Takeoff’s musical presence contributed to Migos becoming one of the most popular hip-hop groups of all time.
HOUSTON — At just 28 years old, rapper Takeoff had built a rich hip-hop legacy with Migos — as well as a reputation as the youngest member of the trio — before he died early Tuesday. Killed in firing.
Takeoff, outside a Houston bowling alley, was pronounced dead at the scene, police said at a press conference Tuesday afternoon. No arrests have been made, and police are appealing for witnesses to come forward with information.
Born in Kharicball, Takeoff grew up in suburban Atlanta — along with two other members of the group — from Gwinnett County to a pair of Migos tracks that were less than flatteringly name-checked. Quavo was his uncle and Offset was his cousin, and all three were raised in large part by Takeoff’s mother.
Takeoff was the youngest of the three, and was seen as the most relaxed member. He didn’t make headlines at the rate of Offset, who is married to Cardi B, and wasn’t in high demand as a featured performer on top 10 tracks like Quavo, who had a hit with Post Malone, DJ Khaled. He was a special guest in movies. And Drake.
Both Quavo and Offset have also released solo albums unlike Take Off. But despite being more reserved, he communicated much of himself through his poems. He hoped to gain more respect for his singing ability. By “Made Only for Infinity Links”. An album he released with Quavo just last month.
“It’s time to give me my flowers,” Takeoff said on a recent episode of the podcast “Drink Champs,” acknowledging his reputation as “chill.” “I don’t want them later when I’m not here.”
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Migos debuted nearly a decade ago with the 2013 hit “Versace,” which reached even greater heights in popularity despite a Drake remix. The group had other radio-friendly singles such as “Bando” and “Hannah Montana.” The trio later earned a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Album with 2018’s “Culture”, while a track off it, “Bad and Boujee”, earned a nod for Best Rap Performance.
But the hit — which charted No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was shouted out in “Atlanta” creator Donald Glover’s Golden Globes acceptance speech — didn’t actually include Takeoff. Quavo said during an interview that Takeoff — who sat down with him — was left off “Bad and Boujee,” featuring Lil Uzi Vert, because of “timing.” He said the song was rushed out on SoundCloud because the group didn’t have fresh music at the time.
Nonetheless, Takeoff’s musical presence was instrumental in helping Migos become one of the most popular hip-hop groups of all time. The trio took off with their fast-paced triplet flow, a rap style where three notes are performed on the same beat that they helped popularize.
Quavo and Takeoff performed a Halloween-themed theme. Music video for “Messi”. Just one day before the death of take-off. The video, which begins with Takeoff waking up and describing a bad dream, had garnered nearly 1.5 million views by Tuesday afternoon.
Both were in Houston on Monday. Quavo, who posted a video of himself driving around town with friends on his Instagram story, has yet to comment publicly. Offset also did not issue a statement.
Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said he received several calls about the takeoff after the shooting.
“Everybody said what a great young man he was, how peaceful he was, what a great artist,” Finner said. He would not speculate on whether the takeoff was targeted, saying that “everybody has to understand the pain, the suffering. Of” the mother of the takeoff.
Takeoff’s last post on social media was a photo posted on his Instagram story just before the shoot. It was a self-portrait, soundtracked by Playboy Carty’s “Stop Breathing.”
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