Takeoff's Death Label Honcho's Emotional Message ... Violence Isn't the Answer

The head of Takeoff's label wants his fans, the public and hip hop, in general, to take one thing from his death ... violence isn't the way to go when things get heated.

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Pierre "Pee" Thomas, CEO of Quality Control, posted an emotional message late Tuesday night ... starting by saying anyone who knows them "knows how much I love you" -- noting the 28-year-old's death was incredibly unexpected.

Pee says the loss should remind everyone how valuable life is and adds, "I want our community to remember that we don’t have to continue to result to violence every time there is a disagreement. It’s ok to love your brother and sister."

Pee's message, largely written directly to Takeoff, ends with this heartfelt statement -- "You came from the stars so I know you will forever be up there watching down on all of us. I will forever love you. 💔."

As we reported, Quality Control co-founder Kevin Lee -- AKA Coach K -- suggested Takeoff was killed by a stray bullet. Police have yet to confirm that theory, but video TMZ obtained does prove Takeoff was not involved in the heated discussion that preceded the gunfire.

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The face-off went down around 2:30 AM Tuesday, immediately after Quavo was having an argument with an unknown group of guys. While it's hard to make out what's being said exactly, Quavo's tone seemed to be let's just keep the peace and keep things moving.

Someone in the crowd disagreed and opened fire as Quavo, Takeoff and co. were trying to walk away.

Takeoff Murder Quavo in Heated Argument Before Fatal Shots ... New Video From Shooting

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5:38 PM PT -- Takeoff's manager just broke his silence on the rapper's shooting death, suggesting Takeoff was killed by a stray bullet.

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The Migos rapper's rep released a statement late Tuesday on social media, saying ... "Senseless violence and a stray bullet has taken another life from this world and we are devastated."

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Quavo was toe-to-toe with a group of guys outside that Houston bowling alley -- Takeoff and others had his back while he argued for more than 30 seconds before the shooting began.

TMZ Hip Hop obtained this video of the showdown around 2:30 AM -- you can see and hear Quavo arguing with someone, and Takeoff is a few feet behind him. There's a discussion about playing basketball, and someone -- possibly Quavo -- says "I don't get down like that!"

Seconds later, there's a single crack of gunfire ... and when everyone starts running, a flurry of shots are firing through the crowd. You can hear more than 10 shots in total, and it sounds like they came from at least 2 different weapons.

Chaos ensued, with folks running in all directions to escape the hail of bullets. As we first reported, Takeoff was shot near his head, and despite efforts to resuscitate him -- made by Quavo and a bystander -- he was pronounced dead on the scene.

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Members of the Houston Police Department held a press conference Tuesday afternoon and revealed a 23-year-old male and a 24-year-old female were also hit, and went to a hospital for treatment. Cops say most of the witnesses to the shooting fled the scene, and they're asking them to come forward with information about what happened.

Takeoff was only 28.

Originally Published -- 2:08 PM PT

Shakur Stevenson Standing Inches From Takeoff Before Deadly Shooting

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10:13 AM PT -- 11/2 -- Shakur Stevenson was hanging with Quavo and Takeoff throughout the night ... even posing for a picture with the two rap stars prior to the tragedy.

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9:40 PM PT -- Shakur broke his silence on this morning's shooting ... writing "R.I.P Takeoff 🙏" on social media.

Boxing star Shakur Stevenson was standing shoulder-to-shoulder with Takeoff right before the rapper was shot and killed early Tuesday morning in Houston, TMZ Sports has learned.

Thankfully, Shakur wasn't physically injured.

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25-year-old Stevenson, a former champ who's regarded as one of the best fighters in the world, was seen on video directly next to the Migos rapper ... wearing a blue hat as an argument turned deadly.

Shakur is from New Jersey ... but now lives in Houston. He was seen partying with Jas Prince earlier in the week. He's also friends with the Migos.

Takeoff was tragically murdered around 2:30 AM Tuesday morning outside of a bowling alley called 810 Billiards & Bowling ... following a heated argument between Quavo and another man.

It's during the verbal altercation that Shakur was seen next to Takeoff.

Houston PD has asked witnesses to come forward to recount their side of the story. It's unclear if police have been in contact with Stevenson or his people.

Originally Published -- 11/1 5:18 PM PT

Remembering Rappers Gone Too Soon by Gun Violence ... Takeoff, XXX, Tupac, Nipsey

Takeoff's shocking slaying in Houston is prompting the rap community to remember far too many young talents who tragically lost their lives due to gun violence.

