By Jack Barnes

Deceased rapper Takeoff. Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons user HOTSPOTATL.

The death of rapper Takeoff saddened many in the rap and hip-hop world at the beginning of November. Takeoff, also known as Kirsnick Khari Ball, was one of three artists from the Atlanta rap group Migos, and he was shot and killed by gunshot on November 1 in Houston, Texas. His alleged killer is in custody. Takeoff was shot in the early hours of the morning and was reported to be an innocent by-stander. On Friday, November 11, fans of Takeoff’s were able to attend a funeral procession and remembrance for him in Atlanta’s State Farm Arena.

Migos, a rap group out of the Atlanta, area consisted of three mainstream artists: the now-deceased Takeoff, Quavo, and Offset. The three artists have produced music resulting in millions of plays on streaming platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and Soundcloud. Before the sudden passing of Takeoff, the rap group had been rumored to have broken up due to internal conflicts.

Decease rapper Tupac Shakur. Photo credit: flickr user InSapphoWeTrust.

The rap and hip-hop world has been deprived of many young and talented artists too early in their careers. Artists such as Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G., or Biggie Smalls, were killed in the late 1990’s and were some of the first tragic losses to gun violence to the rap industry. More recently, young artists such as XXXtentacion, Young Dolph, Pop Smoke, and King Von have died as a result of gun violence.

Deceased rapper Nipsey Hussle. Photo credit: flickr user Neon Tommy.

Violence in the music world has become a recurring theme.

An incomplete list of rappers lost to gun violence in the last few years:

• Nipsey Hussel, shot in Los Angeles, California, age: 33
• Pop Smoke, shot in Los Angeles, California, age: 20
• King Von, shot in Atlanta, Georgia, age: 26
• Young Dolph, shot in Memphis, Tennessee, age: 36
• JayDaYoungan, shot in Bogalusa, Louisiana, age: 24
• PnB Rock, shot in Los Angeles, California, age: 30

Some of the artists who have been killed grew up in areas with high rates of gang activity. Some have been shot and killed on the streets of cities with high crime rates and that are known to have lots of gang activity. Since 2010, at least 37 artists have been killed. The shootings in the rap industry have been turning many heads and gaining attention of athletes, influencers, other popular artists, and fans.

Deceased rapper King Von. Wikimedia Commons user Icebox.

Students rap fans commented on their feelings about the recurring theme of gun violence. Porter Montague (‘23) said that, “rappers speaking about violence causes the youth to glorify killing and in turn leads to a cycle of violence and killing.” Charlie Nanavati (‘23) added, “rapping about gun violence leads to the promotion and glorification of it, prompting others to do it, trying to follow their lead.”

Robby Aboud (‘23) said, “gun violence sets a bad example for those who listen to the music and makes it seem… cool, when in reality the violence needs to come to a stop.”