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Takeoff (rapper)
Takeoff (rapper)
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Kirsnick Khari Ball[1][a] (June 18, 1994 – November 1, 2022), known professionally as Takeoff, was an American rapper. He was best known as the youngest member of the hip hop group Migos along with his uncle Quavo and close friend Offset.[4][5] The group scored multiple top-10 hits on the Billboard Hot 100 including "MotorSport" (featuring Nicki Minaj and Cardi B), "Stir Fry", "Walk It Talk It" (featuring Drake), and "Bad and Boujee" (featuring Lil Uzi Vert), the last of which peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, although he was notably omitted from the song.[6] He also received two Grammy Award nominations as a member of the group.[7] On November 1, 2022, Takeoff was fatally shot in Houston, Texas.[8][9]

Key Information

Early life

[edit]

Kirsnick Khari Ball was born on June 18, 1994,[1] in Lawrenceville, Georgia, where he was raised by his mother, Titania Davenport,[10][11] along with family member Quavo.[12][13][14] He started making beats and developing rhythms in the seventh grade,[15] but did not start recording music professionally until 2012, when he released the mixtape Juug Season with Quavo and Offset in August of that year as part of the hip hop trio Migos.[16]

Career

[edit]

2008–2018: Early work with Migos

[edit]

Along with 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.[17]

Migos initially rose to prominence after the release of their single "Versace", in 2013. The song was remixed by Canadian rapper Drake and peaked at number 99 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and number 31 on the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.[18] Their debut studio album, Yung Rich Nation, was released on July 31, 2015, and featured guest appearances from Chris Brown and Young Thug, and production from Zaytoven and Murda Beatz.[19] The album peaked at number 17 on the Billboard 200.[20]

Takeoff performing at the 2017 VELD Music Festival

Migos achieved their first number one single in 2016 with "Bad and Boujee" (featuring Lil Uzi Vert), peaking on the Billboard Hot 100 during the week of January 21, 2017. The song has gone on to be certified four times platinum by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). While he can be seen in one of the background scenes in the music video, Takeoff is not featured nor credited on the song. Takeoff claimed that he was not featured on the song because he was busy at the time of recording.[21] His absence from the song resulted in many memes.[6]

Takeoff (center) pictured performing with Migos, alongside Quavo (left) and Offset (right), in 2017

Migos' second studio album, Culture, was released on January 27, 2017, debuting at number 1 on the US Billboard 200, moving 131,000 album-equivalent units, including 44,000 copies sold, during its first week of release. The album went on to achieve platinum certification in the country in July 2017.[22][23] The group's third album, Culture II, was released on January 26, 2018.[24][25] It became Migos' second album to debut at number 1 on the Billboard 200, moving 199,000 equivalent units, including 38,000 copies sold, in its first week of release.[26]

2018–2021: The Last Rocket and later Migos work

[edit]

Following the release of Culture II, on October 23, 2018, Takeoff announced an upcoming solo project titled The Last Rocket to be released the following month.[27] Two days after the announcement, he released his first single off the album, "Last Memory", along with the music video.[28] The album was released on November 2, 2018.[29]

The fourth Migos album, Culture III, was released on June 11, 2021.[30] This would be the final Migos album released during Takeoff's lifetime.

[edit]

In October 2022, rumors surrounding a possible disbandment of Migos arose,[31] based on reports that Quavo's ex-girlfriend Saweetie and Offset slept together.[32] Following this, Quavo and Takeoff released a collaborative album titled Only Built for Infinity Links on October 7, 2022,[33] 25 days before Takeoff's death.

[edit]

Georgia Southern University incident

[edit]

On April 18, 2015, Migos were scheduled to headline Georgia Southern University's 2015 Spring concert at Hanner Fieldhouse. The show started at 7:00 p.m. with local opening acts; however, the group took to the stage nearly an hour and a half later than their scheduled 9:00 p.m. set time. Although their performance contract stipulated a minimum 45-minute set length, the group performed for less than 30 minutes before leaving the stage.[34][35]

The University Police Department, the Statesboro Police Department and the Bulloch County Sheriff's Office, who were present at the concert as security detail, detected a strong scent of marijuana from the group's vans, and the drivers were questioned by law enforcement. Upon further investigation, the rap trio and 12 members of their entourage were arrested for possession of marijuana and another controlled substance, possession of firearms within a school safety zone, possession of firearms during the commission of a crime, and possession of firearms by convicted felons.[34][35]

While university officials had been aware of Migos' reputation, the group were allowed to perform as the student body had voted to have the group perform among seven acts that were up for consideration, and student fees and ticket sales were used to pay for the concert.[36] According to the performance contract, the group were to be paid $30,000 with their promoter Big House Collective receiving an additional $3,000. University officials initially sought to put Migos in breach of contract due to the group's late arrival, shortened performance, and possession of contraband on university property; however, the university ultimately paid half of the agreed-upon fees.[37][38]

