Drakeo the Ruler Dead After Stabbing at L.A. Festival

Drakeo the Ruler was fatally stabbed on Saturday night (Dec. 18) during an altercation at a Los Angeles concert. He was 28.

The West Coast rapper, whose real name was Darrell Caldwell, was scheduled to perform at the Once Upon a Time in L.A. festival at 8:30 p.m. local time. Paramedics responded to a call about a stabbing near the Banc of California Stadium in Exposition Park around 8:40 p.m., according to the Los Angeles Fire Department.

A publicist for the rapper, Scott Jawson, confirmed his death to The New York Times on Sunday.

Drakeo was rushed to the hospital where he died from his injuries. There are unconfirmed reports he was stabbed in the neck.

The altercation happened in the “roadway backstage” of the venue. Festival organizers ended the show early before headliners 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, and the Isley Brothers took the stage.

The LAPD is investigating the stabbing and it’s unclear whether any arrests have been made.

In February, Drakeo released his biggest album to date, The Truth Hurts, featuring a collaboration with Drake. Earlier this month, he dropped his latest mixtape So Cold I Do Em 2.

The hip-hop community is mourning the loss including Drake. “Nah man this sh*t isn’t right for real wtf are we doing 😔😔😔,” he wrote on Instagram Stories. “Always picked my spirit up with your energy RIP Drakeo.”

His “Risky” collaborator Saweetie also shared her condolences, writing, “Man Drakeo was always hella cool & respectful 😢🙏🏽 Prayers up for his family RIP The Ruler 💔.”