How many more rappers need to get murdered in cold blood for the shootings to stop? How many more times will society have to organize gun violence protests? Predominantly Black men are being gripped out of the world left and right. The world lost PNB Rock, Pop Smoke, King Von, XXXTentacion and a list of other rappers who died from being gunned down. Sadly, the world lost another prominent figure in the music industry. This shooting spree is devastating to say the least, but very frustrating and exhausting as well. Most celebrities have expressed their frustration about the killings of their fellow musician confidants. Society is tired of the gifts of the world being taken away by murderers. Hate and envy has overpowered and taken over the hearts of so many. These murderers only see blood and commit these heinous and careles acts. The world lost a rapper at a young age of 28-years-old who was supposed to still be alive. He is known as Takeoff, but his real name is Kirshnik Khari Ball and he was a part of the renowned rap group, Migos, from Lawrenceville, GA. This petrifying and tragic incident took place on Tuesday Oct. 30, 2022 in Houston at 810 Billiards & Blowing. It was a private party with a small gathering of roughly 40 people that were supposed to be entertained and enjoying their time. Instead the event turned into a horrific incident. The details of the shooting are actively unfolding but there are some details that have been provided by the Houston Police Department.
Takeoff was not the only individual shot, there were others wounded but fortunately made it through the injuries. A 23-year-old man and a 24-year-old woman were both wounded by bullets, and one other victim shot was Takeoff’s uncle Quavo. Quavo is also a member of Migos and so this was the last moment he spent with Takeoff. There was a dispute amongst a few people that led up to the shooting and killing of Takeoff. It is believed that Takeoff was not arguing with anyone, but happened to be around during the insanity. None of the guests provided information to the police, potentially out of fear of being seen as an informant according to the police. Some fear the consequences or responses that follow once they have provided information to the police. Police are asking for other rappers/Hip Hop artists to come forward and provide information. As of now, the police are unable to identify Takeoff’s killer, but are confident that they will soon find the person responsible. Takeoff was a man of little words but a very down to earth, laidback individual. He was one of the coolest and most influential artists in the rap industry due to his demeanor from the way he walked, spoke and laughed. He exuded flyness and was known to have great character where he was honest everywhere he went. Sending condolences to the family, friends, fans and associates of Takeoff because they are experiencing unbearable pain. The world will never forget Kirshnik Khari Ball, aka Takeoff, and the work he has gifted the world, and he will be extremely missed. Hopefully, there will be a point in time where there are no more shootings and killings because it has been a continuous pattern for many years that has been damaging the world. Migos has a mission to improve the world around us, and Takeoff makes it clear saying, “We want our legacy to stand upon the youth. We want to give knowledge to the younger generation and be a part of changing the game.” It is imperative that society carries out this goal to educate the youth because they are the uprising generation and will be relied on to help in developing a more improved, positive and advanced world.
Adja Box is a fourth-year Communication Studies major with a minor in media and culture. ab927325@wcupa.edu