Takeoff, part of chart-topping group Migos, has been killed at the age of 28.
The rapper, real name Kirshnik Khari Ball, was shot dead at a bowling alley in Houston, Texas.
He had been playing dice with his bandmate and uncle Quavo when the incident occurred around 2.30am.
The trio, which also includes Offset, were among the headliners of Parklife festival in Manchester last summer.
Takeoff was part of rap group Migos. Credit: Instagram, @Migos
Migos have regularly been named as one of the most influential bands of their generation, with singles including Bad and Boujee, Versace, and MotorSport with Nicki Minaj and Cardi B.
Local police said that Takeoff and Quavo were part of a private event when someone opened fire.
A man in his 20s was pronounced dead at the scene with a gunshot wound to his head or neck.
Takeoff and Quavo as kids. It was Takeoff who told Quavo (his uncle) to start rapping and taking it serious‼️💔🙏 pic.twitter.com/MUy200AmI2
He has been identified as Takeoff by media outlets including TMZ, Variety and the Hollywood Reporter.
Tributes have begun to pour in for the musician.
Ja Rule tweeted: “Rip Takeoff… this sh*t has to STOP… sending love to friends and family”
BBC Radio 1Xtra posted: “We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Migos rapper Takeoff. Our thoughts and sincere condolences to his family, friends and loved ones during this unimaginable time. Rest in Power @1YoungTakeoff”
We are deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Migos rapper Takeoff. Our thoughts and sincere condolences to his family, friends and loved ones during this unimaginable time.
“It’ll never make sense. Never ever. Rest in Peace. Prayers to the family of the fallen.”
Others have been sharing their fondest memories of the young star, including Migos’ appearance on Carpool Karaoke with James Corden.
In memory of Takeoff, had to share my favorite moment of him getting his absolute life with the other Migos to ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’ on Carpool Karaoke.
Such a devastating loss and reminder to get right with your people before it’s too late 💔 pic.twitter.com/g2a0wvNCGT
Bob Vylan dropped from Manchester music festival following Glastonbury controversy
Danny Jones
English punk rap duo Bob Vylan have been dropped from an upcoming music festival in Manchester following the recent controversy surrounding their set at Glastonbury 2025.
The media storm surrounding their much-talked-about and heavily televised Glasto appearance has seen them reportedly dropped by their agency and their US Visas cancelled, along with multiple concerts – one of those being right here in Greater Manchester.
Bob Vylan were scheduled to play RADAR Fest at Victoria Warehouse in Stretford this weekend, but now the organisers have informed gig-goers that the artists will not be performing in their planned slot on Saturday.
The alternative music event did provide any additional details, posting nothing but this image:
For anyone unaware, Vylan were heavily criticised for the pro-Palestine chants, which Glastonbury itself has deemed as having “crossed a line”, labelling the chants against the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) as antisemitic.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has also commented on the situation.
In addition to RADAR, Vylan were also due to appear at Kave Fest in France the following Sunday, 6 July, but the music event has also decided not to host them.
The BBC also opted not to broadcast Northern Irish band Kneecap as part of their coverage this year, as the Belfast rap trio have also been outspoken on the issue, among many other musicians of late.
Responding to the decision on social media not long after the news broke, the act simply shared the post on their Instagram story along with the caption: “Silence is not an option. We will be fine, the people of Palestine are hurting. Manchester, we will be back.”
Trafford Centre launches school uniform drive to help disadvantaged Manchester families
Emily Sergeant
A school uniform drive has been launched at the Trafford Centre to support local families ahead of the new school year.
With schools across Greater Manchester soon set to be out for the summer holidays, many parents, guardians, and carers in the region may be looking ahead to the new school year in September, concerned about how they may be able to provide their children with the necessary uniform items needed.
According to a 2020 survey by The Children’s Society, 23% of parents reported that the cost of school uniforms led to their children wearing ‘ill-fitting, unclean, or incorrect’ items.
It’s these statistic that highlight the ongoing pressure faced by families.
This is why the Trafford Centre has partnered with both Manchester South Central Foodbank and local charity, Bridging the Gap, to launch a school uniform donation drive aimed at supporting more than 700 children across Manchester this summer.
The Trafford Centre launches a school uniform drive to help disadvantaged Manchester families / Credit: Trafford Centre
From now up until the 15 August, anyone heading to the region’s largest shopping centre is encouraged to donate new or pre-loved school uniforms.
“The cost of living crisis has deeply impacted our community, with more and more families unable to afford the essentials,” commented Emily Jeremy, who is the Assistant Project Manager at Manchester South Central Foodbank.
“As an anti-poverty charity, we recognised the need for school uniform support years ago. Though costs vary between schools, a full set of branded secondary school uniform can total around £150, which is a significant burden for many households.”
All items can be donated at the shopping centre’s Guest Services point / Credit: Darren Robinson Photography | Trafford Centre (Supplied)
Simon Layton, Centre Director at the Trafford Centre, added: “We’re proud to be working alongside Bridging the Gap and Manchester South Central Foodbank to support local families during these challenging times.
“School uniforms shouldn’t be a barrier to education, and we hope this initiative will ease some of the pressure many parents face as the new school year approaches.”
The school uniform donation drive is running up until 15 August.
All items can be taken to the Trafford Centre’s Guest Services Lounge, which is located on Lower Regent Crescent next to M&S, and they must be clean and free from stains or damage.
Daisy Jackson -
1st November 2022 
