Takeoff shooting - live: Drake and James Corden pay tribute to Migos rapper as Houston police issue statement

Takeoff, a member of rap trio Migos, has been shot dead in Houston, Texas, his representatives have confirmed.

The rapper, whose full name was Kirshnik Khari Ball, was 28.

His group mate, Quavo, was also present at the time of the incident. According to Houston police, Quavo & Takeoff were at a private party prior to the shooting. They did not name the victim of a confirmed homicide, but Takeoff’s representative has confirmed his death.

TMZ reports that Takeoff was shot dead at a bowling alley after a game of dice.

Ahead of the incident, Takeoff posted a picture of himself to his Instagram Stories, with Playboi Carti’s “Stop Breathing” playing in the background.

Fans of the rap star and industry figures have started to pay tribute online.

Migos also includes rapper Offset, who is married to Cardi B. The pair have two children together, plus three others from Offset’s previous relationships.

KEY POINTS

• Takeoff dead: Migos rapper shot dead during party with Quavo, representative confirms

• Takeoff: Khloé Kardashian leads tributes after Migos rapper shot dead

• Everything we know after Migos rapper Takeoff shot and killed

• Takeoff’s lawyer issues a statement about his death

Takeoff and Quavo’s latest album received positive reviews

12:30 , Annabel Nugent

It was only last month that Takeoff released his latest album.

Only Built for Infinity Links was a collaboration between Takeoff and Quavo. The third Migos rapper, Offset, is not present on the record.

The album received mostly positive reviews, achieving a score of 7.0 on Pitchfork. The review praised the duo’s dynamic, stating: “Quavo and Takeoff’s compatibility grants Infinity Links an easygoing energy that’s hard to resist.”

Clash called it “perhaps the strongest post-Migos project”.

“A record that blazes with life, Only Built For Infinity Links is packed with highlights,” reads the review.

Fans remember other young rappers who recently died due to gun violence

12:15 , Annabel Nugent

As tributes pour in for Takeoff, many fans are remembering other young rappers who have been killed in recent years. Among them is Pop Smoke, XXXTentacion, and Nipsey Hussle.

In February 2020, New York rapper Pop Spoke was killed aged 20 in Los Angeles during a home invasion.

In March 2019, Nipsey Hussle was shot dead outside his clothing store in Los Angeles. A BBC Three documentary – titled The Mysterious Murder of Nipsey Hussle – explored the circumstances of his death.

In June 2018, XXXTentacion also died aged 20 when he was shot in Florida. Four men have since been charged with the murder of the rapper.

Police chief calls on the 40 people present at the incident to ‘step up'

12:00 , Annabel Nugent

Having not yet arrested a suspect, Houston police chief Troy Finner has called on witnesses to come forward with information.

Finner said there were at least 40 people present at the shooting who “left possibly out of fear”.

“I ask you one thing and I want this to resonate with everybody,” he said.

“What if it was your brother or your son? You would want somebody to step up, so please step up, get the information to us so we can get some closure to this family who’s hurting right now.

“Let us bring justice to this family.”

‘It’s time to give me my flowers. I don’t want them when I ain’t here.'

11:50 , Annabel Nugent

In one of his final interviews, Takeoff said he wanted to be recognised for his work.

Days before his death, the Migos rapper appeared on Revolt’s Drink Champs podcast alongside Quavo to discuss their new album Only Built for Infinity Links.

When Drink Champs host N.O.R.E. said that Takeoff really shined on the album, the rapper replied: “For sure, enough is enough. I’m chill, I’m laid back, but it’s time to pop it, you know what I mean?

“It’s time to give me my flowers. I don’t want them when I ain’t here.”

Migos’s record label Quality Control laments ‘stray bullet’ that killed Takeoff

11:30 , Annabel Nugent

The Atlanta-based record label has shared a statement mourning the death of Takeoff.

“It is with broken hearts and deep sadness that we mourn the loss of our beloved brother Kirshnik Khari Ball, known to the world as Takeoff,” the label wrote on Instagram.

“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 all continue to process this monumental loss.”

