Ja Rule has led tributes to Takeoff after reports emerged that he had been shot and killed at the age of 28.
The hip hop artist, real name Kirshnik Khari Ball, is said to have died in a shooting in Houston on Monday night.
Houston Police confirmed that one gunshot victim was found dead on arrival, and that two others have been taken to hospital – but the identities of those involved have not been made clear.
Following the tragedy, stars have flocked to social media to offer their condolences to the late musician.
Ja Rule penned: ‘Rip Takeoff… this s**t has to STOP… sending love to friends and family.’