The Chicago Journal

Iren Cara, iconic 80s singer, passed away

Irene Cara, the “Fame” and “Flashdance” singer and actress, died this weekend at the age of 63.

Judith A. Moose, her publicist, confirmed Cara’s death, revealing the singer died at her home in Florida.

The news

Moose announced Irene Cara’s death on Twitter, writing:

“Please share your thoughts and memories of Irene. I’ll be reading each and every one of them and know she’ll be smiling from Heaven.”

“She adored her fans. She was a beautifully gifted soul whose legacy will live forever through her music and films.”

In addition, Irene Cara’s publicist shared a statement online, giving more details.

“It is with profound sadness that on behalf of the family I announce the passing of Irene Cara,” Moose wrote.

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“The Academy Award-winning actress, singer, songwriter and producer passed away in her Florida home.”

“Her cause of death is currently unknown and will be released when information is available.”

“Irene’s family has requested privacy as they process their grief. She was a beautifully gifted soul whose legacy will live forever through her music and films.”

“Funeral services are pending and a memorial for her fans will be planned at a future date,” the statement continued.

“We were working on amazing projects that would have made her and her fans incredibly happy.”

“Her manager and I will finish them. She’d want that.”

Cara’s career

When she was younger, Irene Cara first appeared on the television series Electric Company.

As a teenager, Cara starred in several movies, including “Aaron Loves Angela” and “Sparkle.”

However, Irene Cara made a name for herself in the 1980 musical Fame.

In the film, she played Coco Hernandez, who attends the New York High School of Performing Arts.

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In addition, Irene Cara produced a hit with the film’s theme song and a second with the ballad “Out Here on My Own.”

As a result, she was nominated for two Grammys and a Golden Globe that year.

In 1983, Irene Cara produced another classic hit when she co-wrote the lyrics to “Flashdance…What a Feeling”.

“Flashdance…What a Feeling” became a radio hit and won her an Academy Award for Best Original Song.

Irene Cara also earned a Grammy for Best Pop Vocal Performance in the Female Category.

References:

Iren Cara, ‘80s pop star behind ‘Fame’ and ‘Flashdance’ theme songs, dies at 63

Oscar-winning actor and singer Irene Cara dies aged 63

Takeoff dies after a stray bullet from a nearby shooting hits him

Takeoff, the 28-year-old Grammy-nominated musician, died Tuesday after a shooting at a bowling alley in Houston, Texas.

According to his record company’s statement, the Migos rapper died from a “stray bullet.”

The shooting

The shooting in Texas occurred at 2:30 on a balcony outside 810 Billiards and Bowling Alley.

Takeoff was playing dice with his uncle and bandmate Quavo across at the Bowling Alley.

According to police, 40 to 50 guests attended a private party when someone opened fire.

Upon arrival, officers said they found a large crowd and a man with a gunshot wound to the head or neck.

However, the man was pronounced dead.

Meanwhile, two other people were injured and were taken to hospital.

No arrest was made.

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Police response

Houston Police Chief Troy Finner said he didn’t want to speculate that Takeoff was the target of the shooting.

“Based on what people say about him, he’s well respected, non-violent,” said Finner.

“I would not expect him to be involved, but I do want to wait on the investigation.”

“But we have no reason to believe that he was involved in anything criminal at the time, just as people describe him as very peaceful, loving, a great entertainer.”

Later, Chief Finner urged witnesses at the scene to come forward.

Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday afternoon, he said:

“Please step up, get the information to us so we can bring down some closure to this family who’s hurting right now.”

Takeoff

Kirsnick Khari Ball, better known as Takeoff, was one-third of the Atlanta band Migos.

The band is among the most successful, producing songs that hit the charts.

As a result, they made hits like Walk It Talk It, Stir Fry and Versace.

However, the group broke into the mainstream in 2016 with their single Bad and Boujee, which topped the US charts.

The song was also nominated for Best Rap Performance at the Grammy Awards.

Although Takeoff didn’t appear in the song because he missed the recording session, the rapper was a key architect of the Migos sound.

As a result, Migos is now famous for its punchy vocal triplets and scattered, stammering rhythms.

Read also: Rap icon Coolio passed away on Wednesday, aged 59

Tributes

After the news broke, tributes for Takeoff began flooding social media as friends, fans, and collaborators mourned the rapper.

Drake did a remix of Versace, which gave the band a boost in the charts, and wrote on Instagram:

“I got the best memories of all of us seeing the world together and bringing light to every city we touch. That’s what I’ll focus on for now.”

Gucci Mane recently worked with Takeoff and Quavo on the song Us vs. Them.

Additionally, he shared a photo of the rapper on Instagram and said the news broke his heart.

Atlanta legend Outkast wrote:

“Rest in peace, Takeoff. Sending our deepest condolences and prayers to his family, friends, and community of people touched by his craft.”

Finally, many musicians are urging fans not to share videos of Takeoff’s final moments online out of respect.

Reference:

Migos rapper Takeoff killed by ‘stray bullet,’ record label claims