Around the World
Migos Rapper, Takeoff, Dead at 28. Fans Online Express Shock.
Fans around the world are total reeling following news that rapper, Takeoff, of the well known rap group, Migos, was shot dead in the wee hours of Tuesday morning. A representative for the musician, real name Kirshnik Khari Ball, confirmed the news to the Associated Press.
The 28-year-old was reportedly shot during an altercation over a dice game, at a bowling alley in Houston. Video footage captured during the heat of the moment, showed fellow artist and relative of the victim Quavo, wailing painfully beside Takeoff.
Online, many have expressed sadness over the incident, some calling for the frequency of the music and lifestyle of the entertainment industry, to be curtailed. Some noted that Takeoff was known to be the most humble and quiet of the three rappers.
Migos, considered one of the most influential groups of their generation, having pioneered the choppy, staccato triplets known as the “Migos flow,” split earlier this year. Songs delivered by the trio included, ‘Bad and Boujee’, ‘Versace’ and ‘Walk It Talk It.’
The shooting reportedly took place at about 2:30am on a balcony outside of the 810 Billiards and Bowling Alley in Houston. Police said 40 to 50 guests had been at a private party when someone opened fire. Security guards in the area heard the shots but did not see who fired the gun. When they arrived, officers said they found a large crowd and a man in his twenties with a gunshot wound to the head or neck. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Takeoff was identified as the victim by media outlets including TMZ, Variety and the Hollywood Reporter. Police said they would not officially confirm an identity until the victim’s family had been notified. Police said two other injured victims were driven to hospital in private vehicles.
Around the World
Rihanna’s Net Worth Drops 29% According to Forbes.
According to Forbes, Rihanna’s net worth has taken a significant hit, dropping by 29% since 2024. The singer-turned-business mogul, who previously reached billionaire status with an estimated fortune of $1.4 billion, now holds an estimated $1 billion. Her fall in valuation was one of the most notable shifts in Forbes’ 2025 list of America’s Richest Self-Made Women, where she now ranks at No. 35.
The outlet notes that the decline is attributed largely to stalled growth across her business empire. Although the Fenty Beauty expanded into China last year, LVMH cited a “challenging environment” that has affected global sales.
Adding to the turbulence, the CEO of Rihanna’s lingerie brand, Savage X Fenty, stepped down in August 2024 to take over at Victoria’s Secret. The departure marked a leadership shakeup during a period when profits were already under pressure.
A companion article by Forbes explored broader structural issues impacting celebrity-run brands, especially in fashion and beauty, where evolving market trends and consumer fatigue have led to tighter margins—even for mega-celebrities like Rihanna.
NEW BRIDAL LINGERIE COLLECTION LAUNCHED
The 37-year-old superstar remains focused. Savage X Fenty launched a new Bridal Collection in April 2025, and Fenty Beauty brought back its cult-favorite Body Lava luminizers just in time for summer. The brand also introduced a mascara line and a Roblox-based digital experience to expand its reach.
Beyond business, Rihanna made headlines with a personal milestone: the announcement of her third pregnancy at the 2025 Met Gala. Appearing on the red carpet with longtime partner, the singer revealed her baby bump, engaging the world, particular across social media.
THE LOSS OF HER FATHER
Tragically, Rihanna has also faced personal loss this year. Her father, Ronald Fenty, passed away recently. While she has not commented publicly, sources close to the family say the two had maintained a complicated but evolving relationship in recent years.
Despite the financial setback and personal challenges, Barbados born Rihanna continues to shape her legacy—both as a cultural icon and an entrepreneur, navigating a shifting business landscape and keeping true fans engrossed in all that she becomes involved in.
Around the World
Sean Paul Protested While on Tour. This is How He Did It.
Each time he hit the stage during his ‘Bring It’ tour, one of dancehall music’s most renowned artistes, made a very powerful statement. He protested what he felt in his heart and soul, was the continued injustice meted out to the real creators of the music listened to, and enjoyed around the world. Sean Paul is now speaking up, telling fans via social media why he chose to wear the T-shirts that he did.
On Tuesday, the ‘Gimme de Light’ singer explained that he feels the real creators of the music we all enjoy, often receive the least monetary benefit. He used the platform that he had at the time – the tour stage, to showcase his discontent with the continued injustice experienced by artistes.
“I wore t-shirts with some of my musical heroes on the front with a ‘likkle’ quote from that artist on the back,” he wrote on social media. “I feel we as the creators of the music get the least monetary benefit from it and this was just my small protest to the labels and streaming services who take so much of the pie, as well as to just big up the creators of music I revere, honoring the fight they have fought for our music throughout the years,” said Sean Paul.
Among the artistes showcased by Sean Paul were Jimmy Cliff, Ray Charles and Bob Marley.
Last year, during his appearance on the Drink Champs podcast, globally loved reggae and dancehall artiste, Buju Banton spoke out on the new music business model, lamenting that artistes receive “pennies on the dollar” for their music.
