Early Tuesday (Nov. 1) morning, reports confirmed that Migos rapper Takeoff was shot and killed in Houston. He was only 28 years old. Since the news, an outpouring of love has rolled in from fans and fellow entertainers alike, including his Quality Control CEO Pierre “Pee” Thomas.
“Young King @yrntakeoff, I don’t know where to begin, but I want to say that anybody that knows me knows how much I love you, and anybody that knows you knows that you definitely didn’t deserve to die at such a young age,” he wrote via Instagram.
Thomas, like many others, urged the community that the violence has got to stop. “We only get [one] life and once it’s gone, it’s over, no coming back. So with that being said, I want our community to remember that we don’t have to continue to result to violence every time there is a disagreement.”
According to reports, the rapper, whose real name is Kirshnik Khari Ball, was hit by a stray bullet while at a bowling alley in the Texas city.
“Law enforcement sources, and multiple witnesses, tell us the fatal incident went down shortly after 2:30 AM … that’s when cops got the call for a man shot at a bowling alley called 810 Billiards & Bowling Houston,” said TMZ in an official statement.
In his heartfelt tribute to Takeoff, Thomas promised to keep his legacy alive and made a plea for people to stop sharing the disturbing photos and videos from the scene of the event out of respect for his loved ones. “We have so many memories to keep your name alive. As we mourn your [loss], I pray that everyone please be understanding [of] what the family has to see on the internet with the videos and negative comments.”
Since Tuesday’s tragedy, Houston police have identified two more shooting victims, with one being Quavo’s assistant, Joshua “Wash” Washington. More tributes from his QC family have poured in, including fellow Migos member Offset who has since updated his profile photo to the late rapper as well as the label’s co-founder Coach K.
“Damn this is tough and I never wanted to have to do this. One of the kindest, humblest, caring human beings I’ve ever met,” he wrote in an Instagram post, sharing the backstory about the cover art for Takeoff’s 2018 solo album, “The Last Rocket.” “ I’m so sad that this young brother didn’t get a chance to grow old. Takeoff and I had similar characteristics: very quiet, shy but very outspoken with charisma and knowledgeable of everything going on. I had a real connection with him like everybody that he came in contact with.”
