The West Coast and the hip-hop world in general lost a true legend in Drakeo the Ruler back in 2021. If you remember, he was tragically stabbed backstage at the Once Upon a Time in L.A. event. Specifically, the festival took place at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, very close to the Los Angeles Coliseum. That’s where the USC Trojans play. So, because of their proximity to that 2021 show, they were included in the wrongful death lawsuit.
Live Nation and others were also included in the paperwork, and the former tried to file a motion to dismiss their involvement in 2023. However, the entertainment company is not out of the woods, as the judge ruled against that. Now, according to AllHipHop, USC is also trying to wiggle their way out of the suit as of August 29. The judge overlooking this case, Judge Kerry Bensinger, is already lined up to consider the motion at a hearing on November 18.
SAN BERNARDINO, CALIFORNIA – DECEMBER 12: Rapper Drakeo the Ruler performs onstage during Rolling Loud at NOS Events Center on December 12, 2021 in San Bernardino, California. (Photo by Scott Dudelson/Getty Images)
The university had a few statements trying to prove that they aren’t culpable in any way. “The backstage area where [Drakeo] was attacked was not a part of the Coliseum property, the Sports Arena property or any property leased or controlled by USC”. Later, university lawyers added, “USC was not involved in the production of the music festival itself. It was not involved in selecting the performers, setting the performance schedule or determining how many all-access passes any artist would be allocated”.
Overall, it’s extremely saddening to discover yet another setback. Hopefully, Drakeo’s family will get some sort of justice sooner than later. What are your thoughts on this wrongful death lawsuit update in the Drakeo the Ruler case? Do you think the court will be able to come up with a result before the end of the year? We would like to hear what you have to say, so leave your thoughts in the comments. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Drakeo the Ruler. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on in the music world.
Ralfy The Plug and Remble seem to be at odds right now. For those who may not know, Ralfy The Plug is the brother of Drakeo The Ruler. Overall, the two have had numerous collaborations in the past. Furthermore, with Drakeo’s passing, Ralfy has been quick to call out any disrespect against his brother. As for Remble, he has also collaborated with Drakeo, and it seems like he never really had many good things to say about Ralfy.
Earlier this week, Remble dropped off a “Not Like Us” freestyle that was over four minutes long. This was a comeback track for Remble who hadn’t dropped in quite some time. Immediately, it became clear that this song was addressing a few people, with both Ralfy and Drakeo mentioned by name. Not long after this song came out, Ralfy The Plug came through with a response of his own. You can listen to the track below, which is called “Jada Pinkett.”
With this new track, Ralfy The Plug samples The Undertaker’s infamous bell sound. Furthermore, he disses Remble the whole way through, while also invoicing the artist’s label. Of course, this is meant to be a taunt for Remble using Ralfy’s name to get clicks. As it stands, fans are divided on who is winning this beef. If one thing is for certain, however, it is that this is the year of rap beef. Everyone is battling, and there is no end in sight.
Remble’s Track
Let us know what you think about the back and forth between these two artists, in the comments section down below. Which song do you see yourself bumping the most out of these two? Do you think there is a clear winner in this feud right now? Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from around the music world. We will continue to keep you informed on all of your favorite artists and their upcoming projects.
Ralfy the Plug said the quiet part out loud when he alleged that Kendrick Lamar’s lingo and flow on the diss track, “Not Like Us,” is a trickle-down version of his brother Drakeo The Ruler’s style of rap. And while there were naturally a lot of dissenting opinions, many seem to agree with the statement. This was even before Ralfy brought it up. However, the nuances should not be ignored. K-Dot has always shown signs of being a student of rap first and foremost. While his style is innovative, there will always be similarities here and there. But is this a classic case of copping another artist’s flow? Or did Kendrick Lamar give Drakeo the Ruler a very subtle shoutout on the record-breaking “Not Like Us”?
