(Photo: Timothy Norris/WireImage via Getty Images)
Rapper Drakeo The Ruler, was fatally stabbed Saturday.
Drakeo, born Darrell Wayne Caldwell, was 28 years old. The rapper was murdered shortly before his performance at the Once Upon A Time in LA music festival. The festival took place near Banc of California and Exposition Park.
The festival abruptly canceled the following performances after the incident.
Drakeo’s death sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community and garnered countless messages of support from artists and fans alike. This news comes while many are still dealing with the hurt of the recent Astroworld Festival tragedy.
Man Drakeo was always hella cool & respectful 😢🙏🏽 Prayers up for his family RIP The Ruler 💔
— ICY SEASON ❄️ (@Saweetie) December 19, 2021
R.I.P. Drakeo the ruler prayers up for the family 🙏🏿 🙏🏿🙏🏿
— juicy j (@therealjuicyj) December 19, 2021
Known for his distinctive flow, slang, and dark beats that inspired others, Drakeo was a rising name in hip hop who helped define the sound of the LA rap scene. He released a series of mixtapes over several years — including “Thank You For Using GTL.” Drakeo recorded entirely over Global Tel Link, a prison phone service for imprisoned people. The project earned him much praise for his critique of the legal system.
The rapper spent three years in prison, initially on firearm charges and later a murder charge that was acquitted. The LA County District Attorney attempted to use his lyrics as evidence of gang conspiracy, Drakeo was incarcerated again until taking a plea deal and being released in November 2020.
Drakeo The Ruler will forever be remembered for his impact on hip-hop from Los Angeles to the world.