US rapper Drakeo the Ruler has died after being stabbed.
The 28-year-old, whose real name was Darrell Caldwell, had been scheduled to perform at the Once Upon a Time in LA festival on Saturday night.
His publicist confirmed his death on Sunday morning.
The artist was reportedly stabbed during an altercation backstage around the time he had been due to perform. The event included performances from rappers 50 Cent, Ice Cube and Snoop Dogg on its lineup.
Los Angeles police are investigating but told reporters no arrests had been made as of Sunday morning.
Margaret Stewart, a public information officer for the Los Angeles Fire Department said that paramedics responded to a report of a stabbing at the stadium in Exposition Park around 8:40 p.m. and that the rapper was then taken to hospital but later died from his injuries.
Expressing himself on Twitter, Snoop Dogg said “in my dressing room when I was informed about the incident and chose to immediately leave the festival grounds.”
A list of celebs sent their condolences to his family, from Snoop Dogg
“My condolences go out to the family and loved ones of Drakeo the Ruler,” he said. “I’m praying for peace in hip-hop.” Saweetie wrote on Twitter: “Man Drakeo was always hella cool and respectful. Prayers up for his family. RIP The Ruler.” while another said “Always picked my spirit up with your energy. RIP Drakeo.”
Drakeo the Ruler had more than 1.5m monthly listeners on Spotify and collaborated with Canadian rapper Drake on the single, ‘Talk to Me‘.