Ralfy the Plug has previously expressed his thoughts on Kendrick Lamar’s music following the release of Lamar’s album Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. On an episode of Bootleg Kev’s podcast, Ralfy criticized the album, specifically suggesting that it had “barbershop old n***a vibes” mixed with “politic music.” He particularly argued that Kendrick Lamar should not be hailed as the messiah of rap, especially when there were artists like his brother who had been releasing “heat no skips.”
Ralfy made it clear that he acknowledged a few records on the album as good. He also claimed to appreciate Kodak Black’s contributions. However, he did not want Lamar’s album to be seen as the saving grace of rap. He then further elaborated on his views on Twitter, stating: “Kendrick make the type of music you listen to when you on yo way to a job interview or when you at home doing homework so you got to put yo head phones on to block everybody out because knowledge is power I don’t be on that type shit don’t be mad at my opinion.” Unsurprisingly, this criticism was met with backlash.
Drakeo The Ruler’s Influence
Drakeo the Ruler’s rap style and lingo were truly distinct. His work quickly set him apart in the L.A. rap scene and beyond. Notably, his musical approach was characterized by a laid-back yet assertive delivery, often described as “creeping” through the beat. His music also often featured dense and claustrophobic beats, and he was recognized for his whispery vocal delivery and complex lyrics. Drakeo was also a pioneer of words. He was known for coining phrases like “flu flamming,” “uchies,” “Pippi Longstockings,” and “mud walking.”
However, Drakeo the Ruler himself confessed his unique style was influenced by a number of LA classics. He was greatly inspired by the battle rapper Cocky, who Drakeo admired for his smooth and calm delivery despite the aggressive content of his lyrics. Besides the delivery though, Drakeo was widely known for creating atmospheric music. His flow was unconventional; and he would often mumble in a blunt yet compelling manner. This stylistic approach is known as the “nervous” rap. Despite not being a chart-topper, Drakeo the Ruler defined a new generation of LA rap with his unique style and language.
Did Kendrick Lamar Pay Homage To Drakeo The Ruler?
Kendrick Lamar has long been associated with the old school style of West Coast rap. After all, K-Dot is a proud Compton native. Beyond that, Kendrick seems to be quite distant from newer acts. However, a second listen to “Not Like Us” shows that some aspects of Kendrick Lamar’s track give off similar vibes to Drakeo the Ruler’s work.
For one, there are the lyrics. Words and phrases like “Deebo,” and “certified boogeyman I’m the one that upped the score with ‘im,” seem to carry Drakeo the Ruler’s signature on them. Evidently, one can argue that words like these are direct effects of the LA rap scene. But it’s also enough to claim that Drakeo’s shadow looms large over the track. “Walk em down I know he got some ho in him” and “man call an amperlamp tell ‘em breath bro” both mirror Drakeo’s art. In fact, the entire first verse on the track seems to be a testament to Drakeo’s legacy.
So it’s not a stretch to say that Kendrick Lamar is adopting Drakeo the Ruler’s flow. But what’s most important is identifying Kendrick’s allegiance to the West Coast. It’s definitely worth mentioning the similarities, as well as the homage, but Drakeo the Ruler is not the only artist K-Dot references on the track.
Kendrick, a master of his craft, is not one to shy away from drawing inspiration from his contemporaries. His silence on adopting the new style championed by Drakeo doesn’t diminish the evidence presented in his music. But then it also raises the question of Kendrick’s intentions to emulate this rap style on his diss track against Drake, especially when the Canadian rapper previously collaborated with Drakeo before his passing. Moreover, the production by DJ Mustard — known for his “ratchet” style West Coast beats — adds another layer of complexity.
Despite the rumors of Mustard’s alleged falling out with Drakeo the Ruler, the beat for “Not Like Us” does carry the essence of his sound. It’s quite evident that fans of both artists will easily pick up on it. However, a simpler theory is that Kendrick is simply branching and trying out a newer West Coast sound, one that’s inspired by the younger homegrown LA artists.
