Takeoff fans gather in Atlanta to celebrate slain rapper

Fans gathered to remember rapper Takeoff, who was killed near Atlanta and was a member of hip-hop trio Migos, the 28-year-old who grew up.

State Farm Arena, home of the Atlanta Hawks, is hosting a memorial service to celebrate the rapper’s life and music, with the rapper’s image lit up on a giant sign outside the field.

Takeoff, born Kirsnick Khari Ball, was shot outside a Houston bowling alley earlier this month. A woman and another man were also wounded in the shooting. No one was arrested.

She said Migos’ music represents the creativity and culture of the black community, and she worries that this group will be saddened by the creation of new music — at least for a while.

“It’s just something you can play anywhere and everyone will come out and dance,” she said.

“That’s how it brings people together. That’s how it fills the room with positivity.”

Atlanta firefighter Eric Hood said he was shocked when he heard the takeoff was due to the deaths of three members of the Migos, who was considered the most laid-back.

He said Migos’ music was an “escape” for many, and he hoped the event would leave a lasting memory of him with his family and others on the team.

“I pray for them,” he said. “I hope they continue to be inspiring, positive, influential members of society to keep going.”

Georgia residents can get free tickets for the memorial service, but State Farm Arena said before Friday that the event was full and fans without tickets should not come down.

The venue has not released a program listing for the event.

The Grammy-nominated trio Migos also includes Takeoff’s uncle Quavo and cousin Offset.

Nearly a decade ago, Migos reached even more popularity with the Drake remix with 2013’s hit Versace.

Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said the day after the shooting that the takeoff was “respected” and that there was “no reason to believe he was involved in any criminal activity” at the time.

Migos’ record label Quality Control mourned Takeoff’s death in a statement posted on Instagram, which it blamed on “pointless violence and a stray bullet.”

Police did not say the shots were deviated.

According to its website, his family is asking people to donate, not flowers or gifts, to the Rocket Foundation, which was established under the name Takeoff to prevent gun violence.