Notorious B.I.G., aka Biggie Smalls, was only 24 when his car was gunned down back in '97 ... just 6 months after Tupac had been shot to death. Both men's murders remain unsolved.

More recently, Young Dolph was killed in 2021 outside a Memphis bakery. He was on his way to hand out a truckload of turkeys in his old neighborhood when he met his violent and untimely death.

PnB Rock was climbing the Billboard charts back in 2016 ... but his career, and life, were tragically cut short when he was shot and killed in September during a robbery at a Roscoe's in Los Angeles.

Of course, there have been so many others, both fatalities -- like Pop Smoke, Nipsey Hussle, Slim 400 and XXXTentacion -- and those who luckily survived ... like Lil Tjay and 50 Cent.

Nipsey was gunned down outside his Marathon clothing store in his own neighborhood ... with at least 10 bullets striking Nipsey's body and his murderer also kicking him in the head.

XXX was only 20 years old when he was shot dead as he was leaving a motorcycle dealer in Florida. XXX was blocked from exiting the parking lot by a black SUV, with two gunmen hopping out and approaching his car. A struggle ensued, with the gunmen reaching inside XXX's car for a small bag before ultimately opening fire.

While police have made some arrests -- notably in PnB, Nipsey and Dolph's deaths -- the loss, of lives and talent, hangs heavy over the industry.

Rich the Kid Takeoff's Death Hitting Hard ... 'We Used to Share Shoes!!!'

Shock and outrage continue to pour in over Migos rapper Takeoff's shooting death, and Rich the Kid is especially reeling over the tragic news.

In a series of heartfelt posts, RTK shared his love, old pics and text messages between him and Takeoff ... revealing they used to share clothes and shoes back in the days before they could buy whatever they want.

Takeoff, along with Offset, actually partied with RTK during his NYC birthday bash back in July -- when a Migos split seemed to be going down -- proving Takeoff was the bridge of peace between Quavo and Offset.

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AMIGOS WITH MIGOS

As we reported, Takeoff was fatally shot early Tuesday morning when Quavo got into a heated argument with some other guys outside a Houston bowling alley.

Police say 2 other people were wounded in a hail of gunfire -- at least 10 shots -- and they're both hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

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RTK also referred to Takeoff as his "twin," and someone who, obviously, did not deserve this cruel twist of fate.

Well said ... Takeoff was only 28.

RIP

California Football Star H.S. Player Shot & Killed ... Over Halloween Weekend

Richard Reed -- a star high school football player in California -- was tragically killed in a fatal shooting over the weekend. He was only 17.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department says deputies were dispatched to La Mesa Road and Jade Road in Victorville (85 miles northeast of Los Angeles) around 11 PM on Oct. 30.

They found a male with a gunshot wound lying on the street ... and sadly, the EMTs pronounced him dead on their arrival.

SBSD identified the victim as Reed, a standout football player from Silverado High School ... and his death has been ruled a homicide.

Reed was a versatile star ... playing offense, defense and special teams for the Silverado Hawks.

According to Max Preps, Reed had 269 rushing yards, 5 total touchdowns in 10 games this season ... adding 72 total tackles and 2.5 sacks on the defensive side.

He was named the All-Desert Sky League Defensive Player of the Year in 2021.

The Silverado H.S. principal says the Hawks football team is completely devastated over Reed's murder.

"Many of the players are still in shock, and when we heard the news today, football was the furthest thing from our minds," Principal Heather Conkle said ... adding the team is "unified" and will play their playoff game on Friday in his honor.

SBSD says the investigation into Reed's death is ongoing and asking anyone with information to contact the Homicide Detail at (909) 890-4908.

Takeoff Dead at 28 ... Shot in Houston

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7:11 AM PT -- In a new video you can hear Quavo on the phone, presumably with a 911 operator, and he's asking ... "What does she need to do?" A woman on the scene had said she was a nurse and was offering to help Takeoff.

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6:36 AM PT -- In emergency audio obtained by TMZ, you hear dispatchers discussing the incident -- saying 5 shots were fired -- and revealing the initial caller said they heard gunshots and people screaming.

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Takeoff, one-third of Migos, is dead after an early morning shooting in Houston ... TMZ Hip Hop has confirmed.

Law enforcement sources, and multiple witnesses, tell us the fatal incident went down shortly after 2:30 AM ... that's when cops got the call for a man shot at a bowling alley called 810 Billiards & Bowling Houston.

We're told Takeoff and Quavo were there playing dice when an altercation broke out and that's when someone opened fire, shooting Takeoff ... either in the head or near his head. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

TMZ Hip Hop has obtained footage from the scene, and you can see Quavo -- in an orange shirt -- and others gathered around Takeoff. At first they tried to move him, but then put him back down, and Quavo yelled for someone to get help.

