Shola Lee
Following the tragic death of Takeoff, Houston Police have called on the hip-hop community to stand together.
In the early hours of this morning (1 November), Takeoff from Migos was found dead.
The 28-year-old rapper, whose real name is Kirshnik Khari Ball, was fatally shot at 810 Billiards & Bowling in Houston at around 2:30 am.
Now, the Houston Police force has called for the hip-hop community to stand together in the wake of this tragic loss.
During a press conference today, Police Chief Troy Finner revealed that he had been in contact with Takeoff's family.
He said: "Let me speak to the human element first before we do anything. I spoke to this young man's mother just an hour ago, flew in here from out of town. I want everybody to understand the pain, the suffering of a mother, very tough.
"And I told her, as we stand with any victim of violence, or any homicide victim, their family, we stand with them in this city, in this police department, and everybody that's standing behind me."
He then went on to urge the hip-hop community to 'stand together' in this time of grief and that he plans to meet with artists in the area to see how they can best tackle the senseless violence that has claimed countless lives, including Takeoff.
The police chief said: "And I want to pause again because sometimes the hip-hop community gets a bad name. And I know, it's evident from this city and people who I have a relationship [with] a lot of great people in our hip hop community and I respect them.
"I got many calls from Houston and outside of Houston, and everyone spoke of what a great young man this is, how peaceful he is, what a great artist."
He then went on to add: "And I'm calling up on everybody, hip hop artists, in Houston, and around the nation. We've got to police ourselves, there are so many talented individuals, men, and women in that community, who again I love and I respect, and we all need to stand together and make sure that nobody tears down that industry.
"And I'm calling to start here in Houston, to start possibly as early as next week. I want to meet with some of our artists, and see how we can taper things down."
Following the announcement of Takeoff's death, tributes have poured in for the talented rapper on his social media.