Takeoff

Takeoff, born Kirsnick Khari Ball, was an American rapper best known as one third of the Atlanta hip hop trio Migos, alongside his uncle Quavo and Offset. Migos became one of the defining groups of 2010s trap music, known for intricate triplet flows and ad-lib-driven hooks that heavily influenced mainstream hip hop.

Within the group, Takeoff was often praised for his technically precise, rapid-fire delivery and tightly constructed verses, providing a rhythmic backbone that complemented his groupmates' more flamboyant styles. He began developing beats and rhythms as a young teenager before committing fully to music around 2011, eventually helping build Migos into a commercially dominant act.

Takeoff also pursued a solo career, releasing his debut album The Last Rocket in November 2018, which showcased his individual artistry outside the group dynamic. He later collaborated with Quavo on joint projects as well. Takeoff was shot and killed in Houston on November 1, 2022, at the age of 28, a loss widely mourned across the hip hop community.