LOS ANGELES, CA — One of the most influential artists on the Los Angeles rap scene Drakeo The Ruler was stabbed at the ‘Once Upon A Time In L.A.’ concert and later died from his injuries.
“We spent the hardest two years together fighting for his freedom, facing life, before walking out a free man just over a year ago. Through it, we became friends and then like family. I don’t even know how to start processing this,” Drakeo’s attorney John Hamasaki said in a statement.
The 28-year-old born Darrell Caldwell made strong noise in Los Angeles in just over a year after being acquitted of felony murder and attempted murder charges. County prosecutors sought to retry Drakeo on conspiracy charges related to murder.
Caldwell ultimately accepted a plea deal and was released in November 2020. He was discovered by platinum producer DJ Mustard and was able to make an impact alongside fellow artist such as 03 Greedo, G. Perico, and worked with award-winning artist Drake and Lil Yachty.
Caldwell grew up with a single mother in South Central Los Angeles and attended Washington High School. He developed his own style of lyrics and real life stories that would appeal to many fans across the nation.
He recorded several mixtapes, including 2018’s “Cold Devil” and 2020’s popular “Thank You For Using GTL.” Drakeo recorded his vocals for that project while on a telephone in the L.A. County Jail. He was awaiting trial in connection with the killing of a 24-year-old in 2016. He faced a life sentence on murder chargers and conspiracy to commit murder.
After he accepted a plea deal and was released in November 2020, Drakeo began work on his project “The Truth Hurts,” that was released in February 2021. His most recent mixtape, “So Cold I Do Em 2,” came out on Dec. 7 along with preparing for a performance last Saturday at the “Once Upon A Time In L.A” festival. Sadly, Drakeo never got the opportunity to perform in front of the home crowd, as he was stabbed during an altercation backstage around 8:40PM.
Once the word got out about Drakeo, many including Snoop Dogg and one of the event’s organizers Bobby Dee (Bobby Dee presents) released statements via social media.
“I’m saddened by the events that took place last night at the Once Upon a Time in L.A. festival…Last night I was in my dressing room when I was informed about the incident and chose to immediately leave the festival grounds. My prayers go out to everyone affected by the tragedy. Please take care, love one another and stay safe y’all. I’m praying for peace in hip-hop,” Snoop Dogg wrote.
The remaining sets that night that included 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, and YG were cancelled due to the incident. Investigators continue to investigate his murder and are asking any witnesses to come forward who may have been around the incident.
Several concert goers and others said lack of proper security and the inability to read the city as it pertains to the line up and artist that Live Nation had on the bill may have led to the incident.
