Beloved Atlanta rapper Takeoff, formerly of the rap trio, Migos, has died after being fatally shot at a bowling alley in downtown Houston.
According to Click 2 Houston, Takeoff, whose real name was Kirshnik Khari Ball, was gunned down at 810 Billiards & Bowling on Nov. 1. Authorities said the shooting took place outside the venue, where 40 to 50 people gathered on the third-floor balcony for a private party.
In video footage of the incident, obtained by TMZ, rapper Quavo, Takeoff’s uncle, was seen yelling for help after the shooting. When Houston Police officers and emergency officials with the Houston Fire Department arrived at the scene, the musician was pronounced dead. A representative for Takeoff also later confirmed the 28-year-old’s passing.
At least two others were injured in the downtown Houston shooting and were transported to a local hospital. However, their condition is currently unknown. Security guards reportedly heard the shooting in the area but didn’t see who did it, a police spokesperson added. Investigators haven’t released information about any possible suspects.
Hours before his tragic death, Takeoff shared a photo of himself at the Bowling Alley via his Instagram story. He previously released the music video for his new song with Quavo, “Messy” on Oct. 31, as the two recently became duo Unc and Phew.
Takeoff, Quavo and their relative, rapper Offset, were famously a part of the trio Migos which they formed in Georgia in 2008. They rose to prominence for their pioneering rap style after releasing their hit 2013 song “Versace,” which led them to dominate the rap and pop charts for years to come.
Some of their biggest hits include “Bad and Boujee” (2016) featuring Philly rapper, Lil Uzi Vert, “MotorSport” (2018) featuring Nicki Minaj and Cardi B, ″Stir Fry” (2017) and “Walk It Talk It” (2018).
As a collective, their albums Culture and Culture II each earned the No. 1 spot on the Billboard 200 albums chart and gained platinum status. They also became extremely popular with millennials, generation Z, and the fashion world for their jewelry and style.
Unc and Phew released their latest album Only Built for Infinity Links on Oct. 7.
RIP Takeoff.
