Migos rapper’s hopes for his legacy in poignant last interview

During the press conference held on Tuesday (1 November), police chief Toby Finner said: “We have no reason to believe that he was involved in anything criminal at the time.”

Police said that shots were fired from at least two weapons during a party that was taking place at a bowling alley in downtown Houston.

Takeoff’s record label have said that the rapper was killed by a “stray bullet”. This has not been confirmed by the officials.

Houston police called a press conference on Tuesday (1 November) to speak about the shooting that killed Takeoff.

During the conference, police chief Troy Finner revealed several key details about the tragic event.

Police officers said they were called at approximately 2.34am local time (07.34 GMT) about a shooting outside 810 Billiards and Bowling Alley in downtown Houston where a private party of around 40 people, including Takeoff and Quavo, had been taking place.

An argument emerged and shots were fired from at least two weapons, said the police, which led to many people fleeing the scene.

Takeoff was pronounced dead at the scene. At the time, officials did not name the victim but identified him as a Black male in his 20s. It was Takeoff’s representatives who first confirmed his death, with the police confirmation following shortly after.

Two other individuals – a 23-year-old male and a 24-year-old female – were taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. In saying so, police appeared to confirm that Quavo was not injured during the altercation given that he is 31 years old.

It was only last month that Takeoff released his latest album.

Only Built for Infinity Links was a collaboration between Takeoff and Quavo. The third Migos rapper, Offset, is not present on the record.

The album received mostly positive reviews, achieving a score of 7.0 on Pitchfork. The review praised the duo’s dynamic, stating: “Quavo and Takeoff’s compatibility grants Infinity Links an easygoing energy that’s hard to resist.”

Clash called it “perhaps the strongest post-Migos project”.

“A record that blazes with life, Only Built For Infinity Links is packed with highlights,” reads the review.

As tributes pour in for Takeoff, many fans are remembering other young rappers who have been killed in recent years. Among them is Pop Smoke, XXXTentacion, and Nipsey Hussle.

In February 2020, New York rapper Pop Spoke was killed aged 20 in Los Angeles during a home invasion.

In March 2019, Nipsey Hussle was shot dead outside his clothing store in Los Angeles. A BBC Three documentary – titled The Mysterious Murder of Nipsey Hussle – explored the circumstances of his death.

In June 2018, XXXTentacion also died aged 20 when he was shot in Florida. Four men have since been charged with the murder of the rapper.

Having not yet arrested a suspect, Houston police chief Troy Finner has called on witnesses to come forward with information.

Finner said there were at least 40 people present at the shooting who “left possibly out of fear”.

“I ask you one thing and I want this to resonate with everybody,” he said.

“What if it was your brother or your son? You would want somebody to step up, so please step up, get the information to us so we can get some closure to this family who’s hurting right now.

“Let us bring justice to this family.”

In one of his final interviews, Takeoff said he wanted to be recognised for his work.

Days before his death, the Migos rapper appeared on Revolt’s Drink Champs podcast alongside Quavo to discuss their new album Only Built for Infinity Links.

When Drink Champs host N.O.R.E. said that Takeoff really shined on the album, the rapper replied: “For sure, enough is enough. I’m chill, I’m laid back, but it’s time to pop it, you know what I mean?

“It’s time to give me my flowers. I don’t want them when I ain’t here.”

The Atlanta-based record label has shared a statement mourning the death of Takeoff.

“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,” the label wrote on Instagram.

“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.”

Houston’s Mayor Sylvester Turner has offered his condolences to Takeoff’s family and friends.

The politician said he plans to continue the conversation about gun violence in the city.

“We have too many young men of colour that are being injured or killed and their future is cut off and family members and friends are left to mourn,” he said.

“This does not have to be our reality and it need not be our future. And so as it relates to this particular incident, what I would say to the people in this city and even beyond, we will solve this crime. Let us bring the person or persons to justice, and we will, and then we will continue to move to make our city a safer city.”

Houston police have urged witnesses in the fatal incident to come forward with information.

During a press conference streamed online on Tuesday evening (1 November), Police Chief Troy Finner revealed tht no arrests had yet been made but called on witnesses to come forward with information.

Migos is a hip-hop rap group established in 2008 in Georgia, US.

The three-piece were raised by Takeoff’s mother. Growing up, they listened to music by artists such as Lil Wayne, Hot Boys, and Outkast, the latter of which has paid tribute to the musician.

Migos have had several successful singles. Arguably their most famous song is “Bad and Boujee”, featuring Lil Uzi Vert.

The track peaked at No 1 in the Billboard Hot 100 in 2016. They have also achieve two No 1 albums in the US.