Police tell us 2 other people were shot and were taken to the hospital in private vehicles. We do not know their conditions. Quavo was not injured.

Just a couple of hours before the shooting, Takeoff posted a pic of himself lighting up at the bowling alley. Quavo had posted video several hours earlier as he drove around Houston with Jas Prince, who was celebrating his birthday.

We're told Jas was not with Quavo and Takeoff when the shooting happened.

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BEFORE THE SHOOTING

Takeoff, who's real name is Kirsnik Khari Ball, was the youngest member of Migos. Quavo was his uncle, and Offset his cousin.

They came together as a group in 2008 in Georgia, and became multi-platinum hitmakers ... dropping their first major hit, "Versace," in 2013. They would hit number one on Billboard in 2016 with "Bad and Boujee."

Most recently, Quavo and Takeoff had released a project as the duo, "Unc & Phew." They had just released their latest music video, "Messy," on Monday.

Takeoff was 28.

RIP

Originally Published -- 3:50 AM PT

Washington Commanders Ron Rivera's Mother Passes Away

Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera is mourning the death of his beloved mother, Dolores ... it was announced Tuesday.

The sad news comes a week after the 60-year-old coach missed practice due to a "personal matter" concerning his mom.

Dolores was surrounded by her husband and family members when she passed away.

"The Snyders and the entire Commanders family extend their heartfelt condolences to Coach Rivera and his family," the team said in a statement.

"The Rivera family would like to say thank you for the many kind thoughts and prayers they have received."

It is unclear if Rivera -- who joined the Commanders in 2020 -- will be on the sidelines for Sunday's game against the Minnesota Vikings.

The Commanders are currently on a 3-game winning streak with a 4-4 record ... and battling to move up in NFC East.

RIP.

Chuck D on Takeoff Gun Violence 'Abnormal Behavior' ... Hip Hop's Lost Its Way

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Chuck D says hip hop needs to start addressing the gun violence plaguing the industry ... and killing rappers at an alarming pace.

We talked to the legendary MC on "TMZ Live" to get his thoughts on the latest shooting death in hip hop -- Migos rapper Takeoff being gunned down in Houston -- and Chuck says it's crazy how folks think it's normal to lose rappers to gun violence.

Chuck says attacking someone with a gun should be considered "abnormal behavior" ... and he's lamenting the fact it's become so commonplace in America, people almost seem to shrug it off as just a part of life.

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As we reported ... Takeoff was killed during an early morning shooting in Houston, with emergency audio revealing at least 5 shots were fired. We're told Takeoff and Quavo were playing dice at a bowling alley when an altercation broke out and someone, or multiple people, opened fire ... fatally shooting Takeoff.

Chuck D says gun violence in the hip hop community has been ignored for far too long -- he says any other industry with so many fatalities would have addressed the issue before it became normalized.

He adds ... people have grown up thinking a rapper dying young is a normal thing ... and he says it's not only about the death itself, but also the manner -- drugs and gunshots.

Problem is, Chuck says too much music glorifies guns and drugs, whereas before, it was a reflection of what was going on in the community, not a dictation.

Chuck's really preaching here ... and it's worth a listen.

Deion Sanders Bans JSU Players From Leaving Houston Hotel ... After Takeoff's Death

Deion Sanders is forbidding his Jackson State football players from leaving their Houston hotel rooms this weekend ... giving the demand in a heartfelt speech following Takeoff's tragic death.

The NFL Hall of Famer addressed the Migos rapper being shot and killed in Houston with his players on Tuesday ... pointing out the incident happened in the same city where they will play the Texas Southern Tigers on Saturday.

"Takeoff was murdered in a dice game in Houston -- where we're going," Sanders said.

"So, that eliminates all y'all leaving that hotel, 'cause it ain't happening until I give you further notice."

The 55-year-old explained to his team they may need to make drastic life changes to prevent similar incidents from happening to them.

"You cannot kick it with the same dudes you kicked it with," Sanders continued. "You cannot associate in the same realms that you associated with. You gon' have to change if you expect change."

"I'm sad because it always seems like it's us, but we wanna say we matter, we wanna say we keep it 100, but it's always us!"

Of course, Sanders and the JSU Tigers went through this type of loss almost a year ago ... when Young Dolph was tragically killed in his own hometown of Memphis.

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"I'm just sick and tired of the consistency of people, that are influential to you, are leaving us consistently -- that's our rappers," Sanders said.

