Kirshnik Khari Ball, better known by his stage name Takeoff, was a gifted American rapper who rose to fame as one-third of the groundbreaking hip-hop trio Migos. Born on June 18, 1994, in Lawrenceville, Georgia, Takeoff was surrounded by music from an early age. He started creating beats in middle school but didn’t take music seriously until his teenage years, when he teamed up with his uncle Quavo and cousin Offset to form Migos in 2008.
The group first caught national attention with their 2013 breakout single “Versace,” which Drake famously remixed, giving them a massive boost. With their distinct Atlanta sound and catchy triplet flows, Migos helped redefine the sound of modern trap music. Their albums “Culture” and “Culture II” produced hits like “Bad and Boujee,” “Stir Fry,” and “Walk It Talk It,” cementing their status in hip-hop history.
Takeoff, often considered the most lyrically skilled of the trio, was known for his laid-back personality and intricate rhyme patterns. In 2018, he stepped out on his own with the solo album “The Last Rocket,” showing off his unique voice and storytelling style. In 2022, he collaborated with Quavo on the project “Only Built for Infinity Links.”
Sadly, Takeoff’s life was cut short on November 1, 2022, when he was shot and killed at a private event in Houston, Texas. He was just 28 years old. His loss was deeply felt across the music world—a quiet talent gone too soon, but never forgotten.