On April 20, 2015, Takeoff, Quavo, and six members of their entourage were released on bond by the Bulloch County District Attorney's Office while Offset and six others remained in custody without bond. As a result of their arrests, on April 28, 2015, Migos announced they would postpone their Yung Rich Nation Tour until July.[39]

Sexual assault lawsuit

[edit]

On August 5, 2020, Takeoff was named as the perpetrator in a civil lawsuit filed by a female victim on charges of "sexual battery, assault, false imprisonment, gender violence, and interference with civil rights" at a June 2020 party in Los Angeles.[40][41][42] As of April 2, 2021, it was reported that the Los Angeles District Attorney's office would not be filing criminal charges against Takeoff due to insufficient evidence. The civil suit court proceedings were still in progress as of April 2021.[43][44][45]

Murder and trial

[edit]
Murder of Takeoff
LocationHouston, Texas, U.S.
DateNovember 1, 2022; 3 years ago (2022-11-01)
2:40 a.m. (CDT)
Attack type
Homicide by shooting
Deaths1 (Kirsnick Khari Ball, a.k.a. Takeoff, aged 28)
Injured2
MotiveUnder investigation
AccusedPatrick Xavier Clark
ChargesMurder[46]
Map
About OpenStreetMaps
Maps: terms of use
240m
262yds
1
The location of Takeoff's shooting in Houston, Texas

On November 1, 2022, following a private party at 810 Billiards & Bowling in the GreenStreet commercial development part of Houston, Texas, Ball was shot multiple times in the head and torso.[47][9][48][49][50] Approximately 40 people had gathered outside the bowling alley after the party ended around 1:00 a.m. CDT, according to Houston's KHOU-11 TV.[51][49]

Quavo had posted a video earlier in the night in which he had been driving around Houston with Jas Prince Jr. (the second son of James Prince), who was celebrating his father's birthday.[9] Houston Police Sergeant Michael Arrington stated that an altercation broke out as a large group gathered outside the venue's third-floor entrance, and at least two guns were fired.[52] In a statement, Takeoff's record label said that he was killed by a "stray bullet", and Houston police chief Troy Finner said that he did not believe Takeoff to be the intended target.[53]

The Houston Police Department reported that a fatal shooting had taken place at 2:50 a.m. CDT and that the victim was found dead on arrival while two other victims were "taken in private vehicles to hospitals".[54] The department also refused to release Takeoff's identity until "his family is notified" and his "ID verified by Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences".[54] Houston police later confirmed that Takeoff had been killed in the shooting.[55]

A nurse who lived near the bowling alley heard the shots and ran to the scene. She tried to help him, but at the time of her arrival, he was already dead.[56]

Two other people, 24-year-old Joshua "Wash" Washington (a business associate of Quavo) and a 23-year-old woman, suffered non-life-threatening injuries during the shooting.[51][57]

Reactions

[edit]

Rapper Desiigner announced in a live broadcast on Instagram that he was leaving rap and could no longer be creative due to the death of Takeoff,[58][59] although he released a track and music video three weeks later.[60] Blogger DJ Akademiks held a three-hour stream in honor of Takeoff, in which he analyzed videos from the moment of the murder of Takeoff, and also called for fighting the ideology of violence in hip-hop, including stopping imitating rappers YNW Melly and Tay-K, both as notable for their murder charges as their music.[61] Rapper 50 Cent announced a moment of silence in honor of Takeoff during a concert in Finland, during which photos of him appeared on large screens.[62][63] French soccer player Benjamin Pavard celebrated a goal for Bayern Munich by making a dab gesture, popularized by Migos.[64] The Buffalo Bills football players held their traditional post-practice karaoke broadcast on Instagram, but before the party began, the players honored Takeoff with a moment of silence.[65] The Atlanta Falcons paid tribute to Takeoff in their game against the Los Angeles Chargers, with pictures of him on big screens and his song playing in the background.[66] Basketball player LeBron James changed his profile photo on his Instagram account to a black and white Takeoff photo.[67] A couple of days later, LeBron came to the Los Angeles Lakers' game against the Cleveland Cavaliers wearing a suit and chain, in homage to an outfit of the rapper in one of his photo shoots.[68] On November 15, rapper Gucci Mane released the track and video "Letter to Takeoff" dedicated to Takeoff, and on January 4, 2023, Takeoff's uncle, Quavo, released a tribute song to his nephew named "Without You". Hip hop media "WHY TV" made tribute with the song to Takeoff.

Takeoff's label, Quality Control Music, released an official statement:

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 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.[69]

Numerous murals depicting Takeoff began to appear in Atlanta following his death.[70]

Takeoff’s fellow Migos rapper Offset postponed the release of his second solo album, previously reported to be released on November 11, 2022.[71]

[edit]

On November 26, 2022, 22-year-old Joshua Cameron, also known as Lil Cam 5th, was detained in Houston.[72] On December 2, 33-year-old Patrick Xavier Clark was detained. The police believe it was Clark's shot that killed Takeoff.[73]

On May 26, 2023, Clark was indicted by a grand jury for the murder of Takeoff.[74] If convicted, Clark faces between 25 years to life in prison.