Both Kendrick Lamar and Drakeo the Ruler’s music often falls squarely into the tradition of classic L.A. rap. However, what makes them stand out is their wit, as well as their refined and vivid perspectives. They are both authentic and original artists, known to adapt to the flows of the legends before them. Despite his untimely death, Drakeo the Ruler’s legacy continues through his music. Evidently, Kendrick Lamar’s work, whether consciously or not, pays homage to this legacy. Regardless, they will forever be influences within the genre of West Coast Hip Hop.
Drakeo the Ruler’s estate is making sure that his legacy within West Coast street rap continues to carry on. The now 30-year-old artist from Los Angeles, California was fatally stabbed backstage at the Once Upon a Time Festival that took place in his hometown. He was just 28 and still was looking to his mark on the hip-hop world. Drakeo’s mother was able to be strong enough to describe what went down. She described that her younger son, also known as Ralfy the Plug, tried to help, but it was too late, according to XXL.
“He was trying to fight, but when he turned around, he could see his brother with blood gushing out of him. He was like, ‘Did they stab you?’ It was like, there were so many of them.” What was even worse, his mother did not have a chance to console her child one last time at the hospital since it was a homicide. We hate to revisit this topic and we continue to send our condolences to Drakeo’s mother and the rest of his family and friends.
Since that time, we mentioned how Drakeo’s team continues to spread the music that did not get to see the light of day. In 2023 they have been releasing quite a bit. It includes several singles and the deluxe of A Cold Day In Hell, earlier this year. Now, they have just come out with a quick single called “LMK Something,” featuring production from fellow Cali native RONRONTHEPRODUCER. You can stream the track on YouTube or any DSP.
What are your initial thoughts on this brand-new single, “LMK Something,” by Drakeo The Ruler and RONRONTHEPRODUCER? Is this the best track that Drakeo’s estate has put out this year? If not, which one was better? Are you still listening to A Cold Day In Hell (Deluxe), or has it fallen out of your rotation? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH on all of the latest breaking news around Drakeo the Ruler. Finally, stick with us for all of the best song drops throughout the week.
Late and great Los Angeles, California-based rapper Drakeo The Ruler and his team have released more music. Specifically, his collaboration with Ralfy the Plug, A Cold Day In Hell now has a deluxe that fans have been waiting for. The original version was released two years ago on April 19, 2021. Unfortunately, he met his untimely death on December 19, 2021.
Fortunately, his team was gracious enough to the fans to release the expanded edition. Since Drakeo was murdered, only two other types of material have been put out. The first of which was a 2022 album called, Keep The Truth Alive.Then, just over a month ago Drakeo The Ruler’s single, “I’m The Reason,” also made its way onto streaming services.
Now, we have A Cold Day In Hell (Deluxe). In addition, the new version adds a lot more music. In fact, there are 15 new tracks. They appear right after, “Intro (He’s Never Coming Back).” Additionally, five new features make the cut. 03 Greedo, ZayBang, Baby Ralfy, MoneySign $uede, and Thirsty P are now on the project.
What are your thoughts on A Cold Day In Hell(Deluxe)? Out of all of the 15 new tracks, which one is your favorite? We want to hear what you have to say so leave your thoughts in the comments section. Additionally, keep it locked with HNHH for all of the hottest album releases and all of the latest breaking news around the music world. Furthermore, our thoughts continue to go to Drakeo’s loved ones.
Drakeo The Ruler is without a doubt one of the most unique and impactful voices in contemporary West Coast hip-hop, a trait that his posthumous material still lets shine. Moreover, a new single titled “I’m The Reason” just released, and it’s every bit as brooding, bouncy, and boisterous as you would expect. It might fit well within his established style, but the tragic end of his career means that there was so much more left in the vault to develop and expand upon. With that context in mind, tracks like these only serve to further cement his legacy today, and “I’m The Reason” does so while speaking to his idiosyncrasy as an MC.