Houston’s Mayor wants to continue the conversation about gun violence in the city

11:15 , Annabel Nugent

Houston’s Mayor Sylvester Turner has offered his condolences to Takeoff’s family and friends.

The politician said he plans to continue the conversation about gun violence in the city.

“We have too many young men of colour that are being injured or killed and their future is cut off and family members and friends are left to mourn,” he said.

“This does not have to be our reality and it need not be our future. And so as it relates to this particular incident, what I would say to the people in this city and even beyond, we will solve this crime. Let us bring the person or persons to justice, and we will, and then we will continue to move to make our city a safer city.”

No suspects have been arrested so far as Houston police plead for witnesses to come forward

11:00 , Annabel Nugent

Houston police have urged witnesses in the fatal incident to come forward with information.

During a press conference streamed online on Tuesday evening (1 November), Police Chief Troy Finner revealed tht no arrests had yet been made but called on witnesses to come forward with information.

Houston police urge witnesses to help in fatal shooting of Migos rapper Takeoff

Who are Migos?

10:45 , Annabel Nugent

Migos is a hip-hop rap group established in 2008 in Georgia, US.

The three-piece were raised by Takeoff’s mother. Growing up, they listened to music by artists such as Lil Wayne, Hot Boys, and Outkast, the latter of which has paid tribute to the musician.

Migos have had several successful singles. Arguably their most famous song is “Bad and Boujee”, featuring Lil Uzi Vert.

The track peaked at No 1 in the Billboard Hot 100 in 2016. They have also achieve two No 1 albums in the US.

Houston police have spoken with Takeoff’s mother

10:30 , Annabel Nugent

In a press conference held on Tuesday (1 November), Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said that he has spoken to Takeoff’s mother.

Finner reminded reporters in the room of the “human element” of the incident.

He also urged people to remove videos of the incident, which have been circulating online.

Houston police appear to confirm that Quavo was not injured in the shooting

10:15 , Annabel Nugent

Takeoff had been at a private party with his bandmate and uncle, Quavo, when the shooting began.

The Houston police held a press conference on Tuesday (1 November) to address the fatal incident.

Police Chief Troy Finner confirmed that a 23-year-old male and 24-year-old female brought themselves to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after the incident. This would appear to confirm that Quavo was not injured during the altercation since he is 31 years old.

SZA says she is ‘genuinely creeped out by the world’ following the death of Takeoff

10:00 , Annabel Nugent

SZA has spoken out in the wake of Takeoff’s death.

“This Takeoff s*** so weird. I’m genuinely creeped out by the world,” wrote the Grammy winner on Twitter.

“God bless that man’s spirit, his family, and friends. SUCH A TALENTED SOUL... ion understand.”

Drake remembers ‘best memories’ with Takeoff

09:50 , Annabel Nugent

Drake is the latest celebrity to pay tribute to Takeoff.

The Canadian rapper shared a post on Instagram remembering the late rapper.

“I got the best memories of all of us seeing the world together and bringing light to every city we touch,” he wrote.

“That’s what I’ll focus on for now. Rest easy space man. Take.”

Drake accompanied the caption with a photo of himself and Takeoff on stage together.

Were Takeoff and Offsett feuding?

09:30 , Peony Hirwani

Takeoff‘s relationship with Offset became estranged in 2022, but the reason for the feud is unclear.

In an appearance on the Big Facts podcast last month, Quavo said it was a family issue that’s got nothing to do with “no label, no paperwork, no QC, no nothing”.

“This got something to do with the three brothers and it is what it is. Right now we gon’ be the duo till time tell,” he said.

However, despite having issues, Takeoff said that Offset is “always going to be family. We always family. Ain’t nothing gonna change.”

Have any suspects been arrested?

09:15 , Peony Hirwani

As per authorities, no suspects have been arrested so far.

Police have requested that any witnesses who left the scene come forward with additional information.

Where did the shooting occur?

08:45 , Peony Hirwani

The police said the shooting occurred after a private party had ended at 810 Billiards & Bowling in Houston, as a large group of about 40 people gathered near the front door on the third level.