Funeral

[edit]

On November 5, Takeoff's friends and family held a farewell ceremony for the rapper, and a memorial was formed at the site of his death.[75]

On November 10, Takeoff's private commemoration was held.[76] On November 11, Takeoff's "Celebration of Life" was held at the State Farm Arena. Free tickets were offered for the event and eventually sold out.[77] Offset, Quavo, Cardi B, Drake, Justin Bieber, Yolanda Adams, and Chloe Bailey performed at the ceremony. Attendance totalled over 20,000,[78] including Gucci Mane, City Girls, YG, Lil Yachty, Cee-Lo Green, and Teyana Taylor.[79] Atlanta Mayor Andre Dickens posthumously presented Takeoff with the Phoenix Award.[80] Those present were not allowed to use their phones or take pictures of the event.[81] Following the funeral service, Takeoff was buried at Peachtree Memorial Park in Peachtree Corners, Georgia.

Commercial impact

[edit]

A few hours before the shooting, Quavo released a joint video with Takeoff for their song "Messy". After the incident, the clip gained several million views in a couple of hours and topped YouTube's trending list.[82]

Migos' single "Cross the Country", released in 2014, reached number one on the online magazine chart HotNewHipHop.[83] Takeoff and Quavo's joint album Only Built for Infinity Links climbed from number 84 to number 12 on the Billboard 200 chart after Takeoff's death. Takeoff's only solo album, The Last Rocket (2018), took the 189th place on the chart. Migos' albums, Culture and Culture II, recharted at 193rd and 116th, respectively.[84] Quavo and Takeoff's collaborative track, "Hotel Lobby (Unc & Phew)", charted at number 78 on the Billboard Hot 100.[85]

On December 2, 2022, producer and frequent collaborator Metro Boomin released the album Heroes & Villains, which contains the track "Feel the Fiyaaaah", a collaboration with fellow American rapper ASAP Rocky featuring Takeoff.[86]

Quavo and Takeoff's single "Hotel Lobby (Unc & Phew)" was certified platinum on November 30, exactly 4 weeks after Takeoff's death.[87]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

Collaborative albums

See also

[edit]

Notes

[edit]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia
from Grokipedia
Kirsnick Khari Ball (June 18, 1994 – November 1, 2022), known professionally as Takeoff, was an American rapper best known as the youngest member of the hip-hop trio Migos, alongside his uncle Quavo and cousin Offset. Takeoff rose to prominence with Migos in the mid-2010s through their trap-influenced style, characterized by triplet flows and ad-libs, contributing to the group's breakthrough hits like "Bad and Boujee" featuring Lil Uzi Vert, which peaked at number one on the Billboard Hot 100. Migos' albums Culture (2017) and Culture II (2018) achieved commercial success, with Culture earning Grammy nominations for Best Rap Album and Best Rap Performance. Takeoff's technical lyricism was often highlighted as a foundational element of the group's sound, distinguishing him within the trio despite his relatively lower public profile compared to Quavo and Offset. In 2018, Takeoff released his sole solo studio album, , which debuted at number eight on the and featured collaborations with artists such as and . He maintained a low-key persona, avoiding many of the legal entanglements that affected other members, focusing instead on musicianship. Takeoff was fatally shot on November 1, 2022, outside a private party in , , succumbing to gunshot wounds to the head and torso; the incident was ruled a , with a suspect later charged in connection to the dispute-fueled shooting.

Early life

Family and upbringing

Kirshnik Khari Ball, known professionally as Takeoff, was born on June 18, 1994, in Lawrenceville, , a suburb north of . He was raised primarily by his mother, Latabia Woodward, a hairstylist, in a single-parent household without significant involvement from his biological father, Kenneth Ball. Ball grew up alongside his uncle, Quavious Keyate Marshall (), who was only three years his senior, and Quavo's cousin, Kiari Kendrell Cephus (Offset), in the same modest home in Lawrenceville. Although Offset later clarified in 2023 that he shares no biological relation with Ball or Quavo, the three were raised as familial kin by Quavo's mother, Edna Marshall, fostering a tight-knit environment that emphasized shared musical interests from childhood. This upbringing in a musically inclined, unit in Georgia's suburban hip-hop scene laid the groundwork for their collaborative pursuits.

Education and early influences

Kirshnik Khari Ball, known professionally as Takeoff, attended Simonton Elementary School in Lawrenceville, , where he was in the during 2003. His fourth-grade teacher, Sherri Manning (then known as Ms. Saunders), described him as "full of life" and energetic, noting that he was popular among peers and "everybody's friend." Manning recalled Ball's potential and expressed sadness over later tragedies involving young people she taught, highlighting his vibrant personality in a classroom setting. Ball began experimenting with music production during his seventh-grade years, creating basic beats and rhythms at that stage. He played drums as a child, which contributed to his early rhythmic development. Growing up in Lawrenceville near , Ball was exposed to from a young age and cited influences including 2Pac, , and , whose styles shaped his appreciation for lyrical and rhythmic complexity in hip-hop. Raised alongside family members and Offset, who later formed with him, Ball's household environment fostered collaborative musical interests rooted in the local trap and rap scenes.

