Takeoff Record Label Says Rapper Was Killed By 'Stray Bullet': 'Devastated'

Late rapper Takeoff's record label has shared in a statement that the musician was killed by a "stray bullet" in the early hours of Tuesday morning.

The 28-year-old member of rap trio Migos was fatally shot outside a bowling alley called 801 Billiards & Bowling in Houston, Texas, at approximately 2:30 a.m., according to TMZ.

Per the Houston Police Department, officers arrived on the scene, where "[one] victim was found deceased," while two other shooting victims at the venue were "taken in private vehicles to hospitals." Both are expected to make full recoveries.

At a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, Houston PD Sergeant Michael Arrington gave a brief rundown of the events that led up to the shooting.

"A large group of people had gathered at the front door area just outside the building, and it led to an argument where the shooting took place from the disagreement," Arrington said. "A lot of people that were there, fled the scene and did not stick around to give a statement."

Arrington added that the police are seeking "any information at this time," encouraging witnesses to share with officers photos and video footage from the scene.

Houston Police chief Troy Finner said at the press conference that he "would not expect [Takeoff] to be involved" in the altercation that led to the shooting, adding: "We have no reason to believe he was involved in anything criminal at the time."

On Tuesday evening, Takeoff's "devastated" record label, Quality Control Music, released a statement about the "senseless violence" that led to his death.

"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," read the statement, which was shared on Instagram.

"Senseless violence and a stray bullet has taken another life from this world and we are devastated," the statement continued. "Please respect his family and friends as we all continue to process this monumental loss."

Takeoff was with his Migos bandmate and uncle Quavo at the time of the incident. Quavo, whose real name is Quavious Keyate Marshall, was not among those shot.

Per TMZ, Takeoff and Quavo were playing dice before an altercation broke out and shots were fired. A host of celebrities and public figures have since paid tribute to Takeoff on social media.

Lawrenceville, Georgia-born Takeoff began performing alongside Quavo and Offset, his uncle and cousin, respectively, in 2008 under the collective name Polo Club. They released Juug Season, their debut mix tape as Migos, in 2011.

Migos shot to fame in 2013 with their debut single "Versace." They then went on to achieve four Billboard Hot 100 top 10 entries and even starred in Donald Glover's television show Atlanta.

In May Offset sparked fears that Migos had spilt when he and his wife, rapper Cardi B, unfollowed Quavo and Takeoff on Instagram. Offset, real name Kiari Kendrell Cephus, is preparing to drop his sophomore studio album on November 11.

Takeoff appeared with Quavo on an October 22 episode of the Drink Champs podcast, where they promoted their new album as a duo—called Unc & Phew. Takeoff also discussed how he wanted recognition for his music skills while still living.

"Enough is enough. I'm chill, I'm laid back, but it's time to pop it. You know what I mean?" Takeoff told Drink Champs host N.O.R.E. when discussing his performance on the album, Only Built for Infinity Links. "I mean, it's time to give me my flowers. I don't want them later when I ain't here. I want 'em right now."

Migos released their final album, Culture III, to critical acclaim in June 2021.