The hip-hop reign of Atlanta trio the Migos swiftly came to an end last year when one of the collective’s members (Takeoff) got murdered while playing dice outside a bowling alley in Houston. Only aged 28, his killing surprised the culture, and his demise saddened many. However, this year, his crewmates and loyal supporters took to social media to pay tribute to the late emcee on what would have been his 29th birthday. A family vigil was also held.
Quavo was the first to pay homage to his deceased family member, posting a video with the caption, “Happy Birthday @yrntakeoff can’t wait for days like this again!!! BEST believe we goin up all week the Rocket way GEEKD u 29 nigga.” Offset then followed suit, posting, “Happy birthday rocket man. The greatest to touch a mic!! Best spirit ever!! Purest man I know your heart was golden bring me peace bra we celebrate your life because you still right here I love you gang.”
Other Atlanta rappers under the Quality Control (QC) umbrella then began to celebrate the late rapper. Rich The Kid paid tribute with a lengthy caption that read, “Happy birthday to my best friend, my brother the rocket I miss picking up the phone & talking to you about absolutely anything.”
He continued, “You the realest there was never any hate in your heart ever last year was one of the best we did everything, matching pateks matching Rolex’s, matching bracelets & Jesus pieces.. back 2 back jets to the islands .. bring me back to the Bando days when we was sharing pradas…miss you bro today we celebrate you.” As well as Rich The Kid and his crewmates, droves of fellow musicians have paid their respect including the likes of 2 Chainz, Ty Dolla $ign, Fabolous and Jacquees
The investigation into the emcee’s murder is still ongoing. However, earlier this year, his alleged killer was indicted by a grand jury. The individual alleged to have murdered the rapper was confirmed as Patrick Xavier Clark by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, and charges of murder in the first degree have been brought forward following the decision of a grand jury last month. Clark was arrested in December of last year. However, following his indictment, Clark will be going to trial.
Far from just rappers, the rapper’s hometown of Atlanta paid tribute to the musician following his death by honouring him with a memorial at State Farm Arena. Although the tributes have flooded in, Xavier Clark still remains a partially free man who is out on bail being monitored. However, there is a darker side to this case.
As the killing happened in Texas, due to his fame and the brutal headshot killing, many believe the verdict may result in capital punishment, as Texas is a death penalty state. Until then, artists will continue to uphold his legacy.
