DJ Khaled honours Takeoff during Saudi Arabia show
(Credit: DJ Khaled / Press)

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DJ Khaled honours Takeoff during Saudi Arabia show

When performing at Saudi Arabia’s Soundstorm Festival on Friday, DJ Khaled took the opportunity to pay tribute to his late friend, Migos rapper Takeoff.

Takeoff – real name Kirshnik Khari Ball – was shot and killed after a disagreement at a bowling alley in Houston, Texas, on November 1st. Aged only 28, Ball has at the venue with Migos bandmate Quavo playing dice when the altercation broke out, resulting in him being shot. He was pronounced dead at the scene. After the news broke, figures from Ja Rule to Keke Palmer paid tribute to the late Migos man on social media.

On Friday evening, Khaled paused his show to share some love for Takeoff. He told the audience: “We’re gonna pay a tribute to my brother. I’m sending my love to the Migos. Can you see? Rest in peace to my brother, Takeoff. Put your hands to the sky, your lighters to the sky… Takeoff, we love you brother. You showed me so much love. You’re one of the nicest people I’ve ever met in my life.”

The ‘Wild Thoughts’ musician continued: “Every time I talked to you, you said that you loved me. I hit you back, and I said I loved you. And I’ll never forget my last text with Takeoff. Long live forever Takeoff. He said, ‘Khaled, I’m so happy to call you my brother.’ Well I’m here to tell you – and I already told you this, but I’m telling you right now in Saudi Arabia – I’m so happy to call you my brother, Takeoff. Hands to the sky.”

Per BillboardKhaled performed a number of Migos hits, including ‘Versace’ and ‘Fight Night’. He also claimed that the Georgia trio would have made a surprise appearance during his set if Takeoff had not died. 

“It was going to be my surprise guest,” he reportedly expressed. “They’re still here. Make some noise for my brother, Takeoff. Takeoff is here right now. We love you. We appreciate you. I’m doing this for hip-hop. I represent hip-hop across the world.”