July 2, 2025 Breaking News, Latest News, and Videos

Drakeo the Ruler, People’s Champion

Saturday, December 19, 2021, West Coast Rapper Drakeo the Ruler was fatally stabbed in the neck during an altercation at the Once Upon a Time in LA rap music festival, where he was scheduled to perform alongside Snoop Dogg, 50 Cent, and Ice Cube. Drakeo, whose real name was Darrell Caldwell, was only 28 at the time of his death. The world lost the most original West Coast stylist in decades.

The Rise Of Drakeo

Drakeo the Ruler rose to fame in 2015 with “Mr. Get Dough”, which was picked up and remixed by DJ Mustard and quickly became a hit, thanks to Drakeo’s unique vocal style. Mr. Get Dough racked up more than 6 million views on YouTube (August 2019) and introduced the world to Caldwell’s grim humor and sharp social comments delivered in an instantly recognizable calm muttering style.

Highlights Of Discography

Drakeo the Ruler released his official debut mixtape “I Am Mr. Mosely” in October 2015 and quickly followed up with two more successful releases until he recorded the “Cold Devil” mixtape in late 2017, which was described as his most compelling album. The 16 masterpieces on the album were recorded in just 10 days. Flu Flamming, Big Banc Uchies, Roll Bounce, and Out the Slums got millions of hits on YouTube and Spotify.

Drakeo was a very prolific musician, releasing 10 mixtapes between 2015 and 2021. “Thank You for Using GTL” was released in June 2020, while Caldwell was doing time in Men’s Central Jail in Los Angeles. Some of the verses were recorded from prison using the inmate phone service GTL, hence the album title. The album was received very positively and was named the “greatest rap album ever recorded from jail” by Pitchfork.


Drakeo’s last album, “The Truth Hurts” was released in February 2021 and featured a guest appearance from Drake on the song “Talk to Me.”

Roots In Southern California

Caldwell was born on December 1, 1993, in the “Hundreds” neighborhood of South-Central Los Angeles. He was raised in poverty by a single mother and was in and out of correctional facilities after his first arrest at the age of 12. Caldwell attended George Washington High School in Westmont, the same public school as Ice Cube and former LA County district attorney Gil Garcetti.

Caldwell grew up listening to the likes of Hot Boyz and Boosie, but he names a battle rapper named Cocky as his main influence. Cocky showed Caldwell you don’t have to be loud to get your point across, which is where he probably got the inspiration for his calm, deadpan vocal style.
Drakeo the ruler’s untimely and violent demise sparked countless heartfelt reactions and condolences by fans and fellow musicians, including Snoop Dogg who concluded his tweet with a prayer for peace in hip hop. Drakeo the Ruler’s unique cadence, strong hooks, and unmistakable sound have been copied countless times, in popular songs as well as in obscure royalty free music tracks, but rarely equaled. He will be missed.

in News
<>Related Posts

Proposed Rebuilding Authority for Wildfire Recovery Sparks Local Control Debate

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Plan Aims to Streamline Rebuilding but Raises Questions Over Community Input A proposed “Resilient Rebuilding Authority” to oversee recovery from...

Pentagon Orders Troop Drawdown in LA: 150 National Guard Members Reassigned to Wildfire Duty

July 2, 2025

July 2, 2025

Federal Forces Begin Partial Withdrawal From Protest Response as California Leaders Push Back U.S. Northern Command announced Tuesday that 150 National Guard...

(Video) ‘World’s Strongest Man’ Champion Pulls Big Blue Bus for 30 feet

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

World-class strongman Martins Licis pulled a 34,680‑pound, 35-feet long, battery electric bus through the Pier to set off Pier 360...

California Highway Patrol Deploys for Independence Day Enforcement Surge

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

All Available Officers to Hit California Highways for Holiday Weekend As Californians gear up for Fourth of July festivities, the...

Court Postpones Arraignment for Driver in Malibu Crash That Killed Four Students

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

Fraser Michael Bohm Faces Murder Charges in Fatal PCH Wreck  The arraignment for Fraser Michael Bohm, the 23-year-old man accused...

More Commercial Uses Could Be Coming to RAND Building

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

Amendment Unlocks New Opportunities, Secures $5.5 Million in Community Benefits The Santa Monica Planning Commission unanimously approved an amendment to...

People are Using Palisades for “Disaster Tours.” Local Officials Are Trying to Stop Them

July 1, 2025

July 1, 2025

A new motion introduced to City Council requests a coordinated strategy from LADOT, the Los Angeles Police Department, and the...

Santa Monica Favorite Esters Rebrands as Esters Wine Shop & Oyster Bar

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

New Concept Launches With French-Spanish Flair and Free Bubbles Esters Wine Shop, the fave Parisian-style wine bar in downtown Santa...

Letter to the Editor: Santa Monica’s Great Park: It’s Time to Deliver on 100 Years of Promise

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

Santa Monica stands at the edge of history. For nearly a century, residents have consistently supported turning the airport land...

Why Nordstrom Says It’s Closing Its Santa Monica Place Location

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

A Nordstrom spokesperson explained the closure as a strategic realignment Nordstrom confirmed its decision to close its Santa Monica store...

Three-Bed Palisades Highlands Townhouse Hits Market for $1.7M

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The Mediterranean-style property, located at 1529 Michael Lane, is part of a 71-unit community A remodeled 1,919-square-foot townhouse in the...

Six-Bed Mar Vista Hilltop Home Under Construction Lists for $5.3M

June 30, 2025

June 30, 2025

The private backyard is complete with a pool, spa, fire pit, built-in BBQ, and areas for outdoor dining A stunning...

(Video) Getty Villa Reopens Six Months After Dodging Destruction of Palisades Wildfires

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

With the reopening also comes a new exhibit, “The Kingdom of Pylos” Getty Villa Reopens Six Months After Dodging Destruction...

Free Virtual Planetarium Shows Coming to SMC in July

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

The virtual format is in place as construction of the new SMC Planetarium and Observatory nears completion The Santa Monica...

Santa Monica Adopts $793.3M Budget for FY25-27, Prioritizing Housing and Safety

June 29, 2025

June 29, 2025

The budget preserves core services and invests in major projects, including over $1 billion in hotel investments The Santa Monica...