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.
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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.
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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”
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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
Uber has officially started trialling driverless taxis in Manchester
Emily Sergeant
It’s official… driverless taxis have hit the streets of Manchester.
As the leading transportation company looks to bring robotaxis to other major cities around the UK, it has been confirmed that a trial of autonomous vehicles is now underway in Manchester – with the services being operated using the technology of Uber’s partner firms, Pony and Verne.
Uber said it was ‘excited’ to take this first step toward ‘making this technology accessible’ to people across the UK.
The three companies first collaborated on the deployment of a commercial robotaxi service back in March of this year, combining Pony.ai’s autonomous driving system, Uber’s global mobility platform, and Verne’s service ecosystem and operational framework.
At this time, there has been no official application to launch passenger services in Manchester, according to The Guardian.
However, posts on various social media platforms – such as X, LinkedIn, and Instagram – by each of the companies this week have confirmed that trials are underway in the city.
“New technologies play an increasingly important role in the growth of our city region,” TfGM said. “But they need to be introduced responsibly, safely and with real thought about what it means for our residents.
“Safety will always be our top priority, and we will need strong assurances that no vehicles will operate on our roads that pose any risk to residents.”
Manchester, we’re on our way! Today, we’re announcing that we’re partnering with @Verne_robotaxi and @PonyAI_tech to pilot autonomous vehicles in Manchester. Building on our service together in Zagreb, Gen-7 Robotaxis are now testing in Manchester.
We’re excited to take this first step toward making this technology accessible to people across the UK. 🇬🇧
“By bringing together Pony.ai’s proven autonomous driving technology, Verne’s operational and market expertise, and Uber’s global platform, we’re taking an important step toward making autonomous ride-hailing available to more riders in more places.”
Featured Image – Uber Investor
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Police issue urgent warning following a rise in scam calls across Greater Manchester
Emily Sergeant
The public is being urged to ‘remain vigilant’ following a rise of scam calls across Greater Manchester.
Greater Manchester Police (GMP) says it has been made aware that scammers, who are impersonating police officers, are contacting people trying to convince them to hand over personal and sensitive information linked to their ownership of cryptocurrency.
From the numerous reports that GMP has received, one common method the offenders appear to be using is claiming that a suspect has been arrested and was found to be in possession of the victim’s personal documents – such as their passport, driving licence, or banking details.
On several occasions, fraudsters asked victims about their cryptocurrency accounts – specifically looking for their IDs, recovery phrases, and security codes.
GMP is urging the public to know that the police would never ask you to share this information or move your accounts.
The police have issued an urgent warning following a rise in scam calls across Greater Manchester / Credit: Rawpixel | Nordwood Themes (via Unsplash)
“These calls can appear convincing and are being made through spoofed GMP phone numbers but we are urging the public to remain vigilant, especially when providing sensitive information via phone calls,’ GMP said in a statement this week.
GMP is asking that the public ‘be wary’ of unsolicited calls, emails or messages relating to cryptocurrency investments or accounts, and that they never share passwords, recovery phrases, or security codes with anyone, as well as refusing to transfer any money or cryptocurrency to accounts suggested by a caller.
DS Reed, from GMP’s Cyber Crime Team, said these calls are ‘incredibly sophisticated’, and those responsible are targeting ‘vulnerable communities’
“We take offences of this nature incredibly seriously, and our Cyber Crime Team are working around the clock to understand how these offences have occurred, and how to prevent it from continuing,” DS Reed concluded.
Featured Image – Priscilla Du Preez (via Unsplash)
Daisy Jackson -
1st November 2022 
