Poker Writer
Rapper Kiari Kendrell Cephus, aka “Offset,” is in stable condition after he was shot on Monday near the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood. The shooting happened at 7 p.m. on Monday in the valet area outside of the casino. He was quickly hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood is a popular poker destination in South Florida, in the Miami metro area. It hosts some of the biggest World Poker Tour events held each year.
Offset is a 34-year-old Atlanta-based rapper. He is best known for being a part of the Atlanta hip-hop trio known as Migos. He was formerly married to Cardi B., with whom he has fathered three children.
This is not the first shooting involving a member of Migos. Kirsnick Ball, known as “Takeoff,” died in a shooting outside a Houston bowling alley in November 2022 at the age of 28.
Lil Tjay Arrested in Connection to Shooting
Shortly after the shooting on Monday night, authorities arrested rapper Lil Tjay. The 24-year-old Bronx rapper, whose real name is Tione Merritt, was booked on a disorderly conduct charge. The lawyer for Lil Tjay denied any suggestion that her client was involved in the shooting:
Lil Tjay has not been shot, nor has Lil Tjay been charged with any shooting. Any reporting to the contrary is false. We encourage people to consult trusted news sources, and to verify the accuracy of any reporting, before reflexively sharing or repeating baseless rumors.
There is an ongoing investigation to identify any other individuals involved in the incident, which began as a fight.
Feud Between Rappers at Seminole Hard Rock Started With a Fight
Lil Tjay was released from jail on Tuesday after paying a small bail. He then continued the public feud with Offset, which some speculate could have led to this incident.
Reporters from NBC Miami were waiting for the rapper as he emerged from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office. They described him as “agitated” and said a fight involving the two and their entourages was “violent.”
Lil Tjay continued to deny that he shot Offset and called Offset a rat as he walked to his vehicle.
Police told reporters that they arrested one other individual. However, they did not elaborate on possible charges.
Image credit: Migos store (license)
