Drakeo The Rapper was fatally stabbed on Saturday night (December 18th) during an altercation at the Once Upon A Time in L.A. festival in Los Angeles. He was 28. According to TMZ, the rapper, born Darrell Caldwell, was set to perform at 8:30 p.m. local time. According to the Los Angeles Fire Department, paramedics responded to a call about a stabbing near the Banc of California Stadium in Exposition Park around 8:40 p.m. Drakeo's publicist Scott Jawon confirmed the rapper's death to The New York Times on Sunday (December 19th).
Drakeo was rushed to the hospital where he later died. There are unconfirmed reports that he was stabbed in the neck.
The altercation reportedly happened in the”roadway backstage” of the venue. Festival organizers ended the show early before headliners 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, and the Isley Brothers took the stage.
The LAPD is currently investigating the stabbing.
Back in February, Drakeo released his biggest album to date, The Truth Hurts, featuring a collaboration with Drake. Earlier this month, he dropped his latest mixtape So Cold I Do Em 2.
HIP-HOP REACTS
Drake reacted to Drakeo's death, writing in Instagram Stories, “Nah man this sh*t isn’t right for real wtf are we doing 😔😔😔. Always picked my spirit up with your energy RIP Drakeo.”
Saweetie also reacted, saying, “Man Drakeo was always hella cool & respectful 😢🙏🏽 Prayers up for his family RIP The Ruler.”
Snoop Dogg also released a statement, saying, “I'm saddened by the events that took place last night at Once Upon a Time in LA festival. My condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Drakeo the Ruler. I'm not with anything negative and as one of the many performers, I was there to spread positive vibes only to my city of LA.”
He continued, “Last night I was in my dressing room when I was informed about the incident and chose to immediately leave the festival grounds. My prayers go out to everyone affected by the tragedy. Please take care, love one another and stay safe ya’ll. I’M PRAYING FOR PEACE IN HIP-HOP.”