Takeoff Gets Star-Studded Funeral, Justin Bieber & Drake Perform At “Celebration Of Life”

Late Migos rapper Takeoff was remembered Friday (Nov. 11) in Atlanta in a star-studded “Celebration of Life” ceremony held at the State Farm Arena, which has a capacity of over 21,000 people. Stars like Justin Bieber and Drake remembered the legacy of the multiple Grammy Award nominee.

Justin Performed, Drake Dedicated A Poem…

Migos rapper Takeoff’s funeral service was more than anything he could have ever wished for. The “MotorSport” artist, whose real name was Kirsnick Khari Ball, received a star-studded funeral at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta around his family members.

In the “Celebration Of Life” ceremony, stars like Justin Bieber, Drake, Chloe Bailey, Byron Cage and Yolanda Adams even performed at the funeral. Other stars in attendance included Quavo and Offset, who gave speeches at the funeral. Cardi B, Mayor Andre Dickens, Gucci Mane, City Girls, Russell Simons, Lil Yachty and many more were also present to pay tribute to the rapper.

Even though a press release stated that there was a “strict no photo and no video policy” inside of the venue, someone managed to circulate a short clip from the ceremony. This included a video of Drake, narrating how he “loved” when Takeoff would “remove his shades and squint his eyes while simultaneously having them wide open”.

🚨 Drake speaks at Take Off ‘s Funeral in Atlanta#lltakeoff #takeoff #riptakeoff #drake pic.twitter.com/yY7nlcPhsn

— CulturedUpdates (@CulturedUpdatez) November 11, 2022

Apart from this, he leaned on British entertainer Joyce Grenfell and writer Maya Angelou in his eulogy. During the ceremony, he dedicated a poem to Takeoff, quoting Grenfell: “If I should go before the rest of you/Break, not a flower nor inscribe a stone/Nor when I’m gone speak in a Sunday voice/But be the usual selves that I have known.”

He also paraphrased Maya Angelou’s “When Great Trees Fall,” which is a poem about how it’s obvious to be sad when great souls pass, and it’s wise to remember that they existed.  “They existed. They existed/We can be. Be and be better/For they existed,” he quoted.

Justin Bieber, on the other hand, paid tribute to the late rapper by performing “Ghost” on a piano. “And if you can’t be next to me/Your memory is ecstasy/I miss you more than life,” he crooned. However, the ceremony opened up with an hour of gospel music.

How Did Takeoff Die?

Takeoff (28), whose real name was Kirsnick Khari Ball, was shot and killed at a bowling alley in Houston on Nov. 1. Even though there have been no arrests made, police stated that they “want to find justice” and seek help from the public to help them with the investigation.

Shortly after this press release, videos of the fatal incident and its aftermath flooded social media. In one clip, Quavo and Takeoff’s uncle can be heard arguing and calling someone “disrespectful” before the shots were fired. In another video, an individual was seen carrying a gun. Takeoff was then shot in his head and torso before he died on the spot.

Before the funeral, Takeoff’s family asked the attendees to donate to the Rocket Foundation instead of bringing flowers and gifts. This organization supports community-based programs to prevent gun violence. After the funeral, an official obituary was shared wherein Takeoff was described as the most gentle soul.

It stated, “Endearing and impressive both on stage and in private life, Takeoff commanded respect wherever his path took him from musicians, family,  industry and peers alike.” At one point, it mentioned that Takeoff would want the world to “see the light in what he created and keep lifting each other” and “supporting the creations people put around in the world”. Well, the rapper may be gone, but his legacy lives on forever.