As the news of Takeoff’s sudden death broke in the early hours of November 1, the music industry was in disbelief over the loss of the 28-year-old rapper. The youngest member of the Grammy-winning trap group Migos died after being shot and killed at a Houston bowling alley November 1, a rep confirmed to AP News. His uncle and bandmate, Quavo, was present at the bowling alley but was not harmed, according to reports. Friends and fans took to social media to honor Takeoff — whose legal name was Kirsnik Khari Ball — after learning of the deadly event. A day after Takeoff’s funeral, Quavo published a statement to Instagram, remembering his nephew. “You are OUR angel, watching me and watching us this whole time in living form making sure EVERYONE FELT UR LOVE AND HUGS while u here and u made our dreams come true,†shared Quavo. “This broke my heart 💔,†rapper and fellow Atlanta native Gucci Mane wrote on Instagram. “Rest In Peace @yrntakeoff.†Future tweeted sparingly, “TakeOff forever Legendary.â€
Tributes continued to pour in from industry veterans, friends, and celebrity fans, including the ones in person at his funeral on November 11 and those on social media. “I got the best memories of all of us seeing the world together and bringing light to every city we touch,†Drake wrote on Instagram. “I am heartbroken but I am grateful for all the precious memories we got to share while you were here with us,†Cardi B said in an Instagram post following Takeoff’s celebration of life. A heartbroken Desiigner tearfully said he’s “done with rap†in an Instagram livestream. “Today I lost more than a brother,†Rich the Kid captioned an Instagram post. “My twin my best friend everything, I don’t wanna believe it I can’t.†Singer and actor Teyana Taylor also struggled to digest the young rapper’s death. “Please tell me this is just a bad dream pleaseeeeeeee I don’t want to believe this lil bro please,†Taylor wrote. Tyler the Creator wished the rapper “safe travels†on his Instagram story. Below, more tributes to Takeoff’s life from French Montana, Yung Miami, Wiz Khalifa, Baby Tate, and more.
This post has been updated throughout.