An argument ensued and shots were fired from at least two weapons, police said, leading to many people fleeing.

James Corden pays tribute to Takeoff

07:21 , Peony Hirwani

James Corden says he shared some “unforgettable moments” with Takeoff, and fondly remembered how the US rapper used to refer to him as “Big Drip”.

The host of the US programme The Late Late Show said the artist had “essentially willed Migos into existence” and that they had become “one of the most influential rap groups of this generation”.

Read more:

James Corden says he’s ‘utterly devastated’ by Takeoff’s death

Takeoff’s management mourn ‘monumental loss of beloved brother’

06:45 , Peony Hirwani

Representatives for Takeoff have mourned the “monumental loss” of their “beloved brother” after the Migos rapper was shot dead at the age of 28.

In a statement shared on social media, Migos’ label Quality Control said they were “devastated” by the “senseless violence”.

“It is with broken hearts and deep sadness that we mourn the loss of our beloved brother Kirsnick Khari Ball, known to the world as Takeoff,” the statement read.

“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 all continue to process this monumental loss.”

Read more:

Takeoff’s management mourn ‘monumental loss of beloved brother’

The music industry mourns the loss of Takeoff

06:30 , Peony Hirwani

Many rappers and producers from the music industry are mourning the loss of Takeoff.

Starting from British musicians such as Dave and AJ Tracey to Canadian and American rappers such as Drake and Gucci Mane, everyone is thinking of Takeoff today.

Read more:

Hip-hop stars lead tributes after Takeoff’s death

Houston police urge witnesses to help in fatal shooting of Takeoff

06:15 , Peony Hirwani

Houston police chief Troy Finner has urged witnesses to come forward with any information they have surrounding Takeoff’s shooting.

During a press conference streamed online on Tuesday evening (1 November), Finner said: “Sometimes the hip hop community gets a bad name and I know, evident from this city and people who I have a personal relationship with, a lot of great people in our hip hop community and I respect them.

“But back to Takeoff. I got many calls from Houston and outside of Houston, and everyone spoke of what a great young man this is, how peaceful he is, what a great artist. And I’m calling up on everybody, hip hop artists in Houston and around the nation, we got to police ourselves.”

Read more:

Houston police urge witnesses to help in fatal shooting of Migos rapper Takeoff

How did Migos start off?

06:00 , Peony Hirwani

Migos had a breakout with their massive hit “Versace” in 2013.

They had four Top 10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100, though Takeoff was not on their multi-week No 1 hit “Bad and Boujee,” featuring Lil Uzi Vert.

The trio consisting of Offset, Quavo, and Takeoff put out a trilogy of albums called Culture, Culture II and Culture III, with the first two hitting No 1 on the Billboard 200 album chart.

They also earned an ASCAP Vanguard Award in 2018 for their streaming success with multiplatinum songs like “Motorsport,” “Stir Fry,” and “Walk It Talk It.”

Offset, who is married to Cardi B, released a solo album in 2019, while Takeoff and Quavo released the joint album Only Built for Infinity Links last month.

On Monday (31 October), Quavo posted links on his Instagram to his and Takeoff’s Halloween-themed music video, “Messy,” along with a video of him and his friends driving around Houston.

Photograph of Takeoff and Quavo as kids goes viral on social media

05:15 , Peony Hirwani

A photograph of Takeoff and Quavo as kids has gone viral on social media.

Takeoff’s lawyer issues a statement about his death

04:45 , Peony Hirwani

Takeoff’s lawyer Drew Findling called his death “a devastating loss, particularly for Atlanta.”

“When you’re around Takeoff, there’s a sense of peacefulness about his aura,” Findling told The New York Times. “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.”

Migos sing ‘Sweet Caroline’ in resurfaced Carpool Karaoke clip

04:30 , Tom Murray

A video of Migos singing “Sweet Caroline” during Carpool Karaoke with James Corden has resurfaced following the death of Takeoff.

Following the incident, fans have been paying tribute to Takeoff and many have shared a clip of Migos on The Late Late Show in 2018.