"Rest in Peace, Takeoff."

Desiigner Rages Over Takeoff's Death Quits Rap In Teary Video

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I'M DONE

News of Migos rapper Takeoff's death is gripping the hip hop community hard -- and Desiigner wants nothing to do with it anymore.

Desiigner went live early Tuesday, swearing off rap forever ... pointing to plaques of his past work while screaming, "This version of me is done!"

He continued railing against the culture further ... even going as far as proclaiming he "can't live life like this."

Desiigner ended the video by sending a R.I.P to Takeoff ... and other fallen rappers ... PnB Rock, Biggie, Nipsey Hussle and offering condolences to Quavo, Offset, DJ Durel and the rest of Quality Control.

The whole tragic ending is an eerie twist, considering Takeoff was promoting his "Messy" video just 24 hours ago.

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Police are still combing through the details surrounding Takeoff's death, which happened early Tuesday morning in Houston. No one is in custody yet, and it's unclear what the conditions are of the 2 other people shot. We'll keep you updated.

Desiigner joins Tee Grizzley as the most recent rapper to quit rap ... although TG walked back his comments shortly after.

Something tells us Desiigner is serious about his remarks, though.

Bengals Asst. Adam Zimmer Dead At 38 ... Mike Zimmer's Son

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8:37 AM PT -- The Vikings just released a statement on Adam Zimmer's passing as well ... calling him "a kind" and "respectful man."

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"Over his years in Minnesota," the team added, "it was evident he cared tremendously about his family, his players, his fellow coaches and the Vikings front office staff. Our thoughts are with Mike, Corri, Marki, and the entire Zimmer family."

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7:51 AM PT -- The Saints -- who Adam coached for from 2006 to 2009 -- are sending their condolences to the Zimmer family ... releasing an emotional statement Tuesday morning.

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"Adam was knowledgeable, hard-working, well-liked by everyone he came into contact with, and enthusiastic," the team said ... adding, "The thoughts and prayers of the New Orleans Saints organization go out to the entire Zimmer family, including Adam's father, Mike and his two sisters, Corri and Marki."

Cincinnati Bengals offensive analyst Adam Zimmer -- the son of longtime Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer -- passed away unexpectedly on Monday, according to his sister.

He was only 38.

Corri Zimmer White announced the news in a heartbreaking Instagram post ... calling her brother the "kindest, sweetest, family loving, sports obsessed soul there ever was."

"My heart is shattered and it hurts so bad," said Corri, who shared several photos of her brother in her announcement. "I'm so lost, I'm so overwhelmed, I'm so heartbroken."

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A cause of death was not revealed.

"My brother was one of my best friends," Cori added, "especially after my mom died, we became so close."

Adam started his NFL coaching career in 2006 when he became the New Orleans Saints assistant linebacker coach at 22 years old.

He went on to coach for the Chiefs, the Bengals and then the Vikings, where he served as a linebacker coach and co-defensive coordinator underneath his father.

He had been working remotely as an analyst for Bengals head coach Zac Taylor this year.

"Please pray for our family as we try to navigate through this," Corri said.

"Adam, I love you so much and I will miss you every second of every day until I see you again. Please watch over us and help us be okay."

RIP

Originally Published -- 7:12 AM PT

Trae Young, Alvin Kamara Mourn Takeoff's Death ... 'No F**ing Way'

Stars from both the NFL and the NBA are mourning Takeoff's tragic death on Tuesday -- with Trae Young and Alvin Kamara both releasing statements in disbelief after the rapper was shot and killed.

Young, the Atlanta Hawks star point guard, tweeted ... "No F***ing Way.." Kamara, a Georgia native, added in a tweet of his own, "RIP bra."

Others in the sports world -- including Jake Paul, Darrelle Revis and Ric Flair -- paid their respects to the Migos musician after learning of the tragedy as well.

"Senseless killings need to stop," Paul said on his social media page. "Need to unify. RIP TAKEOFF."

Added Revis, "our legends are being taken away too soon. a big supporter of Migos. it's just not good to wake up to news like this."

Flair -- who grew close to Migos over the years -- posted his condolences ... as well as a picture alongside the rap trio.

Takeoff's hometown Atlanta Falcons also released a statement ... saying, "Takeoff’s legacy lives on in Atlanta and across the world."

"Our deepest sympathies go out to his family and friends."

Takeoff -- who just dropped his "Only Built for Infinity Links" album with Quavo -- was shot in Houston shortly after 2:30 AM following a dice game at a bowling alley.

Law enforcement sources told TMZ Hip Hop an altercation broke out during the game ... and Takeoff was shot and killed. Two others were shot as well.

