Cardi B and Offset Pay Subtle Tributes to Takeoff on Social Media
The music world is mourning the death of Takeoff, who died at age 28 in the early hours of Nov. 1. The rapper, born Kirshnik Khari Ball, was one-third of the rap group Migos, alongside his family members Quavo and Offset. After news of Takoeff's death broke, his friends and colleagues shared loving remembrances and tributes to him.
In a statement to POPSUGAR, Takeoff's record label, Quality Control, wrote, "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."
Though Quavo (who was with Takeoff at the time of his murder) and Offset have yet to publicly speak on Takeoff's death, the latter made a subtle tribute by changing profile pictures on his Twitter and Instagram accounts to photos of the late rapper. His wife, Cardi B, also paid homage to Takeoff by retweeting a clip of an old interview with Migos and Complex's Speedy Morman. She also has yet to publicly comment on Takeoff's death.
Migos, formed in 2008, first broke out with their 2013 song "Versace." The group's first No. 1 single was 2016's "Bad and Boujee," which features Lil Uzi Vert. In total, Migos released four albums together, most recently 2021's "Culture III," with Takeoff releasing his solo album, "The Last Rocket," in 2018. During his time, the Georgia native collaborated with artists like Travis Scott, Birdman, Gucci Mane, Pop Smoke, Roddy Ricch, DJ Khaled, Calvin Harris, John Legend, and Snoop Dogg. On Oct. 7, he and Quavo released their collaborative album, "Only Built for Infinity Links," as the duo Unc & Phew. Takeoff was largely celebrated by his peers, as well as Quavo and Offset, for his exceptional rap skills and flow.
Ahead, see the many celebrities paying homage to Takeoff's life and legacy.
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Drake
"I got the best memories of all of us seeing the world together and bringing light to every city we touch," Drake wrote in an Instagram post, alongside a picture of him and Takeoff. "That's what I'll focus on for now 😔 rest easy space man Take 🚀."
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N.O.R.E.
"It's a sad day for all of us! 😞," the rapper tweeted with a clip of Takeoff's appearance on his "Drink Champs" podcast. "#TakeOff was a true student of #HipHop & Gone way too soon 🕊 Glad we gave you your flowers King, you deserved every bit of it! 👑 💐 ♾ #LongLiveTakeOff prayers & condolences to his family & friends!"
James Corden
Corden paid homage to Takeoff during the Nov. 1 episode of "The Late Late Show." "He was funny and kind . . . My biggest feeling when I was around him was just how much he loved music," the late-night talk show host said, adding praise for Migos's accomplishments while the trio was still together. ". . . They moved the needle in their own unique way. Takeoff helped define trap music, and he put it on a national stage. . . . Our thoughts are with his family and all of his friends. We have lost someone incredibly special today."
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Machine Gun Kelly
"i had the honor of being on migos first mixtape back in like 09'…crazy what they've done since," Machine Gun Kelly shared on Twitter. "i was so proud of that album cho and takeoff just dropped, the bars and production were so mean, i'm just glad he got to experience SOME of his flowers while he was here. RIP Take 🕊."
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Katy Perry
"this is so tragic," Perry quote-tweeted a video of Migos at the 2018 Met Gala. "my heart breaks for his family and my friends @Migos rest in peace 💔."
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Lori Harvey
Lori Harvey shared a photo of Takeoff on her Instagram story and wrote, "This is so heartbreaking" alongside a broken heart emoji.
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Kelly Rowland
Kelly Rowland shared a photo of Takeoff on her Instagram story and wrote, "Keeping his family in my prayers!!" She added, "There are no words . . ."
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Marlon Wayans
Marlon Wayans shared a photo of Takeoff on Instagram and wrote, "Young Black men we gotta stop. There is no glory in stripping another man of his life. There is no jewelry, no cash, no argument or disagreement worth a life. My heart is broken for this man's family, his friends, his fans and all that knew him. And my heart hurts for black people who've lost another young king at the hands of violence. I hurt for this generation… we better than this. #riptakeoff prayers and healing to your family and #themigos"
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Ja Rule
Ja Rule tweeted shortly after the news broke, "Rip Takeoff . . . this sh*t has to STOP… sending love to friends and family 🕊🙏🏾."