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Takeoff: Tributes to Migos rapper shot dead in Houston at 28

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Hip-hop stars and fans have paid tribute to US rapper Takeoff from the chart-topping group Migos, after he was shot dead at the age of 28.

The musician, real name Kirshnik Khari Ball, was killed in Houston on Tuesday.

Gucci Mane, Kid Cudi, Khalid and Dave posted tributes on social media, while Rick Ross called him a “young legend”.

Migos were one of the most influential groups of their generation, pioneering a style of rapping in choppy, staccato triplets known as the “Migos flow”.

The band, who split earlier this year, scored several international hits including Bad and Boujee, Versace and Walk It Talk It.

The shooting took place at about 02:30 local time (07:30 GMT) on a balcony outside the 810 Billiards and Bowling Alley, where Takeoff had reportedly been playing dice with his uncle and bandmate, Quavo.

Police said 40 to 50 guests had been at a private party when someone opened fire. When they arrived, officers said they found a large crowd and a man with a gunshot wound to the head or neck. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Police said two other people were injured and were driven to hospital in private vehicles. No arrests have been made.

At a news conference on Tuesday afternoon, Houston Police Chief Troy Finner pleaded with witnesses at the scene to come forward.

“Please step up, get the information to us so we can bring some closure to this family who’s hurting right now,” he said.

In a statement, record label Quality Control said: “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. Please respect his family and friends as we all continue to process this monumental loss.”

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