HOUSTON — Rapper Takeoff, of the Grammy-nominated trio "Migos," was killed in a shooting outside of a bowling alley and bar in downtown Houston early Tuesday, according to the Houston Police Department.
Houston police said he and Quavo — his uncle and another member of the rap group — were at a private party at the 810 Billiards and Bowling Alley prior to the deadly shooting.
Takeoff's representative confirmed with the Associated Press he died in the shooting. The 28-year-old's legal name was Kirshnik Khari Ball.
The shooting happened at about 2:35 a.m. on a balcony outside of the bowling which is on the third floor of a building on San Jacinto Street and Dallas Street.
Police said the party ended at 1 a.m. but it carried over to 2 a.m. A group of people was congregating outside of the bar on the third floor after it had closed when someone started shooting. There were security guards in the area who heard the shots but did not see who opened fire.
Once the shooting started, people from the crowd ran from the scene. Police said the victim was shot in the head or neck.
Two other victims were taken in private vehicles to hospitals, police said.
No arrests have been announced.
TMZ reported that fellow Migos member Quavo was with Takeoff playing dice when the shooting occurred. Quavo reportedly asked for someone to get help as he stayed next to Takeoff.
Photos from the incident were widely circulated throughout the internet on Tuesday, causing anger among fans.
Migos won several major awards, including a 2018 BET Award for Best Duo/Group. The group has released four studio albums, including two that were platinum and topped the charts.
Takeoff was the youngest member of Migos, the rap trio from suburban Atlanta that also featured his uncle Quavo and cousin Offset. They first broke through with the massive hit “Versace” in 2013. The song was remixed by Drake, heightening its popularity.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
