American rapper Drakeo the Ruler died Sunday, December 20, after being stabbed backstage at a festival in Los Angeles. His death was confirmed to AFP by his agent Scott Jawson. Real name Darrell Caldwell, the 28-year-old artist was scheduled to perform at the Once Upon a Time in LA concert alongside Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube and 50 Cent.
According to Los Angeles Times, the altercation which cost him his life took place around 8:40 p.m. (local time). Drakeo the Ruler was then rushed to hospital in critical condition before succumbing to her injuries.
Live Nation, who helped organize the festival, closed the event shortly after the incident was reported. “in the wings” and “out of respect for those involved and in coordination with the local authorities, artists and organizers it was decided” to cancel scheduled concerts.
On Twitter, Snoop Dogg said he was in his dressing room when he was made aware of the altercation and decided to leave the scene immediately. “I am saddened by the events of last night at the Once Upon a Time in LA festival”, he reacted. “My condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Drakeo the Ruler”.
– Snoop Dogg (@SnoopDogg) December 19, 2021
Drakeo the Ruler first rose to prominence in 2015 and has over 1.5 million listeners per month on Spotify. In 2021, he released his album The Truth Hurts on which we find a title with the Canadian artist Drake, Talk to me. “Your energy has always cheered me up. RIP Drakeo”, reacted this last on Instagram.
In a message posted on Twitter, music journalist Jeff Weiss called him “greatest artist on the west coast, a legend who invented a new rap language, with slippery cadences, nervous rhythms and psychedelic slang “.
RIP Drakeo, the greatest West Coast artist of a generation, a legend who invented a new rap language of slippery cadences, nervous rhythms, and psychedelic slang, who beat life twice only to suffer the most tragic fate conceivable. The Ruler, once, always, and forever. pic.twitter.com/WKKjMV9PML
– Otto Von Biz Markie (@Passionweiss) December 19, 2021
The rapper has also been linked to justice several times. He was arrested in 2017 for possession of weapons and in 2018 for murder in connection with the shooting death of a 24-year-old man. He had thus served several years in prison. He was acquitted in 2019, but was charged with association with criminal gangs. He had accepted a deal with the courts and was released from prison in 2020.