Rapper Takeoff shot dead in US state of Texas over dice game

HOUSTON, United States

Police are investigating the death of popular rapper Takeoff, who was shot and killed early Tuesday morning over an apparent altercation during a dice game.

Investigators say the incident happened during an overnight private party at the 810 Billiards & Bowling Alley in downtown Houston, Texas.

Witnesses say Takeoff, 28, whose real name is Kirshnik Khari Ball, was playing a dice game when a fight broke out. Someone opened fire during the altercation and Takeoff was shot in the head or neck and pronounced dead at the scene.

Takeoff was the youngest member of the hip-hop band Migos and was there with his uncle and fellow band member Quavo, also known as Quavious Keyate Marshall, 31.

"There were rappers at the party. We don't know if they're involved. It's still the early process of the investigation," said Sgt. Michael Arrington of the Houston Police Department immediately after the shooting.

Police said two other people were shot and taken to the hospital for treatment.

The group Migos was formed in 2008 in Atlanta, Georgia, and the three band members became multi-platinum hitmakers.

Takeoff and Quavo on Monday had just released a new music video for the song "Messy" as the duo Unc & Phew.