Celebs

Quality Control Label Suggests “Stray Bullet” Killed Takeoff, CEO Denounces Violent Disagreements

The Quality Control Music family lost one-third of their hit group Migos afterTakeoff passed away on November 1. Amid the world mourning the rapper, QC and its CEO Pierre Thomas released statements addressing the unexpected death, its cause, and respect for Takeoff’s family.

“It is with broken hearts and deep sadness that we mourn the loss of our beloved brother Kirsnick Khari Ball, known to the world as Takeoff. Senseless violence and a stray bullet has taken another life from this world and we are devastated,” the record label said. “Please respect his family nad friends as we all continue to process this monumental loss.”

What Happened To Takeoff?

QC’s statement is the first definitive answer the public has received about how the rapper died. However, the source of the stray bullet remains unclear.Several narratives have already trickled onto social media as photos and videos of moments before, during, and after the shooting circulate online.

On Tuesday (November 1),TMZalso released footage of Quavo engaged in a heated discussion with someone. Takeoff is standing a few feet near him. Then someone says, “aye, let’s go,” but a series of quick movements take place that the recording camera barely captures. Seconds later, multiple shots ring out.

Aftermath footage shows a disturbing scene of a distressed Quavo yelling near his nephew’s body on the ground. A pool of blood gathered near the rapper’s head as his crew attempted to move his body, then decided against it.

Police received a 911 call about the shooting at 810 Billiards & Bowling Houston shortly after 2:30 a.m. local time. Takeoff was pronounced dead at the scene.

In a press conference on Tuesday, the Houston Police Department asked people who attended the private event to “step up” and provide information regarding the shooting. No suspects or arrests have been made at this time.

QC CEO Denounces Disagreements Leading To Violence

Celebrities, including Drake, Fabolous, Rick Ross, Desiigner, The Game, and Fivio Foreign, shared their condolences and grief yesterday. But powerful words came from the man and executive who oversaw Takeoff’s rise to fame and musical influence. Within an hour-ish of QC releasing a statement, CEO Pierre “P” Thomas spoke of his love for the fallen artist in a separate message.

“Young King @yrntakeoff I dont know where to begin but I want to say that anybody that knows me knows how much I love you and anybody that knows you knows that you definitely didnt deserve to die at such a young age. We only get 1 life and once its gone its over, no coming back,” P wrote on Instagram.

Then, the CEO directed his words at the community. He denounced violence in disagreements and urged folks to be mindful of what they share online about Takeoff.

“So with that being said I want our community to remember that we dont have to continue to result to violence every time there is a disagreement. Its ok to love your brother and sister. We all have been guilty of self-hate but I pray this never ending cycle will some day change us all. We have so many memories to keep your name alive,” P wrote. “As we mourn your lost I pray that everyone please be understanding to what the family has to see on the internet with the videos and negative comments. This is somebodys child. Let them get thru this process with peace and love.”

P ended his statement with loving words for Takeoff, saying, “you came from the stars, so I know you will forever be up there watching down on all of us.”

Cassandra Santiago

Cassandra Santiago is a multimedia journalist, editor, and editorial strategist with over a decade of experience shaping conversations across arts, entertainment, culture, and global news. A graduate of the University of Iowa, she has built a cross-platform career spanning newspapers, magazines, radio, and digital media. She joined The Shade Room five years ago and currently serves as a Senior Editor, where she leads editorial direction, oversees exclusive coverage, and trains and edits a team of writers. Cassandra has played a key role in developing high-impact content and editorial strategies for an audience of more than 30 million, contributing to platform growth, engagement, and monetization across multiple channels. In addition to her leadership role, she remains a daily contributor, with her articles generating more than 41 million views since 2023. Beyond The Shade Room, Cassandra offers freelance social media strategy services, speaks on the influence and impact of Black media at public panels, and owns Did It For You, an event design company in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area. She is Poynter Institute–certified and was named to the DMV’s 35 Under 35 list in 2024.

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