Los Angeles, California artist Drakeo The Ruler has died. The 28-year-old born Darrell Caldwell was fatally stabbed Saturday at the Once Upon A Time In L.A. Festival. The New York Times confirmed his passing this afternoon after speaking with Drakeo’s team.  The concert ended after the stabbing transpired during the altercation at a passage way outside the venue. Snoop Dogg and 50 Cent were slated to perform at Banc Of California Stadium that evening. It is unknown if any suspects have been arrested. However, sources say that Drakeo was stabbed in the neck before being rushed to a nearby hospital.

A founding member of The Stinc Team, Drakeo has released songs with Drake, E-40, Earl Sweatshirt, DJ Mustard, 03 Greedo, Rich The Kid, Lil Yachty, Shoreline Mafia, and Sylvan Lacue. He cultivated an offbeat flow and a modern take on Gangsta Rap. Drakeo grew up in South Los Angeles’ Westmont neighborhood, a brother of fellow Stinc Team member Ralfy The Plug. Violent surroundings reportedly influenced that frantic delivery. He used platforms like WorldstarHipHop and Soundcloud to cultivate a seven-figure fan-base, even without a record deal.

Controversy marred his career as Drakeo’s buzz reached a new inflection point. In December 2016, a man named Davion Gregory was fatally shot outside a Carson, California party. Drakeo was charged for the murder, accused of killing a music rival who was not in attendance. Along with a minor rap sheet, Drakeo’s lyrics were used by prosecutors to send him to jail in 2017, facing a potential life sentence. Even after another suspect was convicted of killing Gregory and Drakeo was acquitted, the Stinc Team rapper remained in lock-up. Notably, prosecutors used the 182.5 gang conspiracy law to classify the Stinc Team as a gang, holding Drakeo accountable for others’ actions. While behind bars, the rapper released albums through the phone, such as Thank You For Using GTL, a collaboration with producer JoogSzn titled after the prison phone system. NPR, The Los Angeles Times, The Fader, Vice, Genius, and others prominently covered the controversial legal move. However, just over one year ago, Drakeo was offered a plea that sent him home.

Upon release, Drakeo teamed with a similar-named artist, Drake, to release “Talk To Me.” Drakeo also appeared as a model for OVO’s clothing brand. Drizzy joined Don Toliver and Stinc Team members on this year’s The Truth Hurts. He dropped the 29-track So Cold I Do Em 2 project this month, featuring ALLBLACK, Ralfy, and the late Ketchy The Great.

Ambrosia For Heads extends condolences to the Stinc Team, and the family, friends, and fans of Drakeo The Ruler.