In the early morning of November 1, Takeoff, member of Migos, a highly influential rap trio, was fatally shot at a bowling alley in Houston, Texas. According to CNN, police received a 911 call at 2:34 a.m. Quavo, who is Takeoff’s uncle, and migos member was present at the time of the shooting.

Takeoff and Migos dominated rap in the 2010s with hits like Bad and Boujee, Stirfry, and Slippery. The group, hailing from Atlanta have sold over three million albums, and been nominated for 2 Grammys. Migos defines modern southern rap. 

Takeoff also had a very successful solo career. In 2018, his first solo album, The Last Rocket debuted at number four on the Billboard Hot 100. He also collaborated with a lot of artists, most notably being featured on Travis Scott’s 2018 smash hit album Astroworld.

Rap music is undoubtedly extremely popular with students at Chagrin Falls High School. Students listen to it in their cars, in class, and it can even be heard at school dances. With rap being such a popular genre of music at CFHS, it’s not a surprise that many students are saddened by the death of Takeoff. 

Luke Neimeier, a self described rap fanatic, is always listening to rap. Whether its at school, in the car, or at work, he always has it on. 

“Rap is the music of the youth, and I love it,” he said.

Migos specifically are one of his favorites.

“Migos basically embody modern trap rap. They’re great,” Neimier added. 

When asked about his reaction to Takeoff’s untimely death Neimier said, “Takeoff was an underrated rap star”.

He also said, “Takeoff never got the recognition that the other Migos members got, but he was undoubtedly the heart and soul of their music”.

Ryan Heater is another CFHS student who has a love for rap music. He has listened to rap music for a long time, and has always identified with the genre. 

“The death of takeoff is so sad because of all the people who grew up listening to him,” Heater said

When asked about how Takeoff and Migos influenced rap, Heater said, “They influenced rap. Takeoff and Migos walked so modern rap could run.”

On November 11th, Takeoff’s funeral was held in his hometown of Atlanta at State Farm Arena. The service was attended by friends, including many other rap superstars, family, and fans of Takeoff. Some of the notable attendants included Drake, Justin Bieber, and even Atlanta mayor Andre Dickens. 

The 2 other members of Migos gave heartfelt statements about the late rap star. Also, Justin Bieber performed, and Drake read a poem to the crowd.