Videos by According2HipHop
The tragic loss of Takeoff is still felt to this day. The Atlanta rapper helped usher in a new era for trap rap as a key member of the legendary Migos. According2HipHop pays tribute to the pioneer of the triplet flow on his birthday with five of his most iconic verses.
Fight Night
One of Migos earlier breakout tracks, the no-frills 2014 smash, exemplifies Takeoff’s ability to fit complex multisyllable verses in tight pockets. “If you know me, know this ain’t my feng shui/ Certified everywhere, ain’t gotta print my resume/ Talking crazy, I pull up, andale/ R.I.P. to Nate Dogg, I had to regulate,” Takeoff raps with a smooth demeanor. The song is a heavy Takeoff featured cut, as he handles the catchy chorus.
Deadz
A standout off the Migos most popular, and arguably best, album Culture, which sees the triplets link with 2 Chainz. However, despite the star power of Mr. TRU, it’s Takeoff that steals the show with a lasting final verse. “N****** debatin’, they hatin’, they plottin’, they waitin’/ They want my ice, tell ’em come take it/ Have people tell me that I couldn’t make it/ Now I’m doin’ shows outta state in the nations.”
Slippery
Another great song off Culture, this time, Takeoff blends seamlessly with his adlibs, and teaches people about medications. “Deadshot (Brrt), AK make your head rock (Brrt)/ Red dot (Pew-pew), retro Air Jord’ deadstock (‘Stock)/ Lean on rocks (Act), Perkys, Mollies, Xannies, Rox (Roxies)/ Oxycontin (Oxyies), Takeoff, I’m your med doc (Takeoff!). The song serves as another highlight from the loaded album.
Intruder
One of Takeoff’s first solo efforts happens to be one of his best. After the success of Culture, the Migos trio began experimenting with solo work, namely with producer OG Parker. This led to a trio of songs, Offset’s “Monday” and Quavo’s “Paper Over Here.” But the best cut is from Takeoff with the menacing “Intruder,” where he glides on the menacing beat, detailing taking down a home invader. “Night time vision on the scope/ Pickin’ off-a the intruder, I’m watchin’ the door/ Put a strap into the intruder face/ He don’t know where to go/ Started with a handful/ Like Boston George on Blow (Boston).” His ability to effortlessly spit syllables with sawed off shotgun speed makes for an underrated cut from his vast discography.
Commando
It’s the quintessential Takeoff verse, the universal moment where rap fans knew Quavo’s kid nephew had the sauce. “Commando,” a crowning jewel from Migos YRN 2 mixtape, is a breakout verse for Takeoff. His dexterous verse never falls off track despite several tempo changes. “Yung Rich Nation jeans on, this your theme song (Huh?)/ So many pints in my crib, it’s a lean home (Lean)/ I’m so high, I just need a wall to lean on/ Phone home, get so stoned when we gone (Stoned)/ Cookie smoke in the ozone, wrist snow cone (Ice)/ Mink, it cost five, I leave the coat on (Mink)/ Big Tymer, get your roll on (Rollie)/ Chop a n**** with the Ric Flair robe on, hold on (Hold on). He sounds like Arnold Schwarzenegger with a M16A1, firing away with deadly accuracy.
