Rapper Drakeo the Ruler, who was set to perform at a Los Angeles music festival on Saturday, was stabbed to death following an altercation backstage, according to a CNN report.
Drakeo, born as Darrell Caldwell, was 28.
Scott Jawson, a publicist who worked with Drakeo, confirmed the rapper’s death and said in a statement, “I can confirm his passing but am in shock and unable to share any further details at this time. I’ll be releasing a statement from his family as soon as we’re able.”
The altercation broke out backstage shortly after 8.30 pm at the Once Upon a Time in LA festival. Drakeo was scheduled to perform at the same time.
“During the altercation, one man was severely injured by a suspect wielding an edged weapon. Officers from the California Highway Patrol (CHP), Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), and Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) responded to the scene. The victim was transported to a local area hospital where he succumbed to his injuries,” CHP said in a statement.
The organisers refrained from disclosing the incident and brought the event to a premature close. In an Instagram post, they said, “The Once Upon a Time in LA Fest is ending early. All performances are now over. Please head to the closest exit and head eastbound on MLK.”
The event was organised by rapper Snoop Dogg along with Live Nation.
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In a statement on Twitter, Snoop Dogg, who was also supposed to perform at the event, wrote, “I am not with anything negative and as one of the many performers, I was there to spread positive vibes only to my city of LA. 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 tragedy. I’m praying for peace in hip-hop.”
With the investigation still ongoing, no arrests have been made so far, according to the CNN report.
It is notable that the organisers Live Nation recently came under fire for the Astroworld festival tragedy that left 10 people dead and hundreds injured due to crowd surge during rapper Travis Scott’s performance.