Watch it here:

Migos sing ‘Sweet Caroline’ in resurfaced Carpool Karaoke clip

Quavo and Takeoff sing ‘Hotel Lobby’ in resurfaced Colors Show clip

04:00 , Peony Hirwani

A video of Quavo and Takeoff’s 2022 Colors show performance has gone viral on Twitter.

In the clip, both rappers can be seen performing their hit single “Hotel Lobby.”

This show was apparently the first in Colors’ series celebrating Black Music Month created in collaboration with Motown Records.

Drake pays tribute to Takeoff

03:45 , Peony Hirwani

Drake has posted a tribute to Takeoff on Instagram.

“I got the best memories of all of us seeing the world together and bringing light to every city we touch,” he wrote. “That’s what I’ll focus on for now.

“Rest easy space man Take,” he added.

Quavo shared an Instagram Story hours before the shooting

03:30 , Tom Murray

Quavo, who was with Takeoff when he died, shared a video on Instagram Stories hours before the shooting.

“We’re sliding through the town,” he tells his followers from inside a car.

Watch it here:

Migos rapper Quavo shares video hours before group mate Takeoff is fatally shot

Fans expressed disgust after footage of Takeoff after he’d been shot circulated online

02:30 , Tom Murray

Since the news of Takeoff’s death, several videos containing apparent footage of the incident, and the scenes after the incident, have emerged online.

Videos containing the distressing sightings have been so widely shared that people have even ended up watching the content by mistake.

Many social media users have condemned the sharing of the “sickening” videos online, calling out the inappropriate nature of its circulation.

Read more:

Takeoff fans disgusted after apparent videos of rapper’s death are shared online

Where is Quavo?

01:30 , Tom Murray

Many have wondered about the condition of Takeoff’s Migos bandmate Quavo as he was there during the shooting.

Police have appeared to confirm his safety after announcing that the only two other injured persons were 23 and 24 years old. Quavo is 31.

Read more:

Where is Quavo following fellow Migos rapper Takeoff’s death?

Tributes include AJ Tracey, Jake Paul and Khloe Kardashian

00:30 , Tom Murray

The world of music has paid tribute to Takeoff after his death, as have his fans and many other celebrities including YouTuber/boxer Jake Paul and Khloe Kardashian.

“Not Takeoff!” British rapper Tracey wrote on Twitter.

Paul said: “Senseless killings need to stop. Need to unify. RIP TAKEOFF.”

Similarly, Kardashian wrote: “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.”

Read a round-up of all the celebrity tributes to pour in below.

Khloé Kardashian leads tributes to Takeoff after rapper shot dead

Chief Finner asked for the public’s help after 40 witnesses left ‘possibly out of fear’ before speaking to police

Tuesday 1 November 2022 23:35 , Tom Murray

Houston police are asking for anyone with knowledge of Takeoff’s shooting to come forward to them.

Chief Finner told the media conference that 40+ people left the private party where the rapper was shot “possibly out of fear” before the authorities could get statements.

“What if it was your brother? What if this was your son?” Finner asked.

Desiigner tearfully announced his retirement from rap music after hearing the news of Takeoff’s death

Tuesday 1 November 2022 22:30 , Tom Murray

“Panda” rapper Desiigner, broke down in tears in an Instagram Live video posted the shooting of Takeoff.

“Why? Why do we f***ing do this?” the rapper screams in the video.

“I swear to God, this s*** ain’t nothing, I’m done rapping. This version of me is done,” he declared.

Read more:

Desiigner says he's 'done with rap' as he tearfully mourns Takeoff's death

12 hours later: What we know about the shooting

Tuesday 1 November 2022 21:30 , Tom Murray

It’s been more than 12 hours now since Migos rapper Takeoff was shot and killed in Houston, Texas.

The Houston Police Department has just recently given a news conference providing more information on the killing, which also saw two more people with non-fatal injuries.

For a round-up of all the details we know so far, read below.

Everything we know after Migos rapper Takeoff shot and killed

‘Sometimes the hip-hop community gets a bad name’ – police chief warns against generalisations

Tuesday 1 November 2022 20:52 , Tom Murray

During his address to the media, Police Chief Finner warned against blaming the hip-hop genre for the death of Takeoff.