Musical career

Formation of Migos and initial releases (2008–2015)

originated in 2008 in , when (Quavious Keyate Marshall), his nephew Takeoff (Kirshnik Khari Ball), and cousin Offset (Kiari Kendrell Cephus) began collaborating on music as high school students. The trio, all related through —Quavo serving as uncle to Takeoff and cousin to Offset—initially operated under the name Polo Club before adopting . Takeoff, the youngest member born in 1994, contributed foundational verses and ad-libs from the outset, helping establish the group's signature triplet flow rooted in Atlanta trap influences. The group released its debut mixtape, Juug Season, on August 25, 2011, marking their first official project as a unit and featuring early tracks that showcased their rapid-fire delivery and street-oriented lyrics. This was followed by No Label on June 1, 2012, which expanded their local following in the Atlanta underground scene through distribution on platforms like DatPiff and mixtape circuits. These initial releases emphasized Migos' chemistry, with Takeoff often providing precise, layered flows that complemented Quavo's hooks and Offset's aggressive style. Between 2013 and 2015, issued additional mixtapes including Y.R.N. (Young Rich Niggas) in 2013, on February 25, 2014, and in October 2014, each building momentum with producers like and handling beats. These projects gained traction in the Southeast hip-hop circuit, propelled by singles like in 2013, which hinted at wider appeal despite limited mainstream radio play at the time. Takeoff's consistent presence across tracks solidified his role as the group's technical anchor, delivering complex rhyme schemes amid the rising trap wave. The period culminated in Migos' debut studio album, , released on July 31, 2015, via and , which debuted at number 17 on the and featured collaborations signaling their shift toward broader recognition. Throughout these years, the trio's output relied on independent hustle, with Takeoff's understated but skilled contributions helping refine the ad-lib-heavy, cadence-driven sound that defined their early catalog.

Breakthrough and mainstream dominance (2016–2018)

The release of "Bad and Boujee" featuring Lil Uzi Vert on October 31, 2016, marked Migos' entry into mainstream success, with the track ascending to number one on the Billboard Hot 100 for three weeks beginning January 21, 2017. Notably, Takeoff did not contribute a verse to the single, having opted out due to concerns over the beat's crowded arrangement, though the group's overall style propelled its viral appeal through streaming and social media buzz. This momentum culminated in the January 27, 2017, release of ' second studio album, , which debuted at number one on the , selling 131,000 album-equivalent units in its first week. Takeoff featured prominently on tracks like "" and "Slippery," delivering verses that exemplified the group's signature triplet flow, contributing to the album's critical acclaim for innovating structures. was certified platinum by the RIAA on April 20, 2017, reflecting sustained commercial dominance driven by hits and over a billion streams. In 2018, Migos reinforced their position with , released on January 26, which also debuted at number one on the , moving 199,000 equivalent units in its opening week and later achieving double platinum certification. Takeoff's contributions, including on singles like "Stir Fry" and "Walk It Talk It" featuring Drake, underscored his role in maintaining the group's rhythmic precision amid expanding collaborations. The period saw Migos secure Grammy nominations for Best Rap Album (Culture) and Best Rap Performance ("Bad and Boujee"), alongside a BET Award for Best Group. Their crossover appeal peaked with an American Music Award for Favorite Duo or Group – in October 2018.

Solo projects and group tensions (2019–2022)

Following the release of ' fourth studio album on June 11, 2021, Takeoff focused on collaborative efforts rather than new solo material, partnering with his uncle under the duo name . The duo announced their project in early 2022, positioning it as a creative outlet distinct from full-group activities. Unc & Phew debuted with the single "Hotel Lobby" on May 20, 2022, produced by and featuring introspective lyrics about industry excess and personal loss. The track, which sampled a soulful backdrop, marked Takeoff's prominent lead verses alongside Quavo's melodic hooks, emphasizing their familial synergy. This was followed by their sole album, , released on October 7, 2022, via and Records, comprising 18 tracks with guest appearances from artists including Mustard and . The venture exacerbated underlying frictions within , particularly with Offset, who was excluded from the duo. In May 2022, coinciding with the "Hotel Lobby" rollout, Offset unfollowed Quavo and Takeoff on , fueling speculation of the group's dissolution amid reports of creative and financial disputes. A planned performance at a Houston festival in August 2022 proceeded without Offset, billed initially as a trio appearance but featuring only Quavo and Takeoff, further highlighting the rift. Quavo and Takeoff publicly affirmed ' continuity in a interview, describing the group as on "indefinite hiatus" to allow individual pursuits while denying a permanent split. Offset later attributed some discord to business pressures, including a over group finances, but noted Takeoff's role as a mediator in maintaining unity. These developments reflected broader strains from members' solo ambitions—Offset's 2019 album Father of 4 and 's 2018 Quavo Huncho—which had periodically tested the trio's dynamic since 2019, though no full disbandment occurred before Takeoff's .

