Shakur Stevenson was just steps away from the brutal murder of Grammy-nominated rap artist, Takeoff.
In news that shook the hip-hop community, Takeoff – real name Kirshnik Khari Ball – was shot and killed over a dispute that stemmed from a dice game. In video footage obtained by TMZ, the former two-weight world champion is seen standing next to the victim.
The rapper was a member of group Migos, who rose to fame with their brand of Atlanta trap music headed up by the breakout single Versace. The young fighter from New Jersey is guided by James Prince – a record label founder turned boxing manager – and it’s there his link to Migos is made. He has previously been walked to the ring by Quavo, another member of the group who was present on the night of the shooting.
It’s believed Stevenson was in attendance to celebrate the birthday of his associate’s son, Jas Prince. The shots were fired at around 2:30 AM Tuesday morning outside of Houston bowling alley.
Stevenson, who has recently announced a move up to the lightweight division and is already considered a top contender, paid tribute to the rapper on Twitter.
R.I.P Takeoff 🙏🏾
— Shakur Stevenson (@ShakurStevenson) November 2, 2022
Fans online expressed shock and concern for Stevenson’s close call following TMZ’s revelation, although he hasn’t publicly commented on the situation outside of his Instagram post. It’s believed that police will want to speak to everyone who was at the scene.
Takeoff, who was 28-years-old, is the latest in young hip hop stars to be tragically killed by gun violence in the community. Tributes have poured in from across the sporting and entertainment worlds.