(Fwrd Axis) — Kirshnik Khari Ball, also known as Takeoff from the platinum-selling Georgia rap group Migos, was fatally shot and killed at a bowling alley in downtown Houston during a private party.
The shooting happened at 810 Billiards & Bowling, located at 1201 San Jacinto, between 2:30-2:40 a.m.
Takeoff was with his uncle and fellow group member Quavo when an altercation broke out during a dice game and an unidentified person started shooting.
“His death is a devastating loss, particularly for Atlanta. The world was starting to learn about Takeoff. It was his time to shine.” -Drew Findling (an attorney who has represented Takeoff)
Surveillance video is being reviewed to determine what exactly led up to the shooting.
Two other people were shot and taken to the hospital in private vehicles, Houston PD confirmed. Takeoff was pronounced dead at the scene.
Disturbing videos from the crime scene have surfaced and you can see Quavo and others trying to move Takeoff and yelling for help. The 28-year-old rapper was shot in the head or neck.
Hours before his death Takeoff and Quavo released a new Halloween-themed video for the song “Messy” from their new Only Built for Infinity Links album.
The killing of Takeoff follows the fatal shooting deaths of rappers PnB Rock and Half Ounce, igniting a familiar conversation about the connection between gun violence and rap culture.
“It’s important to prioritize systemic issues when we discuss the killings of rappers. It’s a reflection of the problem of gun violence in the larger society, and violence in general in America. You have to think critically about oppression and the larger context we live in.” -Elaine Richardson (professor at Ohio State University specializing in African American cultures, literacy, and hip-hop)
