migos member takeoff's sudden death shocks the music world

By: Bell West

2008 was an influential year for the music industry. Taylor Swift was a new-found country sensation, T-Pain released his chart-topping single “Low,” and a revolutionary rap group by the name Migos would rise to fame. But the music world was hit with heart-wrenching news that Takeoff, the youngest member of Migos, was fatally shot and killed on Nov. 1, 2022. ​

​The Migo was killed around 2:30 a.m. in the early hours of Nov. 1 outside the Billiards and Bowling Alley in Houston, Texas. Officials and witnesses say that the incident occurred over a gambling dispute that was followed with gunshots. Takeoff was struck in the head and was later pronounced dead at the scene.

Tributes began pouring out as news spread of his death. Flowers and memorials from fans around the world were arranged and left on sidewalks to honor the late rapper. 

But fans weren’t the only ones crushed by Takeoff’s death. 

Several celebrities including City Girls, Pop Smoke, and Finesse2Tymes took to social media to pay their respects to Takeoff. Yung Miami, half of the global sensation City Girls, wrote “Damn Takeoff” followed by dove emojis, while Pop Smoke posted “Rip Takeoff… this s–t has to STOP… sending love to friends and family 🕊🙏🏾” Finesse2Tymes paid tribute, sharing ““FLY HIGH TO ONE OF THE HARDEST‼️🕊” 

Here at home, Glenelg students also felt the impact of Takeoff’s death. 

“It’s really sad,” said sophomore Spencer Gonce. “He was a really good artist. The rap scene will be changed forever.”

Other students appreciated Migos’ music because of the feeling it delivered, especially prior to, and during, athletic events.

“When I played, I would listen to them with my teammates and it would get us all hyped up and feeling good,” said freshman volleyball player Addie Killoran. 

Kirshnik Khari Ball, better known as Takeoff, was born June 18, 1994 in Lawrenceville, GA. He formed Migos in 2008 with his uncle and cousin, Quavious Keyate Marshall, Kiari Kendrell Cephus, better known as Quavo and Offset.

The trio was initially formed as a creative outlet to “escape the crime and poverty” of their home. Migos released its debut album, “Young Rich N*****”, featuring songs like “Chirpin,” “Chinatown,”, and the chart-topping  single “Versace” which was later followed by their sophomore album “Young Rich Nations” in 2015. 

As the group rose to fame, Migos continued to pour their heart into everything they released. After Young Rich Nations, the group released  Culture in 2017.  In May that same year, Takeoff began experimenting with a potential solo career by releasing his debut solo track “Intruder.”. He was also featured on a few different artists’ songs as well, most notably Scottish producer and pop sensation, Calvin Harris’ “Holiday.”

Takeoff continued to devote himself to creating music and it was evident in both his solo music and the music he co-wrote with his fellow Migos. 

“(Takeoff) was so proud of what Migos had achieved,” according to comedian James Corden. “They penetrated culture, and before their split, they really just became one of the most influential rap groups of this generation."