Late rapper Takeoff‘s parents cannot seem to come to terms over these dollar bills!
The rapper’s folks are reportedly not seeing eye to eye on the next step to take in splitting the lump sum received in settlement over their son’s unfortunate passing about four years ago.
Takeoff passed away on November 1, 2022, after he was tragically shot outside a bowling alley in Houston, where he stepped out with his uncle and fellow Migos member, Quavo.
Takeoff’s Mother Says She Raised Him Alone Amid Fight Over Wrongful Death Payout
The rapper’s mother, Titania Davenport, and his father, Kenneth Ball, are reportedly now locked in a legal battle over who should receive the proceeds from their late son’s lawsuit settlement and which court has jurisdiction.Â
Titania had pleaded her case before the court, citing a close relationship she has shared with Takeoff throughout his life. According to her, she raised the rapper as a single parent, looking after him from birth and providing the financial support needed to fuel his dreams and musical career until adulthood. Â
She continued that her investment in Takeoff paid off when he finally broke out as a successful rapper, and he repaid the favor by covering most, if not all, of her living expenses.
According to TMZ, Titania registered that Takeoff purchased her home and vehicles, and that she was also covering daily expenses such as clothing, food, utilities, and general living costs.Â
The Rapper’s Father Pushes For Texas To Decide Settlement Split
Titania emphasized that Takeoff’s father only played a limited role in their son’s upbringing, as he was mostly absent while she raised him. She described all his financial contributions as minimal and alleged that he was emotionally absent throughout the rapper’s formative years until he became famous.Â
The rapper’s mother also noted that, compared to the financial support she received from her late son, the same could not be said for Kenneth. As for Kenneth, he broke his silence by arguing that the extent of his involvement in Takeoff’s life should not get in the way of his entitlement to the settlement proceeds.
In light of that, he is fully convinced that Texas is the proper jurisdiction to determine how the money should be distributed, as parents are allowed to recover damages after a child’s death.
Titania, however, disagreed, insisting that Georgia, where probate proceedings were initiated, should handle the matter now that the wrongful death lawsuit in Texas has effectively concluded following a settlement agreement.
Takeoff’s Mother Slammed Houston Avenue’s Security Failure In Her Son’s Death
As noted by Houston Public Media, Titania filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Harris County, Texas, in 2023 with a request to receive over $1 million in damages from the establishment where her son was shot. The lawsuit identified several companies connected to the venue where the private after-hours event took place.
She accused them of failing to provide adequate security despite knowing the gathering would attract a large crowd, high-profile guests, and celebrity attendees. Titania, in her filing, insisted that the establishment and organizers did not take reasonable precautions to prevent violence and failed to maintain a safe environment.
Houston police also previously confirmed that the former Migos member was unarmed and not involved in the confrontation that led to the shooting, as he was unfortunately hit by a stray bullet during a heated exchange between others at the event. “Mr. Ball sustained pre-death injuries, conscious pain and suffering, and ultimately became aware of his impending death,” the suit continued.
Titania, who identified herself as Takeoff’s surviving parent and estate administrator, sought damages for emotional distress, pain and suffering, medical and funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and lost future earnings.
The Grammy Nominated Artist Lauded As Peace-Loving In Post Death Tribute
Following the rapper’s shocking passing, his record label described the tragedy as a senseless act of violence, adding that they were heartbroken by such a significant loss.
The BBC stated that Troy Finner, a Houston Police Chief, also revealed that there was no indication that Takeoff was involved in any shady activity that may link him with the shooting. He was praised as a peaceful, respectful, and non-violent individual who was unfortunately hit with a bullet and subsequently died from the gunshot wound at the scene, as pronounced by medics.
The police chief then declined to speculate on whether Takeoff was the intended target of the shooting, while encouraging witnesses to come forward with answers that could help the family and the authorities. The shooting occurred around 2:30 a.m. outside 810 Billiards & Bowling, where Takeoff had reportedly attended a private gathering with his
Aside from Takeoff, who died from the gunshot, two other individuals, a 24-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman, were also injured and transported to the hospital. Authorities said multiple firearms may have been involved and indicated more than one person allegedly discharged shots during the incident.
Takeoff Honored In Celebration of Life Themed Funeral Service
The Blast shared that the 28-year-old was laid to rest on November 11, 2022, in an extravagant, yet emotional memorial at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, where thousands of his admirers and loved ones gathered to honor his life and legacy.
Described by his family as a “Celebration of Life,” the service included scripture readings and a eulogy led by Pastor Jesse Curney III of New Mercies Christian Church.
Tributes flowed in from all corners, including touching words from his uncle Quavo, fellow rappers Offset and Drake, alongside Migos manager Kevin “Coach K” Lee. Other music acts like Justin Bieber, Chloe Bailey, and Yolanda Adams also belted out tunes at the ceremony.
As for the main suspect in his shooting, Patrick Xavier Clark, he was formally charged in 2023 with murder after being indicted by a Texas grand jury.
Clark was initially arrested in December and later released on a $1 million bond in January 2023. According to the autopsy report, the 28-year-old suffered deadly gunshot wounds to the head and torso.