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Drakeo The Ruler killed in stabbing at US festival

By Andy Malt | Published on Monday 20 December 2021

US rapper Drakeo The Ruler has died after being stabbed at the Once Upon A Time In LA music festival on Saturday night. He was 28.

According to reports, the rapper – real name Darrell Caldwell – was stabbed shortly before he was due to go on stage at the event. A source who spoke to the LA Times said that he was attacked by a group of people. Following the stabbing, he was taken to hospital but died as a result of his injuries. No arrests have yet been made.

Performances by other rappers, including Snoop Dogg and 50 Cent, were scheduled to take place at the event, but following the stabbing the remainder of the show was called off. Snoop Dogg said in a statement that he had left as soon as he heard about the incident while in his dressing room.

In a statement issued later on Saturday night, co-promoter Live Nation said: “There was an altercation in the roadway backstage. Out of respect for those involved, and in coordination with local authorities, artists and organisers decided not to move forward with remaining sets so the festival was ended an hour early”.

Drakeo The Ruler had released more than ten mixtapes – most recently ‘So Cold I Do Em 2’ earlier this month – and in February this year released his debut studio album, ‘The Truth Hurts’, which featured Drake collaboration ‘Talk To Me’.

The rapper was arrested on charges of first degree murder in 2018, but was acquitted at trial the following year. However, prosecutors re-filed two of the charges against him, resulting in him remaining in custody. He was released in November last year after reaching a plea deal.

During his time in prison, he recorded his sixth mixtape, ‘Thank You For Using GTL’, over prison phone line Global Tel Link.