"To all the youth…," Paul added in another tweet, "put down the guns and pick up some boxing gloves to settle your differences. Violence is not the answer."

Takeoff was just 28 years old.

RIP

Leslie Jordan Hilarious In Upcoming Movie ... Last Film Before Death

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Leslie Jordan will be gracing the silver screen one last time ... because the last film he ever starred in is on its way to being completed.

Writer and director Tracy Pellegrino tells TMZ ... "Strangers in a Strange Land," Leslie's last listed film credit in post-production, is a small independent film made up of several shorts that focuses on foreigners around the world getting into hilarious situations due to their confusion and language barriers -- and it's the L.A. portion of the film where Leslie shines.

Leslie plays a southerner in Los Angeles who tries to help give directions to a Russian man at a bus stop ... someone he finds VERY attractive.

The humor is right up Leslie's alley, and that tracks -- we're told Tracy and her husband, Mark, wrote the part with him in mind ... totally unaware if Leslie would even sign on for the project. Tracy knew Leslie for more than 20 years.

Tracy says the movie was filmed over a long period of time -- it was shot in Paris, Cannes, Rome, Düsseldorf, London, Brooklyn and L.A. She says Leslie's part was shot around 2017. There is no release date yet for the film.

As we reported, sources close to the late actor told us Leslie was driving to the set of "Call Me Kat" Monday morning when he suffered some sort of medical emergency, crashing into the side of a building. He was 67.

Dead Kennedys Drummer D.H. Peligro Dead at 63 ... Hit Head in Bathroom

D.H. Peligro -- a longtime drummer for the Dead Kennedys -- has died after hitting his head in what seems to be an accidental fall ... but the jury's still out on what exactly killed him.

The punk rock band announced D.H.'s death Saturday in an official Instagram post, writing ... "Dead Kennedys' drummer D.H. Peligro (Darren Henley) passed away in his Los Angeles home yesterday, October 28th. Police on the scene stated that he died from trauma to the head caused by an accidental fall."

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They add, "Arrangements are pending and will be announced in the coming days.  We ask that you respect the family’s privacy during this difficult time. Thank you for your thoughts and words of comfort."

While they seem to be definitively saying the fall is what took his life -- at least according to a police response they're citing -- our own law enforcement sources tell TMZ it's a bit more mysterious than just that ... although we've confirmed he did, in fact, fall and hit his head.

Our sources tell us paramedics responded to D.H.'s San Fernando Valley home Friday a little after 7 PM, where he was found in his bathroom in his back house ... this after being discovered by his landlord. We're told D.H. was pronounced dead on the scene.

For now, our law enforcement sources say his death appears to be from natural causes with no foul suspected -- of course, an autopsy is pending for his official cause of death. One point of clarification though ... we're told the fall/hit to the head seems to be incidental to whatever may have made him collapse in the first place ... which is still being investigated.

At any rate ... the music community is mourning. D.H. joined the Dead Kennedys in '81 -- replacing their original drummer, Bruce Slesinger -- and sticking around through their formative years ... contributing to iconic records of theirs, including "In God We Trust," "Plastic Surgery Disasters," "Frankenchrist," and "Bedtime for Democracy." The band broke up in 1986.

Peligro played in other bands too, including with the Red Hot Chili Peppers for a brief time.

He was 63.

RIP.

Vince Dooley Legendary UGA Coach Dead At 90

Legendary Georgia Bulldogs football head coach Vince Dooley passed away Friday afternoon, the university announced. He was 90 years old.

The Hall of Fame coach died peacefully at his home, according to UGA, surrounded by his wife and four children.

The Alabama native spent 25 years coaching at Georgia ... and became the winningest coach for the school with a 201-77-10 record. In 1980 he won a National Championship ... and throughout his career, he was able to secure six conference titles.

Dooley also won SEC Coach of the Year five times.

After retiring, Dooley became Georgia's athletic director ... and during his tenure, UGA sports teams won 23 national titles.

Georgia football alum and Kansas City Chiefs receiver Mecole Hardman paid tribute to Dooley following the news of his passing ... posting a throwback pic of the former coach celebrating.

"REST IN PARADISE VINCE DOOLEY," Hardman said on Twitter. "#DamnGoodDawg."

The Georgia football field was renamed Dooley Field in Vince's honor in 2019. Earlier this year, he celebrated his 90th birthday in front of 70,000 fans at the Oregon versus Georgia game in Atlanta.

By the end of his career, Dooley had been inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, and the College Football Hall of Fame.

R.I.P.