Fans gathered on a stage near his Atlanta home to celebrate the slain rapper taking off.
The 28-year-old member of the hip-hop trio Migos Shot dead outside Houston bowling alley Another man and a woman were injured in an attack earlier this month.
In honor of the life and music of the star, whose real name is Kirsnick Khari Ball, State Farm Arena is hosting a special memorial service for his fans.
The Atlanta Hawks basketball home showcased the rapper’s giant image off the field, and fans from Georgia were given free admission.
Jenifer Loving, 22, and her young son Mateo queued for more than an hour before the doors opened.
She said Takeoff’s death was heartbreaking because he was so young.
Migos’ music, she said, represents the creativity and culture of the black community, and she worries that the group will be too sad to create 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.”
Jennifer loves with her son Mateo.Image: Associated Press
“I pray for them”
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.”
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.
Takeoff, left to right, Quavo and Offset, Migos
Fans ask for donations to charity
The Grammy-nominated trio Migos also includes Takeoff’s uncle Quavo and cousin Offset, who were mostly raised by Takeoff’s mother.
The Migos first rose to fame in 2013 with their hit Versace, which became even more popular after Drake’s remix.
They went on to write several hits, including the 2016 Grammy-nominated Bad And Boujee, Motorsport (with Nicki Minaj and Cardi B, who married Offset) and Stir Fry.
Migos’ record label Quality Control mourned Takeoff’s death in a statement posted on Instagram, which attributed it to “Senseless violence and stray bullets”but the police have not confirmed this.
Instead of flowers or gifts, his family asked fans to donate to the Rocket Foundation, which was established under the name Takeoff to prevent gun violence.