[Image courtesy of Rolling Stone]

By Grace Koennecke, Columns Editor 

Early yesterday morning, Takeoff, one of the members of the rap trio Migos, was shot and killed during an altercation at 810 Billiards & Bowling in downtown Houston. The rapper was attending a private party with his uncle and fellow Migos member, Quavo.

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According to police reports, a man opened fire after an argument broke out during a game of dice. Takeoff was pronounced dead by officers at the scene from what they believe was a gunshot wound to the head or neck.

Today, Migos’ record label, Quality Music Control, shared a statement on Instagram regarding the rapper’s death. The statement said:

“It is with broken hearts and deep sadness that we mourn the loss of our beloved brother Kirshnik Khari Ball, known to the world as Takeoff. Senseless violence and a stray bullet has taken another life from this world and we are devastated. Please respect his family and friends as we all continue to process this monumental loss.”

Police in Houston have made an appeal for witnesses to come forward to help identify the gunman who shot Takeoff. Troy Finner, Houston Police Department Chief, said to the press, “I’m calling you to action, to step up. There were 40 people at least at this event and people left possibly out of fear. I ask you one thing, and I want this to resonate with everybody. What if it was your brother, what if it was your son. You would want somebody to step up. So please step up.”

After news broke of Takeoff’s death, an outpour of tributes came from the hip-hop world and beyond, including those from Gucci Mane, Rick Ross, Kid Cudi and Rae Sremmurd. Migos’ last album before the rapper’s passing, Culture III, was released just last year.