Rev. Al Sharpton says hip-hop shouldn’t be faulted for Takeoff’s death

Al Sharpton has joined the conversation surrounding the untimely tragic death of rapper Takeoff.

Takeoff’s death has certainly sparked discussions surrounding hip-hop and gun violence. Much of the dialogue is whether the hip-hop culture is to blame for rappers dying at the hands of gun violence. Some have agreed while others, like Reverend Al Sharpton, contest these assertions.

Al Sharpton on Takeoff’s death

The civil rights activist shared his thoughts when asked by media outlet TMZ on the matter.

“First of all, no one has been more on gun violence and saying we need to deal with things in Hip-Hop, but I remember growing up, R&B artists used to get in shootouts and fights,” said Sharpton. “This is nothing new. Social media makes it where more people know about it.”

He continued, “You have a lot of people in Hip-Hop that are very responsible, that are very creative, that help their community. So we should not act like Hip-Hop is synonymous with violence.”

Sharpton contended foul play occurs in and out of Hip-Hop.

“Those that are violent, we ought to deal with. But a thug is a thug whether they’re singing jazz, whether they’re R&B, whether they’re singing gospel… I know some preachers packing. So let’s not make it just about Hip-Hop. Let’s make it about people that are not acting like they ought to act.”

Remembering the rapper

Takeoff, real name Kirsnick Khari Ball, was fatally shot on November 1 in Houston while attending a private party. Quality Control issued a statement claiming the rapper was struck by stray bullets. No arrests have been made in the incident that left two others wounded.

A celebration of life for Takeoff will take place for Friday (Nov. 11) at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena.