Takeoff: Another victim of the senseless gun violence

Shockwaves ran through the hip-hop world following the death of a young American talent, Takeoff (real name Kirshnik Khari Ball), on November 1.

Three days later, there seems to be no respite for those who adored his music. From the US all the way to Tanzania, Takeoff had made a name for himself, especially among the young audience who had a predilection for his style of rapping.

What made the death of the 28-year-old rapper make rounds, aside from his stardom, was the senseless nature that led to his demise. It was reported that Takeoff died of gunshot wounds after an argument turned violent.

This brought forth the long-running debate about gun violence in the US and how lives are easily lost due to the prevalence of deadly weapons.

Takeoff is one of a long list of hip-hop stars who’ve been killed by gun violence, be it a stray bullet, friendly fire, or targeted. Since the 1990s, American rappers have been living under a cloud of insecurity and fear due to the acute state of unsafety caused by easy access to weapons of all types and designs.

According to a report, Takeoff’s death is the latest in a trend that stretches back to 2018. Each year since then, gun violence, whether through robbery or disagreement, has killed at least one US rapper who was either already famous or on the cusp of crossover fame.

Since 2018, the list includes: XXXTentacion, gunned down on June 18, 2018, in an apparent robbery as he left a motorsports store in Deerfield Beach, Florida; Nipsey Hussle, an award-winning hip-hop artist and philanthropist, was shot at least 10 times on March 31, 2019, in Los Angeles; New York rapper Pop Smoke was fatally shot during a home invasion at a Hollywood Hills, California, residence on February 19, 2020; King Von was fatally shot on November 6, 2020, during an early morning exchange of gunfire outside an Atlanta hookah lounge. Young Dolph -- fatally shot while buying cookies on November 17, 2021; PnB Rock -- shot September 12 while eating with his girlfriend at Roscoe’s House of Chicken ‘N Waffles in what appears to be a robbery.

But aside from the hip-hop industry, gun violence has become part of American culture. Often times, you will hear of multiple shootings either at schools, shopping malls, clubs, or out on the streets. US laws and regulations promote gun ownership, hence grooming a space for senseless killings.

However, more and more people have been calling for law reforms that will ensure stricter gun controls across the various US states.

Takeoff’s childhood and musical entrance

Takeoff was born in Lawrenceville, Georgia. He was raised in Lawrenceville by his mother, along with family members Quavo and Offset.

He started making beats and developing rhythms in the seventh grade, but did not start producing music professionally until 2011.

Along with fellow family members Quavo and Offset, Takeoff began rapping in 2008. The group initially performed under the stage name ‘Polo Club’, but eventually changed their name to Migos. The group released their first full-length project, a mixtape titled Juug Season, on August 25, 2011. They followed with the mixtape ‘No Label’, on June 1, 2012.

About his death

Takeoff was killed at a shooting that took place on a balcony outside the 810 Billiards and Bowling Alley, where Takeoff had reportedly been playing dice with his uncle and bandmate, Quavo.

The police said 40 to 50 guests had been at a private party when someone opened fire. When they arrived, officers said they found a large crowd and a man with a gunshot wound to the head or neck. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a statement, record label Quality Control said: “It is with broken hearts and deep sadness that we mourn the loss of our beloved brother Kirsnick Khari Ball, known to the world as Takeoff.

“Senseless violence and a stray bullet have 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 said two other people were injured and were driven to the hospital in private vehicles.

Tributes

Following news of the rapper’s death, tributes flooded in on social media. Fellow Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane wrote, “This broke my heart. Rest In Peace.”

“Forever a legend, I can’t believe this,” wrote Lil Pump on Instagram, while Ja Rule posted an emoji of a dove and sent “love to friends and family”.

Brit Award-winning rapper Dave shared a series of photos of himself and Takeoff on Instagram, alongside the words: “My brother. The days we spent together were priceless.”

Fellow British rapper AJ Tracey said on Twitter: “Not Takeoff! RIP,” while Atlanta singer Keri Hilson wrote: “Rest In Peace. Healing love to your brothers, family, & friends. #gonetoosoon.”

Reality star Khloe Kardashian said on Twitter: “This is so sad. Wow! over what?? May God cover everyone who is in pain. These senseless acts have got to end. So so sad.”Migos were one of the most influential groups of their generation, pioneering a style of rapping in choppy, staccato triplets known as the “Migos flow”.

The band, who split earlier this year, scored several international hits, including Bad and Boujee, Versace, and Walk It Talk It.