American rapper Drakeo the Ruler passed away in an unfortunate accident on Sunday after the rising hip hop star was stabbed backstage at a Los Angeles music festival. Drakeo’s demise was confirmed by his publicist Scott Jawson to AFP.
The 28-year-old, whose real name is Darrell Caldwell, was scheduled to perform on the weekend at the Once Upon a Time in LA concert, alongside hip hop stars Snoop Dogg, Ice Cube and 50 Cent.
"Drakeo was the most original and innovative artist of his generation. a king without a crown or throne," Jawson tweeted.
The stabbing incident reportedly occurred at the festival venue at 8:40 pm on Saturday, the Los Angeles Times said, citing a city fire department official.
GangNEm (feat. Ralfy the Plug) (Pt. 2) https://t.co/VqZ594VK1O via @YouTube
— Drakeo The Ruler❄️😈 (@IamMRMOSELY) December 7, 2021
While the person wasn’t publicly identified, shortly after the incident, he was reportedly taken to a hospital in critical condition. He was later confirmed to be Caldwell, who died from stab wounds.
Live Nation, which helped organize the festival, ended the event early following the incident. "There was an altercation in the roadway backstage," the promoter told AFP in a statement.
"Out of respect for those involved and in coordination with local authorities, artists and organizers decided not to move forward with remaining sets."
Drakeo the Ruler - Go Crazy https://t.co/YiG1WjmdTy via @YouTube
— Drakeo The Ruler❄️😈 (@IamMRMOSELY) December 14, 2021
Snoop Dogg has finally broken his silence over the unfortunate incident that occurred on Sunday and tweeted that he was in his dressing room when he was told about the stabbing and decided to leave immediately. "I'm saddened by the events that took place last night," he said in a statement posted to his social media accounts.
He added, "My condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Drakeo the Ruler. My prayers go out to everyone affected by the tragedy. Please take care, love one another and stay safe y'all," he shared. Snoop concluded, "IM PRAYING FOR PEACE IN HIP HOP."
Drake, who collaborated with Drakeo on the song 'Talk to Me', remembered his fellow rapper tribute by dedicating an emotional Instagram Story. "Nah man this s-- isn't right for real wtf are we doing," the 35-year-old wrote underneath an image of Drakeo decked out in purple Los Angeles Lakers gear.
"Always picked my spirit up with your energy. RIP Drakeo," he added. Drake shared another picture featuring him with the late rapper on his IG Story.
Taking to Twitter, Joey Fatts expressed frustration over the incident that left his friend dead. He said he was at the venue for a performance when "Drakeo was killed while working" on Saturday. "No reason why a knife should be able to be snuck into a music festival. Especially since the Travis Scott s--. Rip Drakeo hope his fam sue," wrote Fatts.
Drakeo the Ruler - 300 RACCS https://t.co/BWqT74VByy via @YouTube
— Drakeo The Ruler❄️😈 (@IamMRMOSELY) October 14, 2021
Meanwhile, Saweetie, Trippie Redd, Juicy J and Roddy Ricch were among many artists who express their sadness over the rapper’s death on Twitter.
Image Source: Twitter/IamMRMOSELY