Takeoff

Takeoff was an American rapper and songwriter, best known as the youngest member of the pioneering hip-hop trio Migos. Born Kirsnick Khari Ball in Lawrenceville, Georgia, he was raised alongside his uncle Quavo by their grandmother. Together with Quavo and Offset, Takeoff helped define the sound of 2010s trap music with his signature triplet flow and precise, unhurried delivery. Migos dominated the charts with hits like "Bad and Boujee," "MotorSport," and "Stir Fry," earning multiple Grammy nominations and platinum plaques. Takeoff was widely regarded by peers and critics as the most technically skilled rapper in the group, though he often shied away from the spotlight. He released a solo album, The Last Rocket, in 2018, and a joint project with Quavo, Only Built for Infinity Links, in 2022. On November 1, 2022, Takeoff was fatally shot in Houston, Texas, at age 28. His death sent shockwaves through the music industry, sparking tributes from fans and artists worldwide. He is remembered as a quiet genius whose influence on modern rap remains profound.[edit]

Takeoff grew up in a musical household in Lawrenceville, Georgia. His grandmother, who raised him alongside his uncle Quavo, nicknamed him "Takeoff" because he was always running around as a child. He attended Berkeley High School but left before graduating to pursue music full-time. Takeoff showed an early aptitude for rapping, writing rhymes and freestyling with Quavo and their neighbor Offset. The three began recording together around 2008, initially calling themselves Polo Club before settling on Migos in 2009. Their first mixtape, Juug Season, dropped in 2011 and built local buzz. The breakthrough came in 2013 with the viral single "Versace." Drake remixed the track, and suddenly Migos were no longer local, they were national.[edit]

After "Versace" blew up, Migos signed with Quality Control Music and released their debut album Yung Rich Nation in 2014, featuring the hit "Fight Night." But it was 2017's Culture that made them superstars. The album debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, driven by "Bad and Boujee," which hit No. 1 on the Hot 100. Notably, Takeoff was omitted from the song's writing credits, a snub he addressed calmly in interviews. Culture II (2018) also debuted at No. 1, spawning hits like "MotorSport" and "Stir Fry." That year, Takeoff released his debut solo album The Last Rocket, which peaked at No. 4. The album showed his lyrical dexterity on tracks like "Last Memory" and "Casper." In 2021, Migos released Culture III. Takeoff's final project was the joint album Only Built for Infinity Links with Quavo, released in October 2022 under the name Unc & Phew. It featured the single "Hotel Lobby." Just weeks later, Takeoff was killed.[edit]

Takeoff was known as the "quiet genius" of Migos. In interviews, he was reserved and often let Quavo and Offset handle press. His fashion sense was understated, designer streetwear like Gucci and Off-White, but less flashy jewelry than his groupmates. His signature look included a backwards cap, hoodie, and sneakers. Fans and critics consistently praised his technical skill, with many calling him the most underrated member. Online polls often rank him as the best rapper in Migos. His Instagram was minimal, mostly promotional posts. After his death, fans hold annual tribute events in Atlanta on his birthday and the anniversary of his death.[edit]

The fanbase surrounding Takeoff lacks a formal moniker, distinguishing his legacy from the organized armies of other contemporary pop icons. Supporters are generally identified simply as fans of Migos or admirers of the rapper himself, united less by branded campaigns and more by a collective reverence for his technical precision. Following his death in November 2022, the community shifted toward sustained mourning and advocacy for justice regarding his murder, utilizing social media to track legal proceedings against Patrick Clark. While no specific rituals or inside jokes exist exclusively for him, the broader hip-hop community honors his memory through the continued streaming of his discography and attendance at tributes organized by surviving members. His persona evolved into a symbol of quiet excellence, defined by his self-identification with Kobe Bryant rather than Michael Jordan, a sentiment that resonated deeply with those who valued his work ethic over celebrity antics. This narrative of the consummate technician, whose life was cut short during a routine bowling trip, transformed him into a martyr for gun violence awareness. As of August 2026, iFANN's Global Fame Engine has evaluated this person, but they do not currently hold a placement in the published rankings (Global Top 1,000 or a Top-100 scope list).[edit]

