From Drake to James Corden - celebrities and fans pay tribute to Takeoff
The rapper was shot dead in Houston, Texas, in the early hours of Tuesday (1 November)
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Rapper Takeoff, of US trio Migos, has died after a shooting in Houston, Texas, on Tuesday 1 November.
The rapper, whose full name was Kirshnik Khari Ball, was 28 years old.
Fellow Migos member Quavo was also present during the incident. According to Houston police, the two were at a private party prior to the shooting.
Since the news of his death, tributes have been pouring in for the rapper.
Drake shared a photo to Instagram of himself with Takeoff onstage, writing: “I got the best memories of all of us seeing the world together and bringing light to every city we touch.”
“That’s what I’ll focus on for now. Rest easy space man. Take,” he added.
James Cordon has also paid tribute to the star on his The Late, Late Show programme:“I just want to say, to take this moment to say, how utterly devastated we were to wake up to the news that at the age of 28, Takeoff has tragically died,” Corden said.
“It’s heartbreaking to anyone who knew him, and to all of his fans around the world Takeoff was funny and kind.”
British musician Dave, real name David Omoregie, shared a series of photos on Instagram of him and Takeoff.
He captioned the pictures saying “my brother... days we spent together were priceless” and “prayers for your family bro”.
Gucci Mane, a frequent Migos collaborator, wrote “RIP” while Ja Rule said: “This s*** has to STOP … sending love to friends and family.”
Solo artist Lauren Jauregui, formerly of the girl group Fifth Harmony, wrote on Twitter: “Oh my God... rest in peace Takeoff... I can't believe that..omg.”
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Jamaican rapper Sean Paul, who featured vocals from American hip hop group Migos on his track “Body”, also paid tribute on Instagram with a picture saying rest in peace.
Rapper Jay Gerard Bradley, known professionally as Almighty Jay, also wrote on Instagram: “F*** bro. I love you gang. I just talked to you.”
British rapper AJ Tracey said on Twitter: “Not takeoff! RIP”.
US congressman Jamaal Bowman, for New York's 16th congressional district, also said on Twitter: “Sending love to Takeoff's loved ones. I'm tired of seeing young Black men die. We have to stop killing each other. We should be able to shoot dice, buy cookies, take our ladies out to eat and lead joyful lives without another brother shooting us down out of anger or jealousy.”
“Rest in peace to takeoff I just spoke to him too,” American Twitch streamer and YouTuber Adin Ross also wrote.
“I'm in shock right now, I can't believe it. I pray to god it's fake. This s*** just isn't fair bro wtf.”
Singer-songwriter Keri Hilson, from Atlanta like Takeoff, also wrote on the social media site: “Rest In Peace... Healing love to your brothers, family, & friends.”
Khloé Kardashian tweeted: “This is so sad. Wow! over what?? May God cover everyone who is in pain. These senseless acts have got to end. So so sad.”
“Not Takeoff!” wrote British rapper AJ Tracey.
Former American professional boxer Jake Paul said: “Senseless killings need to stop. Need to unify. RIP TAKEOFF.”
Fellow musical artist King Staccz added: “I know Offset, wish him and Takeoff would’ve put all that Migos drama to the side, I feel for him the most right now.”
“No hot takes. No profound thoughts. Just sad that another rapper, son, brother, and friend has been killed. God be with all those who feel the loss,” “I’ll Find You” rapper Lecrae shared.
Boxer Chris Eubank Jr remembered the rapper on Twitter. “I remember Takeoff being a very down-to-earth, cool dude,” he began. “Can’t believe I’m having to say this again about another young black star being killed for no reason, something really has to change in the industry.”
“Rest in Peace, Takeoff. 28 years old,” wrote US senate candidate Charles Booker on Twitter. “Praying for his family, friends, community, and everyone impacted by this loss. It just keeps happening.”
“Takeoff probably the most unproblematic rapper. He don’t bother nobody and stay out the way,” tweeted Masika Kalysha.
“Rest in Peace #Takeoff, the hugely talented rapper who left us at just 28 years old... Our prayers go to Takeoff’s family and loved ones,” wrote the World Music Awards.
Meanwhile, on Takeoff’s Instagram page, friends and fans are commenting hoping for the news to be fake.
“Praying to god it’s not true bro. Please don’t let it be true,” commented Ardin Ross, under Takeoff’s most recent post.
A Houston Police Department spokesman confirmed to the PA news agency that officers responded shortly after 2.40am on Tuesday to reports of a shooting.
One man was found dead at the scene while two people were taken to hospital by private vehicles at 810 Billiards And Bowling in Houston.
So far no arrests have been made.
Additional reporting by Press Association
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