TakeOff’s Public “Celebration of Life” Memorial Service Becomes A Way For Fans To Say Final Goodbyes
Hip-hop fans and a number of celebrities came to the State Farm Arena in Atlanta on Friday (Nov. 11) to say goodbye and celebrate the artistry of Takeoff, one of the members of acclaimed rap group, Migos.
The event was called, “A special Celebration of Life” and while it was open to the public, cameras (with a strict no-phones policy) and news media were not allowed inside.
TakeOff, whose real name is Kirsnick Khari Ball, was fatally shot on November 1 after a fight broke out at a private party in a Houston bowling alley. It doesn’t appear that he was the target. Nonetheless, the 28-year-old’s life was cut short in the midst of some of his greatest successes.
Black Twitter reacted to the service, the line-up of performers and more including the number of people who showed up for the memorial. Early reports indicate that the 21,000-seat arena was at capacity.
A photo of TakeOff’s program was posted on social media showcasing a quote on the back of the program saying “I put my heart inside this sh*t ‘cause I was chose/I put my heart inside and only God knows.”
Photos of fellow Migos member Offset and his wife, Cardi B, were also posted as the two headed to the service, TMZ noted.
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Rapper Meek Mill couldn’t attend in person but issued his apology and condolences on Twitter.
Hip hop legend Da Brat shared a video of the venue where the service was being held from the window of the “Rickey Smiley Morning Show,” where she works as a radio host. “#RIPTAKEOFF We #SALUTE YOU. Thank you for [your] contribution to the culture. [Y’all] (Migos) changed the game. Your flow was da illest. You WILL be MISSED,” she wrote in an Instagram post. “From the radio station looking out the window, damn. We love you, bruh,” she said.
Even with all of the celebrities in attendance, this was a way for fans to issue a final goodbye to one of the most promising talents in hip-hop today. Here are tweets from those who attended the service in person and those who tried, but failed, to make it in.