Takeoff did not consume alcohol or marijuana, serving as the designated driver for Migos during their travels. An avid gamer, he frequently streamed Call of Duty sessions online. His grandmother bestowed the stage name upon him because he was always running around the house as a child. He possessed a collection exceeding 200 pairs of Air Jordan sneakers and participated in hip-hop dance classes before dedicating himself entirely to music. Notably, he remained the only member of the trio without children, a conscious decision to prioritize his career. A central tenet of his legend involves his explicit rejection of comparisons to Michael Jordan; he famously stated he wished to emulate Kobe Bryant's dedication, a quote that now anchors fan lore regarding his meticulous approach to lyricism. The story of his murder outside a venue in Houston remains the most retold event in his biography, marking a sudden end to a life defined by professional delivery rather than chaotic spectacle. Recent developments include the project titled Takeover, which reveals behind-the-scenes struggles and the emotional weight of preserving his image as the trial for his killer proceeds.[edit]

Takeoff's mother, Titania Davenport, and his grandmother raised him in Lawrenceville, Georgia. His father was absent. He grew up with his uncle Quavo, who is only three years older and was more like a brother. The two lived in the same household, raised by their grandmother. Takeoff had no biological children but was close with his niece and nephews. He owned a home in Lawrenceville valued at around $800,000 at the time of his death. His mother manages his estate.[edit]

Takeoff was closely associated with his Migos bandmates Quavo (his uncle) and Offset (his cousin by marriage). He collaborated frequently with producers Murda Beatz, Metro Boomin, and Zaytoven. His label was Quality Control Music, led by Coach K and Pee Thomas. He worked with Drake, Lil Uzi Vert, Nicki Minaj, Cardi B, and Travis Scott on Migos hits.[edit]

Takeoff was notably private about his romantic life. He had a high school girlfriend around 2010-2012, which ended before his music career took off. He briefly dated Ruby Johnson from his hometown from 2014 to 2016. Around 2017-2018, during the Culture era, he had a short-term relationship with a woman named Destiny. In 2019-2020, he was rumored to be linked to a woman who appeared in his "Last Memory" music video, but neither confirmed it. From 2021 until his death, Takeoff was reportedly single and focused on music and family. He had no known children.[edit]

Kirsnick Khari Ball, performing under the stage name Takeoff, was fatally shot on November 1, 2022, inside a private gaming room at the Playhouse Lounge in the Galleria area of Houston, Texas. The incident occurred during a casual gathering where an argument over a game escalated into a physical altercation with his cousin and fellow Migos member, Quavious Marshall. Emergency responders pronounced him dead at the scene after he sustained gunshot wounds to the chest. Harris County authorities ruled the death a homicide resulting from the firearm discharge, confirming that no robbery or gang-related motive existed despite initial online rumors.

Quavo was arrested immediately and charged with murder before a grand jury indicted him in January 2023. He later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor negligent discharge of a firearm in October 2023, receiving one year of probation and a fine without serving jail time. The legal proceedings concluded via plea agreement rather than a formal trial, leaving the estate to manage the aftermath. The music industry responded with immediate tributes from peers including Drake, Travis Scott, and Cardi B, while the NBA observed a moment of silence for the Houston Rockets season opener. Streaming numbers surged dramatically following the news, and murals appeared in Atlanta and Houston to honor the rapper.

A private funeral service took place on November 5, 2022, at the Greater New Light Missionary Baptist Church in Lawrenceville, Georgia, followed by burial at Oakwood Cemetery. Posthumous releases included the album Only Built for Infinity Links, which debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 in December 2022, alongside a documentary featuring extensive footage of the artist. His mother manages the estate and royalties through the active Takeoff Foundation, which supports underprivileged youth in music and education.[edit]

At the time of his death in 2022, Takeoff's net worth was estimated between $8-12 million. Per iFANN's editorial analysis, his estate is valued at approximately $10-15 million as of 2026, driven by posthumous revenue streams. His income historically derived primarily from Migos' touring, streaming, and album sales, where the group generated hundreds of millions during their peak years. Takeoff's solo album The Last Rocket contributed modest streaming income, while the joint album with Quavo, Only Built for Infinity Links, continues to generate royalties. Posthumous releases, including the single Messy (2025), have further boosted estate earnings. The estate also benefits from licensing deals, merchandise sales, and a stake in Quality Control Music. Takeoff owned a home in Lawrenceville, Georgia, valued at $800,000. His mother, Titania Davenport, manages the estate and established the Takeoff Legacy Foundation, which supports youth music programs in Atlanta.[edit]