
Photograph by Rich Fury/Getty Images for Global Citizen
Migos rapper Takeoff, who was killed in a shooting at a Houston bowling alley on November 1, will be laid to rest here in Atlanta with a major sendoff. According to a press release from his record label, the celebration of life will be held at State Farm Arena at noon on Friday, November 11, and will be open only to Georgia residents. Tickets, which are free, are required to enter the arena and will be available on Ticketmaster starting at 2 p.m. today, November 8. Up to 2 tickets can be requested, and they are non-transferrable. Doors will open at 11 a.m., and free parking will be available for ticketholders in the arena’s Ruby Lot (100 Baker Street Extension). The release notes that “it is recommended that fans who do not secure tickets to not come downtown.” Photography and videos will not be allowed during the event and phones will only be allowed to be used in designated areas. (The arena will secure phones in Yondr bags upon arrival.)
Meanwhile, Takeoff’s family is asking that any donations be made to the Rocket Foundation, which was recently established in memory of the late rapper and financially supports organizations that focus on community-led solutions to end gun violence.
Original story published November 1:
Takeoff, the Grammy-nominated rapper who made up one-third of Atlanta superstar group Migos, was killed early Tuesday morning at a bowling alley in Houston, Texas. Houston police responded to a shooting at 810 Bowling & Billiards just after 2:30 a.m., where the rapper, whose real name is Kirsnick Ball, was found dead at the scene. He had attended a private party at the bowling alley along with his uncle and bandmate Quavo. Two other people were injured in the shooting.
Takeoff, Quavo, and Offset grew up together in Gwinnett County and released their first mixtape as Migos in 2011. They rose to fame in 2013 with their single “Versace.” Their 2016 hit “Bad and Boujee” hit No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100, and that same year, they guest-starred on an episode of Donald Glover’s Atlanta as a fictional version of themselves. (Glover also famously gave them a shout-out during his 2017 Emmy acceptance speech.) Takeoff released a solo album, The Last Rocket, in 2018, and last week, he and Quavo released an album together, Only Built for Infinity Links.
As news spread of his death on Tuesday, Atlantans took to social media to remember the rapper and express their grief:
https://twitter.com/JoiDukesTV/status/1587480914237435905?s=20&t=ZbUiCMRWfEMIOwHlWE_Sug
This is heartbreaking news and a tragic loss to GA and the music industry. Born and raised in Gwinnett County, Kirshnik Khari Ball influenced Hip Hop and our Culture beyond measure.
My condolences are with Takeoff’s family, friends and all those who were inspired by his talent. https://t.co/5SI04LzTau
— Stacey Abrams (@staceyabrams) November 1, 2022
Really sad day for music and for Gwinnett. Takeoff is a legend everywhere, but in G-Co he is absolutely loved. The kindest, most humble, most caring man with the best sense of humor. All my thoughts and prayers to those closest to him who are dealing with unimaginable loss. RIP.
— Taylor Rooks (@TaylorRooks) November 1, 2022
He was 28. Takeoff, the then-kid who convinced his uncle (Quavo) to start rapping then helped change the flow of rap. The undisputed best rapper in Migos (his uncle told me so himself just a few months ago). What a loss.
— Jewel Wicker (@jewelwickershow) November 1, 2022
https://twitter.com/gucci1017/status/1587441991452971008?s=20&t=ZbUiCMRWfEMIOwHlWE_Sug
#Takeoff, I mourn that such frivolous violence has ended your life. My heart goes out to Takeoff’s family and to all who are devastated by his death. We have a lot of work to do in transforming the culture of violence into a culture of community awareness and care. pic.twitter.com/dEu6nsGauC
— Be A King (@BerniceKing) November 1, 2022
Rest in Peace Kirshnik “Takeoff” Khari Ball
Takeoff’s legacy lives on in Atlanta and across the world
Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends pic.twitter.com/27UbMtCLkY
— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) November 1, 2022
https://twitter.com/SenatorWarnock/status/1587483009573421059?s=20&t=ZbUiCMRWfEMIOwHlWE_Sug
We are heartbroken over the passing of Takeoff, a passionate Hawks fan and pillar of Atlanta culture.
Sending our love to his family, friends, and all who are mourning his loss today. pic.twitter.com/amqFhkIUqR
— Atlanta Hawks (@ATLHawks) November 1, 2022
https://twitter.com/Ria_Martin/status/1587431593198686209?s=20&t=ZbUiCMRWfEMIOwHlWE_Sug
RIP to Atlanta’s own Takeoff. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends. pic.twitter.com/lrZq3oE4sf
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) November 1, 2022
https://twitter.com/WaffleHouse/status/1587498125237026816