“Sometimes the hip-hop community gets a bad name,” he said.

“Evident from this city and people who I have a personal relationship with, [there are] a lot of great people in our hip-hop community and I respect them.”

The media conference has since concluded.

Police chief appears to confirm that Quavo was not injured

Tuesday 1 November 2022 20:30 , Tom Murray

The police chief just said that a 23-year-old male and 24-year-old female brought themselves to hospital with non-life-threatening injuries after the incident.

This would appear to confirm that fellow Migos rapper Quavo was not injured during the altercation as he is 31 years of age.

Police Chief Troy Finner says he spoke to Takeoff’s mother

Tuesday 1 November 2022 20:13 , Tom Murray

The Houston Police Department’s press conference is underway following the deadly shooting of Takeoff.

Police Chief Troy Finner just reminded reporters in the room of the “human element” of this story, saying he’s spoken to the rapper’s mother...

Police to hold press conference shortly

Tuesday 1 November 2022 19:57 , Tom Murray

Houston police announced it would be holding a news conference about the fatal shooting at 3 pm CDT (8 pm GMT).

“Additional information will be released at that time,” the police department tweeted.

A livestream of the press conference will be available on Houston police’s official Twitter and Facebook channels, it said.

Fans wonder where Quavo is after attending party with Takeoff before shooting

Tuesday 1 November 2022 19:40 , Tom Murray

Many fans on social media have expressed concern for fellow Migos star Quavo who was present during the shooting of Takeoff.

Quavo – who is also Takeoff’s uncle – had attended a private party with his bandmate prior to the fatal shooting.

In an update, Houston police tweeted that “two other victims taken in private vehicles to hospitals.”

Quavo’s status is unknown, however, The Independent has reached out to his representatives for comment.

Read more:

Takeoff was reportedly shot amid a game of dice at a bowling alley

Tuesday 1 November 2022 18:36 , Tom Murray

According to reports, the shooting began amid a game of dice at a bowling alley in Houston, Texas. Takeoff was pronounced dead at the scene early on Tuesday (1 November).

The rapper – real name Kirshnik Khari Ball – had been at a private party with his bandmate and uncle, Quavo, full name Quavious Keyate Marshall, late on Monday (31 October).

Quavo was unharmed in the incident and fellow Migos member Offset is not thought to have been with them at the time.

Police are expected to release more details about the incident soon, but here is everything we know about the incident so far.

Everything we know after Migos rapper Takeoff shot and killed

Tributes pour in for the young rapper

Tuesday 1 November 2022 18:12 , Tom Murray

Since news of Takeoff’s death broke a few hours ago, tributes have poured in from fans, fellow musicians and others from the entertainment industry.

“No hot takes. No profound thoughts. Just sad that another rapper, son, brother, and friend has been killed. God be with all those who feel the loss,” “I’ll Find You” rapper Lecrae shared on Twitter.

Boxer Chris Eubank Jr wrote: “I remember Takeoff being a very down-to-earth, cool dude. Can’t believe I’m having to say this again about another young black star being killed for no reason, something really has to change in the industry.”

Read a round-up of the many tributes to the rapper here.

Khloé Kardashian leads tributes to Takeoff after rapper shot dead

Khloe Kardashian says 'senseless acts have got to end’

Tuesday 1 November 2022 17:50 , Tom Murray

Khloe Kardashian was among those paying tribute to Takeoff on Twitter.

The reality star tweeted: “This is so sad. Wow! [broken heart emojis] over what?? May God cover everyone who is in pain. These senseless acts have got to end. So so sad.”

Her sentiments were echoed by YouTuber and boxer Jake Paul and US Congressman Jamaal Bowman.

Paul tweeted: “Senseless killings need to stop. Need to unify. RIP TAKEOFF.”

While Bowman wrote: “We have to stop killing each other.

“We should be able to shoot dice, buy cookies, take our ladies out to eat and lead joyful lives without another brother shooting us down out of anger or jealousy.”

TMZ reports that Takeoff was shot dead at a bowling alley after a game of dice.