Artistic style and contributions

Rapping technique and triplet flow

Takeoff's technique centered on a precise, syncopated delivery that emphasized rhythmic complexity and melodic phrasing within trap beats. He employed a rapid-fire style characterized by tightly clustered syllables delivered as quick jabs, often layering ad-libs and internal rhymes to create density without sacrificing clarity. This approach allowed for seamless integration into group verses, where his contributions provided and rhythmic counterpoints to Offset and Quavo's more aggressive cadences. Central to his technique was the triplet flow, a pattern dividing a single beat into three equal notes or syllables, which popularized through tracks like "" in 2013. Takeoff is credited by Offset with originating this flow within the group during early sessions, playing a song that introduced the cadence and adapting it to their sound on mixtapes like No Label (2012). His mastery of refreshed the triplet style—previously used by artists like —making it a staple of modern trap by varying emphasis and off-beat accents for a "glittery stomp" effect. In solo and , Takeoff's triplet flow evolved with subtle modulation, incorporating patterns and evolving phrasing to maintain listener across extended verses. This technique influenced subsequent rappers by prioritizing flow innovation over lyrical bravado, as seen in his consistent studio refinement of wordplay and delivery on albums like (2017). While the Migos became ubiquitous, Takeoff's understated precision distinguished his verses, often occupying a supportive yet foundational role in the trio's harmonic structure.

Role within Migos and hip-hop innovation

Takeoff, born Kirshnik Khari Ball, served as the youngest member of Migos, alongside Quavo and Offset, contributing a reserved yet technically proficient presence that emphasized lyrical precision over extroverted persona. Unlike his more media-facing counterparts, Takeoff focused intensely on crafting verses, often delivering with a deep, resonant voice that anchored the group's layered deliveries. His role was pivotal in maintaining the trio's cohesion during recordings, where he prioritized musical innovation over public promotion. Central to Takeoff's influence within was his mastery of the triplet flow—a rapid, syncopated rhythm featuring three syllables per beat—that the group popularized in the mid-2010s, transforming it into a hallmark of modern . This technique, refined through Takeoff's adept and multisyllabic rhyme schemes, allowed for dense, interlocking verses that distinguished from contemporaries. He also played a key role in developing the group's signature ad-libs, such as "Skrrt" and "Brrah," which added rhythmic texture and catchiness, enhancing the hypnotic quality of tracks like from their 2016 album . Through , Takeoff's innovations extended hip-hop's sonic boundaries, with the triplet flow influencing artists across genres, including pop crossovers like Drake's adoption on remixes such as "." This style's emphasis on percussive delivery over traditional linear storytelling shifted production paradigms, prioritizing hi-hat-driven beats that became ubiquitous in rap and beyond by the late . Critics attribute much of the group's enduring impact to Takeoff's foundational musicianship, which elevated trap from regional sound to global staple without relying on overt commercial pandering.

Personal life

Family relationships

Takeoff, born Kirshnik Khari Ball, was the nephew of (Quavious Keyate Marshall), making Quavo his maternal uncle through Quavo's older sister, who is Takeoff's mother. This close familial bond extended to their collaborative work in , where Takeoff grew up in the same household as Quavo and their cousin Offset (Kiari Kendrell Cephus) in . The trio was primarily raised by Quavo's mother, Edna Marshall, Takeoff's grandmother, in a single-parent environment in suburban Atlanta's Gwinnett County. Takeoff's mother, Latabia Woodward, worked as a hairstylist, though details on his father's identity remain undisclosed in . No siblings are documented, and Takeoff maintained a low-profile without public marriages or children.

Lifestyle and public persona

Takeoff maintained a notably reserved public persona compared to his Migos bandmates and Offset, often described as quiet, laid-back, and unproblematic. As the youngest member, he frequently delivered the closing verses on tracks, contributing to perceptions of him as the understated "glue" holding the group together, with a humble demeanor evident in moments like politely asking to tone down excessive praise during a 2018 interview. Despite ' mainstream success and trap lifestyle hallmarks—such as luxury jewelry, high-end vehicles, and high-profile appearances—Takeoff projected a low-key image, focusing intensely on from his high school years onward. His consistent character, praised as unchanging and radiating "cool energy," contrasted with the more extroverted personas of his relatives, positioning him as discerning yet ready to assert his lyrical prowess when needed. Takeoff's personal habits reflected this restraint; he had only one tattoo, inked by Quavo during their adolescence using a makeshift tool, underscoring a aversion to the extensive body art common among peers. This approach aligned with his self-described chill outlook, as articulated in interviews where he emphasized earning recognition on his terms rather than chasing visibility.

