Migos Rapper Shot and Killed in Houston

A rapper from Migos, the American hip-hop group, was shot and killed in downtown Houston on Tuesday.

Takeoff, one of the three members—the others beings Quavo and Offset—was known for creating hits, such as “Versace” and “Bad and Boujee.” Migos members were in attendance at a private party when the shooting took place. The party reportedly ended at 1 AM but carried over until the horrendous event.

Law enforcement sources and multiple witnesses have reported the fatal incident that ensued shortly after 2:30 AM. The tragedy occurred at a bowling alley called 810 Billiards & Bowling. Forty to fifty people witnessed Takeoff with gunshot wounds to the head and neck. Investigators are looking at nearby surveillance video to determine what led to the shooting.

Part of a Family That Influenced Popular Culture

Takeoff was part of a family that shaped what many saw as fashionable. The members of Migos are all blood relatives although the group recently split. Takeoff and Quavo were poised to form a new group. Offset, the other member of Migos, is married to Cardi B. Takeoff’s real name was Kirsnik Khari Ball. Migos’ stage name was originally Polo Club.

The Migos trio, founded in 2008, is from Lawrenceville, Georgia, located in the Atlanta metropolitan area. They are managed by Coach K, the former manager of Atlanta-based rappers Gucci Mane and Young Jeezy. Migos frequently collaborates with producers DJ Durel, Murda Beatz, Zaytoven, and Buddah Bless. Often regarded as amongst the most influential hip-hop groups of their generation, their music did not convey a message so much as flavor.

Migos rappers changed the English language

Celebrities who are especially in vogue often impact language and culture in significant ways. The influential music magazine Billboard, which has sponsored music award shows, argues that Migos influenced popular culture and the English language, bringing the Atlanta-area grassroots accent to the mainstream. If society’s foremost authorities weren’t pleased with this, such an impact is what appealing to impressionable youth who wish to be stylish often means. 

Migos’ first mixtape was Juug Season (2011). The group released its commercial debut single “Versace” in 2013, taken from its mixtape Y.R.N., which was a breakout hit and rose the group to fame. Migos went on to release several more singles, including “Fight Night” (2014) and “Look at My Dab” (2015), a reference to a popular dance. “Bad and Boujee,” featuring Lil Uzi Vert, (2016) peaked at number one.

Among other successful songs, “Motor Sport” with Nicki Minaj and Cardi B, released in 2017, peaked at number six on the charts. “Stir Fry,” released in 2018, peaked at number eight while the dynamic “Walk It, Talk It,” featuring Drake, which was released in 2018, peaked at number ten.

Killed While Playing Dice

Apparently, Takeoff and Quavo were playing dice at the bowling and billiards place when an altercation broke out. That’s when someone opened fire, shooting Takeoff. The wound is reported to have been in or near the head. Takeoff was pronounced dead at the scene.

Two others were shot as well. Taken to the hospital in private vehicles, the condition of the two is uncertain. As Offset is mourned globally, many fans of Migos are happy to find Quavo was, thankfully, unscathed.