Kairi Got Coin Issues!

If this is a real image, this is problematic.

I was saving this for the Cash Fever series. Too bad the issue gotten worse for rapper Offset.

Kairi Cephus is a 34 year old rapper, producer and media personality who was formerly part of the hip-hop group The Migos. 

Offset along with Quavo and Takeoff were from Lawrenceville, Georgia but aligns with Atlanta's southern rap scene.

He is the father of six children. Three of his children comes from his former wife, rapper Cardi B. She has him on a restraining order and he has a court order for child support.

He also is struggling. Offset left Quality Control Music to run solely as a Capitol and Motown Records artist.

Offset is really finding himself in some financial issues. His friends and former allies believe he has a huge vice problem. Besides the women, the alcohol, the weed and the failure to commit to doing his job as an entertainer, he has a gambling problem.

A drinking problem. A sexual problem. A lot of anger issues.

Again, it's not my business to worry what people do in their private lives. However, it is newsworthy to find out why the rapper was shot in Hollywood, Florida.

Most who often play are either a family member, co-worker or friend who has a gambling addiction.

So here's the public service announcement.

Most lotteries and casinos offer help for problem gambling. I want to acknowledge this.

The National Council on Problem Gambling operates the National Problem Gambling Helpline Network (1-800-522-4700). The network is a single national access point to local resources for those seeking help for a gambling problem. 

Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (Lifeline) at 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or 988, or text the Crisis Text Line (text HELLO to 741741). Both services are free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The deaf and hard of hearing can contact the Lifeline via TTY at 1-800-799-4889. All calls are confidential. Contact social media outlets directly if you are concerned about a friend’s social media updates or dial 911 in an emergency. Learn more on the Lifeline’s website or the Crisis Text Line’s website.

You can get help if you, a loved one or friend is dealing with drug abuse.

SAMHSA’s National Helpline: 1-800-662-HELP (4357)

SAMHSA’s National Helpline is a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.

It is a difficult thing to tell a family member, friend, co-worker or a player of a gambling venue. But if see something, say something. It may save a life.

The signs of problem gambling include:

• The person constantly borrowing money from friends, family, loan facilities or banks.
• The person is always taking more out to chase the jackpot (or clout).
• The person loses track of time or misses appointments due to gambling.
• The person is running late on paying bills or dues.
• The person feels like "playing it back" is the only way to win.
• The person is getting agitated over wins and losses.
• The person is using alcohol or drugs to ease stress. 
• The person damages property at casinos or lottery retailers.
• The person deliberately asks others to claim prizes to avoid paying child support, spousal support or owed taxes.
• The person uses false ID, false social security numbers or gives wrong information to avoid taxes or has known status as a banned guest or voluntarily excluded player (self-prevention/restricted gambler).
• The person is restless and feel the only way to relax is to gamble.
• The person is jeopardizing relationships, their jobs and their social life in order to gamble.
• The person repeatedly lies about wins and loses.
• The person is trying to curb problem gambling but never achieves the goal.
• The person has trouble adjusting to increases in lottery prices and rule changes.
• The person usually holds up lines in businesses due to inconsistent demands or repetitive calls of plays and bets.
• The person often uses phone apps to purchase lottery tickets and sports bets without consideration of funds.
• The person is upset when family members, friends or frequent winners win jackpots or prizes.

These are the hard truths about problem gambling. You know someone or have a problem. That's why it's important to know your limits when you gamble. 

On Tuesday, a spokesperson for Offset confirmed that the rapper was in stable condition, but his exact condition was unknown. Police said the injuries were not life-threatening.

“Offset has been released from the hospital and he is up and walking,” a representative for Offset said on Friday. “We’re incredibly grateful to the doctors, nurses, and the entire hospital staff who took such great care of him.”

The rapper shared his own statement on social media Friday, writing, “Thank you to everyone who’s checked in on me and showed me love! I’m good….but I’m planning to be better! I’m focused on my family, my recovery, and getting back to the music…realizing that life is made up of quiet wins and loud losses...”

Lil Tjay is county lockup on aggrevated assault with a deadly weapon.

“Life’s a gamble and I’m still playing to win,” he concluded.

Earlier this week, officers detained two people. The rapper Lil Tjay, born Tione Jayden Merritt, was arrested in connection with the altercation that occurred before the shooting, the Seminole Police Department in Florida said. He was charged with disorderly conduct and operating a vehicle without a valid license.

The second person detained at the scene has not been charged and investigators were working to identify others involved, police said in a statement Tuesday.

Offset, born Kiari Kendrell Cephus, launched his career with Migos, one of the most popular hip-hop groups of all time. The Atlanta trio is celebrated for their rapid-fire triplet flow, an often-imitated delivery that changed the trajectory of trap.

The group had several multiplatinum selling singles, including “Bad and Boujee,” which went No. 1 on the all-genre Billboard Hot 100 chart, “Stir Fry,” and “Narcos.” Migos released four full-length albums across their career.

More than three years ago, Offset’s cousin Takeoff, another member of Migos, was shot and killed at a Houston bowling alley.

As a solo artist known for his idiosyncratic style — a melodic, aggressive finesse — Offset has released three full-length albums.

He was also previously married to the rapper Cardi B. The pair were secretly wed in September 2017 in Atlanta. In 2024, Cardi B announced that she filed for divorce. They have three children together.