Early incidents and arrests

On April 18, 2015, Takeoff, whose real name is Kirshnik Khari Ball, was arrested alongside fellow members and Offset immediately after their performance at Georgia Southern University's Spring Bling concert in . Authorities searched the group's tour bus following reports of marijuana odor and discovered controlled substances including , OxyContin, and , as well as multiple firearms. The trio faced charges for possession of schedule I and II narcotics, misdemeanor marijuana possession, and weapons violations, including carrying loaded guns on campus property. Takeoff and Quavo posted bond the following day, April 19, 2015, and were released, while Offset remained detained due to prior violations from an unrelated 2011 for receiving stolen . The Bulloch County District Attorney's office later dropped charges against Takeoff, , and six entourage members on April 20, 2015, citing insufficient evidence to proceed, though Offset's case led to additional jail until his release in August 2015. This incident marked one of the earliest publicized legal entanglements for Takeoff during ' rising independent phase, disrupting their promotional activities for the Rich Nigga Timeline. No prior arrests or significant incidents involving Takeoff were reported in from his formative years in , where formed around 2008. The 2015 event highlighted recurring themes of drug and firearm possession in early hip-hop tour but resolved without long-term consequences for Takeoff personally.

Sexual assault allegations and resolution

In June 2020, a woman identified as Jane Doe alleged that Takeoff, whose legal name is Kirsnick Khari Ball, raped her during a house party in Encino, Los Angeles. The accuser claimed the assault occurred after she was invited to the gathering by the rapper's associates, where she was isolated and assaulted despite her resistance and requests to stop. A civil lawsuit filed on August 5, 2020, in Los Angeles Superior Court sought damages for sexual battery, assault, emotional distress, and related claims, with the plaintiff's attorney stating the filing aimed to prompt further LAPD action. Takeoff's legal representative denied the allegations, asserting the encounter was consensual and that the accuser had fabricated the claims for financial gain. The investigated the incident following the accuser's report but declined to pursue criminal charges, citing insufficient evidence for prosecution. No criminal case was filed against Takeoff, effectively resolving the matter without formal charges or trial in that context. The civil suit proceeded independently, with a in September 2022 ordering Takeoff to sit for a deposition by and imposing a $2,460 fine for prior discovery violations, though the rapper's death on November 1, 2022, halted his direct involvement. Following Takeoff's fatal shooting, the lawsuit shifted to his estate, represented by his mother, who argued for dismissal on grounds including lack of evidence and procedural issues. In June 2025, court filings reiterated claims of fabrication and insufficient proof to sustain the action posthumously. As of October 2025, the estate continued seeking dismissal, with no final resolution reported in the ongoing civil proceedings.

Death

Shooting incident

On November 1, 2022, Kirsnick Khari Ball, known professionally as Takeoff, was fatally shot outside 810 Billiards & Bowling in the San Jacinto area of , , following a private party attended by members of . The incident occurred around 2:40 a.m. local time when an argument flared up over a dice game involving a group that included , escalating into gunfire from multiple shooters amid the crowd outside the venue. Takeoff, who was not participating in the game and standing in the crowd nearby with Quavo, was struck by stray bullets; early police statements indicated he was not the intended target and described him as an innocent bystander. Offset was also present at the event but inside the venue at the time of the shooting. Takeoff sustained multiple wounds, including to the head and , and was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics despite immediate medical response. officials described him as caught in from an estimated three to five shooters exchanging fire amid the crowd of about 40-50 people outside. Two others were also shot but survived with non-life-threatening injuries. The shooting prompted a rapid evacuation of the area, with police recovering over 30 shell casings from various calibers at the scene.

Immediate aftermath and funeral

Following Takeoff's fatal shooting on November 1, 2022, outside a bowling alley, tributes poured in from the hip-hop community and beyond, with artists expressing shock and grief over the loss of the 28-year-old rapper. , , Drake, and others shared condolences on , highlighting Takeoff's talent and the senseless nature of in the genre. Fans erected an impromptu memorial at the 810 Billiards and Bowling site, placing flowers, candles, photos, and artwork to honor him. Public reactions emphasized mourning alongside broader concerns about rapper safety, with figures like lamenting the recurring tragedy without delving into speculation. In , where Takeoff was raised, local media and community members reflected on his influence, though some critiques noted patterns in media coverage of Black artists' deaths. Takeoff's family organized a "Celebration of Life" memorial on November 11, 2022, at Atlanta's , drawing thousands of attendees including Offset, , and other musicians. The three-hour event featured performances by , , and , alongside a poem recited by Drake, framing the service as a superstar tribute to Takeoff's legacy. Proceedings began at 12 p.m. ET, with fans queuing outside the arena to pay respects.

Suspect identification and charges

investigators identified Patrick Xavier as the primary suspect in the fatal shooting of Takeoff (Kirsnick Khari Ball) through analysis of surveillance video from the scene showing Clark pointing and firing towards a group, fingerprints recovered from a , phone records, and vehicle information linking him to the incident. Warrants revealed evidence of multiple shooters present during the November 1, 2022, incident outside 810 Billiards & in , though was specifically charged as the individual responsible for the fatal shot. Clark, aged 33 at the time, was arrested on December 1, 2022, and formally charged with the following day by Harris authorities. He was released on a $1 million bond in January 2023, with conditions including house arrest and GPS monitoring. Separately, Cameron , 22, who was observed on video at the scene carrying a , faced charges of unlawful carrying of a as a felon, stemming from his presence during the shooting but not directly tied to firing the fatal round. A grand jury indicted Clark on the charge on May 25, 2023, formalizing the prosecution's case amid Clark's legal team's assertions of and denial of responsibility for the shooting. Joshua's weapons charges proceeded independently, with no indictment issued against him.

