Drakeo the Ruler has died at the age of 28 after being stabbed at a Los Angeles musical festival.
The rapper was attacked on Saturday night at the Once Upon a Time in LA concert, where he was scheduled to perform alongside stars like Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, and Ice Cube.
A representative for the rapper confirmed his death to the New York Times and Rolling Stone on Sunday, December 19.
He was killed after a fight broke out behind the main stage just after 8.30 PM, said a statement by California Highway Patrol.
The Los Angeles Times reported that around 9:20 PM the backstage entrance appeared to be off-limits to everyone but police officers, and at least 20 officers were gathered behind the main stage near yellow police tape.
It's understood the rapper - whose real name was Darrell Caldwell - died after being taken to hospital. The festival was canceled after the incident took place.
The event's official Instagram page announced that the event ended early and alerted attendees to find the nearest exit. On Twitter, the Los Angeles Police Department wrote that an "incident" happened at the music festival but did not provide further details.
"There has been an incident at the Once Upon A Time in LA festival at the Banc of California. The festival has concluded early. LAPD will be in the area assisting CHP w/ the investigation. Media staging is on the South Lawn at Bill Robertson south of Exposition," the LAPD said in a tweet.
Snoop Dogg shared a message to Caldwell's family on social media after hearing the news, saying he was in his dressing room when he heard about the stabbing and immediately left the festival.
"Please take care, love one another and stay safe ya'll. IM PRAYING FOR PEACE IN HIP HOP," he told his followers.
Drakeo the Ruler first released mixtapes in 2015 and his debut album The Truth Hurts was released in February earlier this year.
He was released from jail in November last year after reaching a deal with prosecutors who wanted to try him on conspiracy charges over the killing of a man in 2016.
He had previously been acquitted of felony murder and attempted murder in the case,, per Rolling Stone.
