Sjava reflects on Takeoff's legacy: 'Things were never the same'

IOL News

15-05-2025

Sjava has taken a moment to reflect on the profound legacy of Migos rapper Takeoff, who tragically lost his life in 2022.
Image: Instagram
South African hip hop artist Sjava has taken a moment to reflect on the profound legacy of Migos rapper Takeoff, who tragically lost his life in 2022.
The untimely death of Takeoff, born Kirshnik Khari Ball, shook the music world to its core, and remains a sore subject for fans and fellow artists alike.
As Sjava eloquently put it, 'Things were never the same.'
Takeoff's tragic passing is a painful reminder of the dark realities that can overshadow artistic brilliance.
His record label expressed profound sorrow, declaring, "Senseless violence and a stray bullet have taken another life from this world and we are devastated."
This tragedy unfolded outside the 810 Billiards and Bowling Alley in Texas, where Takeoff was engaged in a casual game of dice with his uncle and fellow Migos member, Quavo, when chaos erupted.
Police confirmed that amidst a private gathering of 40 to 50 guests, a shooting broke out, claiming Takeoff's life and leaving an indelible scar on the hip hop community.
The details surrounding the incident were alarming: when authorities arrived, they found a tangle of frantic patrons and tragically, a man who was fatally wounded by a gunshot to the head.
He was pronounced dead at the scene, leaving behind a legacy defined not only by his exceptional talent but also by his non-violent disposition and respect from peers and fans.
Video Player is loading.
Play Video
Play
Unmute
Current Time
0:00
/
Duration
-:-
Loaded :
0%
Stream Type LIVE
Seek to live, currently behind live
LIVE
Remaining Time
-
0:00
This is a modal window.
Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window.
Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan
Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque
Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps
Reset
restore all settings to the default values Done
Close Modal Dialog
End of dialog window.
Advertisement
Next
Stay
Close ✕
Sjava reflects on the profound legacy of Migos rapper Takeoff, exploring the impact of his untimely death on the music industry.
Image: Instagram screenshot
Known for chart-topping hits like 'Bad and Boujee' and 'Walk It Talk It', Takeoff was a vital force in shaping contemporary rap. His unique style and undoubted lyrical prowess made him a household name and a cultural icon whose influence extended well beyond the recording studio.
As Sjava reflects on this legacy, it underscores a crucial conversation about the fragility of life and the tumultuous nature of the music industry.
Sjava's decision to vocalise his thoughts on Takeoff may stem from a place of introspection; it draws parallels between Takeoff's impactful journey and the evolving challenges within the hip hop genre.
This isn't the first instance where Sjava has utilised his platform to address the themes of loss and remembrance.
Through his emotive music and touching social commentary, Sjava often channels storytelling that honours the past while grappling with emotional burdens that echo widely within his audience.