(Los Angeles) The American rapper Drakeo the Ruler died Sunday after being stabbed backstage at a music festival in Los Angeles, we learned from his agent, Scott Jawson.
Real name Darrell Caldwell, the 28-year-old artist was scheduled to perform this weekend at the Once Upon a Time in LA concert, with hip-hop stars Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube and 50 Cent.
The incident leading to his death was reported at 8:40 p.m. on Saturday, the report said. Los Angeles Times, citing an official from the city’s fire department.
One person, whose identity was initially not disclosed, was taken to hospital in critical condition.
It was later announced that it was Darrell Caldwell, who died of his injuries.
Live Nation, which helped organize the festival, closed the event shortly after the incident was announced. “There was an altercation behind the scenes,” the promoter said in a statement. “Out of respect for those involved and in coordination with the local authorities, artists and organizers, it was decided to no longer continue” the planned shows.
Snoop Dogg tweeted that he was in his dressing room when he was made aware of the incident 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 wrote. “My condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Drakeo the Ruler.”
Caldwell burst onto the scene in 2015 and many of his songs were particularly well received by critics.
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 served several years in prison on this charge.
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.
While still in prison, he released the album Thank You for Using GTL, in reference to the company that controls telephone services in prisons. Drakeo had recorded the lyrics of his songs using these services.