Following the tragic shooting of Migos rapper Takeoff outside a bowling alley in Houston, Texas, police are searching for witnesses. During a press conference, police chief Troy Finner said why he wants to “ensure that nobody knocks down the [hip-hop] industry” in response to the death of the musician.
Takeoff was slain by a stray bullet, according to his record company, which condemned “senseless violence” in a statement.
The 28-year-old hip-hop star was pronounced dead at the scene after being shot early Tuesday morning outside a bowling alley in Houston, Texas.
Takeoff, whose birth name was Kirsnick Khari Ball, was a member of the Atlanta rap group Migos alongside Quavo and Offset.
Representatives of the record label Quality Control Music wrote on social media that they were grieved by his passing.
“It is with shattered hearts and profound sorrow that we mourn the loss of our beloved brother Kirsnick Khari Ball, also known as Takeoff,” said the statement.
We are horrified that senseless violence and a stray bullet have taken another life from this world.
Please respect his family and friends as we continue to come to terms with this tragic loss.
Houston police have requested that witnesses provide information. There had been no arrests thus far.
At approximately 2:34 a.m. local time (or 7:34 a.m. in the United Kingdom), police in Houston responded to reports of a shooting outside Billiards and Bowling Alley. They stated that a private party of approximately 40 individuals, including Takeoff, had been held there.
Sometimes the hip-hop community receives a poor reputation
A 23-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman had non-life-threatening injuries and were sent to a hospital.
Troy Finner, the police chief, stated at a press conference that he had gotten numerous calls complimenting Takeoff as a “wonderful young man.”
Mr. Finner stated, “Sometimes the hip-hop community gets a negative reputation, but I know, based on this city and the people with whom I have a personal relationship, that there are many fantastic people in our hip-hop community, and I appreciate them.
“But returning to Takeoff. Everyone in Houston and outside of Houston remarked on what a wonderful young man he is, how tranquil he is, and what a talented artist he is.
“And I am calling on everyone, hip-hop musicians in Houston and across the country, to police themselves.
“There are so many amazing men and women in that community, whom I adore and admire, and we must all stand united to ensure that nobody demeans that industry.”
Too many young men of color are killed or injured.
Mr. Finner stated that he would not speculate as to whether Takeoff was the intended destination.
According to what others say about him, he is well-respected and nonviolent, he stated.
“I would not expect him to be involved, but I would like to await the outcome of the investigation… We have no reason to assume he was involved in any criminal activity at the time since he was a very calm, kind, and talented entertainer.”
During the news conference, Houston’s mayor, Sylvester Turner, stated, “Too many young men of color are hurt or killed, and their families and friends are left to grieve.
This does not need to be our present or our future. Regarding this particular occurrence, I would like to assure the citizens of this city and beyond, “We will solve this crime.”
Dave, Sean Paul, AJ Tracey, Kid Cudi, Khalid, and Ja Rule are among the musical celebrities that have paid tribute to Takeoff.
Takeoff, his uncle Quavo, and his cousin Offset, who is married to Cardi B, compose Migos.
The group gained prominence in 2013 with the viral single Versace and has since had a series of hit singles, including the Grammy-nominated Bad And Boujee, Motorsport (featuring Nicki Minaj and Cardi B), and Stir Fry.
The group also portrayed fictionalized versions of themselves in Donald Glover’s American comedy-drama television series Atlanta.
