Takeoff of Migos shot and killed

By Tatsuya Uemoto, Staff Writer

On Nov. 1, Takeoff, who is a member of the hip-hop group Migos, was shot and killed in Houston, Texas. This news shocked many people, including his fans.

Migos is a music group formed in 2008 by family members Takeoff, Quavo, and Offset. Quavo is Takeoff’s uncle, and Offset is their cousin. They were popular not only for their music but also for their fashion. What made them popular was a music album released in 2017 called “Culture.”  “Culture” quickly became a hit and reached number one on the U.S. charts. After that, the group continued to produce a lot of music together. In addition, the style of rap music they popularized had a major influence on today’s hip-hop music scene. They have even performed with big-name artists including Drake and Katy Perry.

In a sad turn of events, on November 1, Takeoff went bowling downtown with Quavo, and there was a party going on at the bowling alley. Then, an argument broke out and a shooting ensued at 2 a.m., while they were playing a game. Takeoff sustained a gunshot wound to the head area and was certified dead on the spot. According to the report, there were about 40 to 50 people at the scene, and two people besides Takeoff were shot, but their condition has not been disclosed to the public. The cause of the altercation which started the shooting is still unknown. The day before the incident happened, Migos had just released new music.

This news saddened fans all over the world.

Senior business management major at University of Hawaii at Hilo Erick Shinjo was shocked to hear the news. 

“His music had all kinds of messages in it, and those songs have encouraged me many times. I also loved their stylish fashion. So, when I heard this news, I was very shocked and could not believe it,” Shinjo said “He was a very great rapper and was going to be a great addition to rap music in the future.” 

Junior business management major at California State University San Bernardino Takuto Kataoka commented.

“The members of Migos were not a group formed from friends, but were strongly connected by their relationship as cousins and uncles. Then, their charisma attracted people from all over the United States and the world,” Kataoka said. “It was very shocking news to me that he passed away in such a situation. I am very sad to think that I will not be able to hear any more songs by the three of them.” 

Junior business management major at Fresno Pacific University Koutarou Matsumaru made this comment about the incident.

“Takeoff was a hero for me. His songs had the ability to influence people’s feelings. It is hard not to hear those songs anymore,” Matsumaru said. “I know he was popular with other artists as he has performed with many big name artists in the past. His personality was wonderful. I am so shocked because he was such a great person.”

 The perpetrators of this incident have not yet been identified, and the details of the case are not entirely clear yet. The police are trying to unravel this case that has shocked so many people.