A rap musician has died over the weekend after being stabbed backstage at a Los Angeles live performance, in response to reviews.
An LAPD spokesperson cited “an incident” on the “As soon as Upon A Time in LA” music pageant at Banc of California Stadium. Whereas police have but to publicly determine the sufferer, sources advised the LA Times it was 28-year-old hip-hop artist Drakeo The Ruler, whose actual identify was Darrell Caldwell.
In line with the pageant’s schedule, Drakeo The Ruler was anticipated to carry out at 8:30 p.m.
First responders arrived on the stadium at round 8:40 p.m., in response to the LA Occasions. Public Info Officer Margaret Stewart of the Los Angeles Hearth Division said one particular person was taken to a close-by hospital in essential situation. One other supply claimed Drakeo The Ruler was “attacked by a bunch of individuals.”
The hip-hop pageant, headlined by rap music icons akin to Snoop Canine and 50 Cent, introduced the occasion’s cancellation following Saturday evening’s incident.
The rapper later succumbed to his accidents, in response to KTLA News. He sustained stab wounds to his neck.
Graphic video captured by witnesses started circulating the web shortly after the assault, displaying the sufferer bleeding profusely from his face whereas mendacity on the bottom.
“Detectives are nonetheless making an attempt to determine issues out,” LAPD Officer Luis Garcia advised the Occasions. No arrests had been made.
Authorities haven’t but commented on what led to the assault.
Caldwell was beforehand acquitted of a felony homicide cost in 2019 after spending a number of years behind bars. Whereas jailed, he produced and launched the critically acclaimed album “Thank You for Utilizing GTL,” which, according to CNN, is a reference to International Tel Hyperlink, a agency that handles communications for incarcerated folks.
John Hamasaki, Caldwell’s protection lawyer in that case, reacted to the information of Saturday’s stabbing.
“We spent the toughest two years collectively preventing for his freedom, going through life, earlier than strolling out a free man simply over a 12 months in the past,” mentioned Hamasaki. “By means of it, we grew to become associates after which like household. I don’t even know how you can begin processing this.”
Information of Caldwell’s homicide has reverberated via the rap neighborhood. On Sunday, rapper Snoop Dogg tweeted a press release on his web page.
“I’m saddened by the occasions that befell final evening on the As soon as Upon A Time in LA pageant,” mentioned Snoop Dogg. “My condolences exit to the household and family members of Drakeo The Ruler.”
Snoop Dogg known as for peace throughout the music neighborhood, concluding his tweet with “I’M PRAYING FOR PEACE IN HIP HOP.”
The homicide is beneath investigation with the California Freeway Patrol.