Trial developments and challenges

Patrick Xavier Clark, charged with the of Takeoff on November 1, 2022, remains out on bond. His legal team has asserted his innocence, maintaining from early in the proceedings that Clark acted in during the incident at 810 Billiards & Bowling in . This defense strategy emerged publicly in October 2023, with attorneys arguing that would support a claim, though prosecutors have contested the characterization, citing ballistic and witness linking Clark to the fatal shot. Pre-trial proceedings have advanced incrementally amid scheduling and evidentiary hurdles. A court date was set for February 25, 2025, followed by a pre-trial hearing on May 28, 2025, where motions related to evidence admissibility were addressed. By September 2025, records indicated the next hearing scheduled for November 12, 2025, but in December 2025, the judge moved Clark’s hearing to January 8, 2026, for a pre-trial conference; if no agreement is reached, the case would move toward a jury trial. These postponements stem partly from broader systemic issues in Houston's process, including a at the Houston Forensic Science Center. In April 2024, a "Brady notice" revealed that work by a fired forensic analyst potentially tainted evidence in 392 cases, including Takeoff's murder investigation, tied to forensic and chain-of-custody issues, raising risks of suppressed exculpatory material or unreliable ballistics analysis. Defense attorneys have leveraged this to challenge the integrity of forensic reports, such as gunshot residue and trajectory data, arguing for re-testing or potential dismissal, which legal experts predict could extend timelines significantly. Prosecutors maintain the core evidence—surveillance footage, witness statements identifying Clark, and recovered shell casings—remains robust despite the forensic cloud, but the issue has introduced procedural complexities and appeals risks. As of late 2025, no trial date has been firmly set, with the forensic controversy exemplifying challenges in securing convictions in high-profile cases reliant on contested lab work. In June 2023, Titania Davenport, mother of Takeoff (born Kirsnick Khari Ball), filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Harris County District Court against ASW Enterprises Inc., the owner of , the venue where Takeoff was fatally shot on November 1, 2022. The suit alleged , including inadequate measures despite knowledge of prior criminal activity at the location, failure to prevent an oversold private event that drew over 1,000 unvetted attendees, and not hiring off-duty police for as contractually required. Davenport sought at least $1 million in damages to cover medical expenses, funeral costs, , and loss of future earnings. In December 2023, Takeoff's father, Kenneth Ball, joined the as an additional , reinforcing claims of venue liability for the shooting that occurred during an after-hours party hosted by rapper Drake. Venue owners responded in March 2024 with a motion asserting by Takeoff, arguing he voluntarily attended a high-risk event involving alcohol, dice games, and large crowds without adequate security, thereby assuming inherent dangers. They further claimed the shooting stemmed from a dice game dispute unrelated to venue operations and sought dismissal or reduction of liability under law. As of late 2024, the case remained pending, highlighting tensions over premises liability in nightlife security failures.

Reception and legacy

Commercial achievements and awards

Takeoff contributed to Migos' breakthrough commercial success, with the group's 2017 album Culture debuting at number one on the Billboard 200 and generating the Hot 100 number-one single "Bad and Boujee" featuring Lil Uzi Vert, certified diamond by the RIAA for 10 million units sold or streamed in the United States. Subsequent Migos singles including "MotorSport" (featuring Cardi B and Nicki Minaj, peaking at number six), "Stir Fry" (number eight), and "Walk It Talk It" (featuring Drake, number ten) all reached the Hot 100 top ten, contributing to the group's cumulative RIAA-certified sales exceeding 39.5 million units across albums and singles by late 2022. His solo debut album , released on November 2, 2018, entered the at number four with 49,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, marking his highest solo chart position. The lead single "Last Memory" became his first solo entry on the Hot 100, peaking at number 54, while "Casper" reached number 99; the album re-entered the at number 189 following his death in 2022 amid a surge in streams. Takeoff received two Grammy Award nominations as part of : Best Rap Performance for "Bad and Boujee" and Best Rap Album for Culture at the in 2018. , including Takeoff, won the BET Award for Best Group in 2015 and secured three additional victories in the category through 2018, the most for any act. The group also earned the ASCAP Vanguard Award in 2018 for streaming achievements. Posthumously, Takeoff shared the 2023 Image Award for Outstanding Song - Hip-Hop/Rap Song with for "Hotel Lobby" from their collaborative album Only If You Say It First.

