Migos: The Trio that Redefined Trap Music Culture

The Beginnings: Rise to Fame

The Migos are a hip hop group that hails from Lawrenceville, Georgia and attending Berkmar High School. The group is composed of three members: Quavo, Offset, and Takeoff, who are all related to each other as they are family members. Quavo is Offset’s cousin and Takeoff is Quavo’s nephew. The group started making music in the early 2010s, and their first mixtape, “Juug Season,” was released in 2011. They gained popularity with their second mixtape, “No Label,” in 2012, which included their breakout hit song “Versace.” The song’s success earned them a deal with Quality Control Music, and in 2013, they released their first official album, “Y.R.N. (Young Rich N*ggas).” The album featured hit songs like “Hannah Montana” and “Bando.” The Migos’ unique style and sound helped them stand out in the crowded rap scene, and they quickly became one of the most sought-after acts in hip hop.

In 2015, when the Migos were starting to gain fame, member Offset was arrested and sent to jail on charges related to drugs and firearms. The group was faced with the challenge of continuing their career without one of their key members. To deal with Offset’s absence, the group decided to continue recording and releasing music, with the remaining members Quavo and Takeoff leading the way. They released a number of successful mixtapes, including “Back to the Bando” and “Young Rich Ni$$a 2,” which helped them maintain their momentum. The group also continued to perform live, with Quavo and Takeoff holding down the stage in Offset’s absence. After Offset was released from jail in 2015, the Migos reunited and continued to create music together.

The Members: Parts to the Whole

Quavo

Quavious Keyate Marshall, known by his stage name Quavo, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He was born Quavious Keyate Marshall on April 2, 1991, in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Quavo’s career began in 2008 with the formation of Migos, and the group rose to prominence with their 2013 hit single “Versace”. He has also released solo music, including his 2018 album “Quavo Huncho”.

Offset

Offset was born Kiari Kendrell Cephus on December 14, 1991, in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Offset is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter who is best known as a member of the hip hop trio Migos.

He has released solo music as well, including his debut album “Father of 4” in 2019. Offset has been nominated for several awards, including BET Awards, MTV Video Music Awards, and Billboard Music Awards.

In addition to his music career, Offset has made headlines for his relationship with Cardi B, as well as for his philanthropic efforts, including his work with the American Cancer Society.

Takeoff

Takeoff was an American rapper, singer, and songwriter who was best known as a member of the hip hop trio Migos. He was born Kirshnik Khari Ball on June 18, 1994, in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Along with Quavo and Offset, Takeoff has released several hit songs, including “Bad and Boujee,” “Stir Fry,” and “Pure Water.” He released a notable solo project “The Last Rocket”.

Takeoff has often been recognized as one of the most talented members of the Migos. Takeoff passed away due to gun violence on November 1, 2022 in Houston, Tx.

The Culture Album Series

The Migos released three studio albums titled “Culture,” “Culture II,” and “Culture III,” respectively. These albums are known for their trap-style beats, ad-libs, and the distinct flow of the members. The first “Culture” album, released in 2017, debuted at number one on the US Billboard 200 and included hit songs like “Bad and Boujee” and “T-Shirt.” The second album, “Culture II,” released in 2018, also debuted at number one and featured collaborations with several high-profile artists. The most recent album, “Culture III,” was released in 2021 and included songs like “Straightenin” and “Modern Day.” These albums have helped solidify the Migos as one of the most influential and successful rap groups of the modern era.

The End of an Era

As time passed and fame grew for the group, the Migos ultimately decided to split ways in mid-2022. Although the reason has never been explicitly stated, members have alluded to a lack of loyalty coming from Offset. Quavo and Takeoff decided to remain as a duo and have released a collab album “Only Built For Infinity Links” where they take on the personas of Unc and Phew on the trending song “HOTEL LOBBY”. Offset has taken on a solo career, collaborating with artist like Moneybagg Yo and Hit-Boy and releasing singles like “54321”

“We don’t know all the answers, you feel me? God knows. We pray a lot, you know? Whatever ain’t right and however you supposed to see it fit, you put it back together or however you do it, we pray. So only time will tell. We always family now, that ain’t gon’ change.” – Takeoff

“We stand on real deal, real deal loyalty, and sometimes that sh*t ain’t displayed. This ain’t got nothing to do with no label, no paperwork, no QC, nothing. This got something to do with the three brothers. And sh*t, it is what it is. Right now, we gon’ be the duo ’til time tell.” – Quavo

After the passing of Takeoff in November of 2022, Quavo and Offset have still not made amends and are continuing to make music separately. In Quavo’s new single “Greatness” that reflects on the group and the loss of Takeoff, he states “So don’t ask about the group, he gone, we gone, it can’t come back”, insinuating that group will not come back together.