himself and Takeoff on stage, saying, “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 🚀“
Photo credit: SZA’s Twitter @sza
Singer SZA tweeted shortly after the news of Takeoff’s killing was made public knowledge, “This Takeoff shit so weird .. I’m genuinely creeped out by the world . I cried . God bless that man’s spirit his family and friends . SUCH A TALENTED SOUL .. ion understand.”
Many are left devastated after finding out about the news of Takeoff being gunned down.
According to BET, Ja Rule, Yung Miami, and Bow Wow also took a moment to share their condolences on the horrific news of the Atlanta artist gone too soon.
As celebrities share moving tributes to the 28-year-old, fans grieve the loss of their celebrity crush. Takeoff’s funeral featured performances by Grammy winners Drake, Alicia Keys and Justin Bieber, according to TMZ.
Celebration of Life
The public memorial took place at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena on Friday, November 11, at noon.
Strict no photo and video policies were enforced at the celebration, where all devices were checked with Yondr bags before entering the venue. Yondr is a pouch that stores phones and is used to create a distraction-free environment.
Tickets to his celebration were available to Georgia residents and were sold out just hours after they were made public. Takeoff’s family asked for fans to donate to the recently-established Rocket Foundation, which supports programs against gun violence, instead of flowers or gifts.
The Rocket Foundation has been established to support programs that are saving lives through proven, community-based solutions to prevent gun violence. They will split their first round of funding among four organizations: Community Justice Action Fund, H.O.P.E Hustlers, Live Free, and Offenders Alumni Association.
For more information and to make a contribution in honor of Takeoff, you may donate at The Rocket Foundation‘s official website.