Critical assessments and influence

Takeoff's rapping within Migos was frequently lauded by critics for its technical precision, particularly his syncopated delivery and command of triplet flows, which differentiated the group's sound from prior trap iterations. A New York Times retrospective credited him as the "master of syncopation," arguing that his approach revitalized quick-jabbing triplets—previously a rap staple—making them a cornerstone of mid-2010s Atlanta rap and influencing subsequent artists through rhythmic innovation rather than lyrical complexity. Similarly, Billboard described him as the group's "backbone" and most technically skilled member, emphasizing his consistent flow over the flashier personas of Quavo and Offset, though noting his lower visibility often overshadowed this strength. His 2018 solo debut garnered mixed-to-positive assessments, with reviewers highlighting its brevity and focus as assets in a bloated trap landscape. Uproxx praised Takeoff for shining independently, positioning the album as evidence of his superiority as ' premier rapper despite prior group dynamics jokes. noted its 12-track economy revealed more personal depth than Quavo's contemporaneous solo project, though it critiqued the reliance on familiar trap tropes without bold experimentation. Other outlets, such as MusicCritic, commended its eclectic engagement and emotional vulnerability, viewing it as validation of Takeoff's status, while Afterglow ATX faulted weak chorus structures—a gap attributable to Quavo's typical role in . Aggregated user and critic scores on reflected this solidity, with praise for its replay value but limited innovation. Takeoff's influence extended through Migos' template, which XXL Magazine attributed partly to his foundational role in the group's ascent, embedding staccato rhythms and ad-lib-heavy phrasing into hip-hop's mainstream. The Recording Academy echoed this, stating his work with Migos forged a boundary-breaking sound that reshaped the genre's landscape by prioritizing melodic cadence over narrative depth. In Atlanta specifically, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution observed that his foundational style elevated triplet flows to genre standards, impacting regional successors while Migos' collective output—bolstered by his precision—earned Grammy nominations and commercial dominance. Critics like those at WWNO framed Migos, with Takeoff integral, as setting modern hip-hop benchmarks for group dynamics and production interplay.

Broader cultural impact and criticisms


Takeoff's role in Migos helped pioneer the triplet flow, a stuttering rhythmic style that reshaped Atlanta trap music and influenced hip-hop broadly starting in the mid-2010s. This innovation, characterized by rapid-fire triplets over booming 808 bass, became a template for subsequent artists and elevated Migos to one of the most commercially dominant rap groups of the decade. As the group's most lyrically precise member, Takeoff's understated delivery and intricate wordplay provided structural backbone to hits like "Bad and Boujee," despite his initial exclusion from the track due to thematic fit concerns.
His solo debut (2018) demonstrated versatility beyond group dynamics, blending trap staples with introspective tracks, earning praise for emotional authenticity amid eclectic production. ' collective sound, anchored by Takeoff's technical skill, set benchmarks for modern rap ensembles, fostering a wave of imitators and cementing Atlanta's dominance in the genre. Takeoff's fatal shooting on November 1, 2022, intensified scrutiny of within hip-hop, where at least 23 rappers had been killed since , prompting debates on whether the genre's emphasis on street narratives exacerbates risks or merely mirrors urban realities. Critics, including some public figures, have faulted hip-hop for normalizing and bravado, potentially contributing to real-world perils like the dice game dispute preceding his death. However, defenders like argue against the music, noting over 100 daily U.S. gun deaths transcend hip-hop and reflect permissive policies over cultural output. In response, advocated stricter gun laws, while Takeoff's family launched the CEO Foundation in to combat through intervention programs. Some reviews critiqued Takeoff's solo work for blending into trap's repetitive formulas without standout innovation.

Discography

Collaborative works with Migos

Takeoff served as a core member and primary rapper in , contributing verses, ad-libs, and production input to the group's releases alongside and Offset. The trio's debut studio , , released on July 31, 2015, via , , and , featured Takeoff on tracks emphasizing the group's trap sound and early hits like "One Time". Their breakthrough second album, , arrived on January 27, 2017, through and YRN Tha Label, with Takeoff delivering flows on standout singles including "Bad and Boujee" featuring , which peaked at number one on the Hot 100. , the follow-up released on January 26, 2018, via , included Takeoff's contributions to extended tracks like "Stir Fry" and "Walk It Talk It" featuring Drake, expanding the group's triplet flow style. The final Migos studio album during Takeoff's lifetime, , was released on June 11, 2021, by and Records, featuring Takeoff on singles such as "" and closing the trilogy with themes of legacy and street life. These collaborative efforts solidified Migos' commercial dominance, with combined album sales exceeding several million units.

Solo albums and singles

Takeoff released his debut solo studio album, , on November 2, 2018, through , , and Records. The project comprises 12 tracks, with production primarily from , , and , and features a single guest appearance by his bandmate on "She Gon Wink." The album debuted at number four on the US chart, earning 49,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, marking Takeoff's highest solo chart position at the time. Leading up to the album, Takeoff issued "Casper" as a promotional single on July 27, 2018, which peaked at number 99 on the and number 57 on the chart. From The Last Rocket, "Last Memory" served as a single and became Takeoff's first solo track to enter the , debuting following the album's release. "She Gon Wink," released as the album's on October 19, 2018, also charted on the chart at number 31. No additional solo albums were released during Takeoff's lifetime, and as of 2025, no posthumous solo studio album has been issued, though has discussed compiling unreleased verses for a potential project. Posthumously, Takeoff's solo streams surged, with re-entering the at number 189 in the week following his death on November 1, 2022.

References

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