Rapper Desiigner breaks down on Instagram Live after learning of Takeoff’s death

Tuesday 1 November 2022 16:59 , Tom Murray

“Why?” Desiigner screamed out on an Instagram Live video. “Why do we f***ing do this?”

The “Panda” rapper had an emotional reaction to the death of Takeoff, vowing to quit music altogether: “I swear to God, this s*** ain’t nothing, I’m done rapping.”

“Y’all took Takeoff, bro,” he added in tears. “It’s done. Y’all wanted it, it’s over. Y’all killed Takeoff... I can’t even call [Quavo]. I can’t even call Offset. I can’t even call none of these n*****.

“I’m done. I can’t live like this no more,” he concluded, before naming a series of other rappers who were killed. “RIP [PnB] Rock. RIP Takeoff. RIP Nipsey [Hussle]. RIP Biggie. RIP everybody, bro.”

Police announce news conference with more details

Tuesday 1 November 2022 16:49 , Tom Murray

Houston Police Department has announced that it will hold a press conference at 3 pm (CDT) regarding Takeoff’s death by shooting in the Texas city.

“Media partners: We will have a 3 p.m. news conference at HPD Headquarters at 1200 Travis St on this fatal shooting investigation,” the police department tweeted.

“Additional information will be released at that time. We will live-stream the news conference on our Twitter and Facebook platforms.”

The Houston police have still not named Takeoff as the dead victim “until his family is notified & ID verified by Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences”, though, his identity was confirmed to various media outlets after the shooting.

'Thank you for the endless memories': BET shares Migos throwback performance video

Tuesday 1 November 2022 16:03 , Inga Parkel

“The #BETAwards was really home for The Migos!” BET wrote on Twitter, alongside a video of The Migos performing their 2019 hit “Pure Water” at the 2019 BET Awards.

“Takeoff, thank you for the endless memories and ICONIC moments!”

‘Take it down’: Takeoff fans condemn apparent uploaded video footage of rapper’s death

Tuesday 1 November 2022 15:26 , Inga Parkel

Along with the news of Takeoff’s tragic death, apparent video footage from the scene of the incident is being circulated around Twitter.

The clip shows a man lying on the ground wearing similar clothes to those worn by the Migos rapper in the hours before his death.

Responding to the footage, fans on Twitter have urged it to be taken down out of respect for Takeoff’s loved ones.

“This shouldn’t be posted,” one wrote, with another adding: “If you have a heart please take this down this is not fair to those who love him.”

A third commented: “This is so wrong. Take this down.”

‘Have some respect’: Takeoff fans disgusted after apparent videos of rapper’s death are shared online

Takeoff’s most famous verses remembered

Tuesday 1 November 2022 15:07 , Nicole Vassell

Some have reacted to the shocking news by taking the opportunity to remember some standout moments from Takeoff’s career.

BET’s official Twitter account posted a video from the Migos music video for the song “Avalanche”, from their 2021 album Culture III.

“Flow unmatched. Talent undeniable,” reads the caption, before the message “RIP to Takeoff”.

Takeoff released his only solo album, The Last Rocket, on 2 November 2018.

Tributes from fellow rappers Yung Miami and Lecrae

Tuesday 1 November 2022 14:50 , Nicole Vassell

As more information emerges, celebrities and colleagues of the late rapper have expressed their sadness over the death.

Yung Miami of the rap duo City Girls, tweeted “Damn Takeoff” with three heartbreak emojis:

Along with this, Lecrae also shared his thoughts on the situation with a tribute on Twitter:

Police confirm homicide in downtown Houston, early on Tuesday

Tuesday 1 November 2022 14:34 , Nicole Vassell

According to Houston police, a Black male in his 20s was the victim of a shooting at around 2.40am on Tuesday (1 November).

They had been responding to reports of gunshots at a private party held at a bowling alley in downtown Houston, named 810 Billiards & Bowling.

They later added that two other victims were “taken in private vehicles to hospitals.”

Though Takeoff and Quavo were confirmed to be at the gathering, their groupmate Offset is not thought to have been with them.