Furthermore, the instrumental here is a solid combination of dark, minimal percussion and brighter, more atmospheric synth pads and key leads. While we’ve heard bounces like these before, it’s still welcome in a rap landscape in which Los Angeles is not one of the sonic zeitgeists. As such, Drakeo The Ruler breathes life into the style with his unique vocal delivery, a mix of whispery and menacing bars plus some nasal inflections. In addition, the South Central rapper cycles through a few similar but nonetheless catchy flows that fit his trademark drawl like a glove. Sure, it sounds low-key at first, but once you pick up on a couple of sharp and infectious bars here, it unlocks a new layer of confidence and quality.
Overall, for fans of Drakeo, this song will fit right up their alley, and there’s always a chance that his flow and beat style will rope in newcomers on first listen. Amid legal complications surrounding his tragic passing, at least this paints a more true picture of who he is as an artist. If you haven’t heard “I’m The Reason” yet, find it on your preferred streaming service and peep some standout bars below. Also, stay posted on HNHH for the latest news and updates on Drakeo The Ruler and more great music each week. Rest In Peace Drakeo The Ruler.
Quotable Lyrics A C-Class, don’t even show that Benz, Ben Frank, I don’t know your friends, We just made him do the robe dance, That’s for pullin’ up in cello pants
The Soulja Boy-Desto Dubb-Drakeo The Ruler beef is getting out of hand. It all started back when Soulja gave himself the “Big Draco” nickname while Drakeo was imprisoned in 2020. Drakeo, of course, took exception to this and started talking back to Soulja Boy. Sadly, Drakeo passed away in 2021 due to an LA stabbing, but streetwear designer Desto Dubb took up his position, defending Drakeo and calling out Soulja on July 5th.
On Instagram Live, he told his fans, “Hey, everybody tell Soulja Boy I want a boxing match… C’mon, Soulja, show me some money.” Soulja, not one to shy away from any controversy or beef, responded in kind on his own Instagram Live rant. While Desto says he’s got “$100k saying I’ll slap the taste out of your mouth,” Soulja clapped back with, “I’ll air this b*tch out, 100 rounds, n*gga.” It sounds like he’d be ready to step in the ring — or the streets — to settle this feud once and for all.
This all started with Drakeo The Ruler and Soulja literally trying to take his name from him while Drakeo was at his lowest. Now, with Drakeo gone and his murder still unsolved, the beef between Soulja and Desto Dubb is unsavory, to say the least. Arguing over absolutely nothing and threatening to fight for $100k makes little sense when a man is dead and gone. But that’s how Soulja rolls, getting in tussles with almost everybody.
For example, in the same video, Soulja goes after Adam22, the podcaster and controversial figure dealing with multiple sexual assault accusations. Adam22 and Desto Dubb recently did a podcast episode together. But Soulja was not about what was said on the air. Back in the day, he also beefed with Bow Wow and other rappers. This problematic trend is concerning, so hopefully, Soulja Boy gets some help from friends soon. All this beef is not good for anyone’s health.
A Los Angeles court has ruled that the family of deceased hip hop artist Drakeo The Ruler may proceed with its wrongful death lawsuit against concert promotion giant Live Nation. The ruling comes as a blow to Live Nation, who had sought to have the case dismissed in its early stages.
Darrell Wayne Caldwell, also known as Drakeo The Ruler, was murdered at the Live Nation-promoted Once Upon A Time in L.A. Festival in December 2021, when a mob of many dozens of assailants stormed the event’s VIP area in an apparent planned attack on Drakeo and his crew, stabbing him to death.
A wrongful death lawsuit is a civil claim brought to impose liability on a defendant for negligently causing the death of the plaintiff’s relative. The case was filed by Drakeo’s brother in February 2021, accusing Live Nation of negligence by failing to have proper security measures in place for the concert, especially given the show’s proximity to South Central Los Angeles, a center of heavy gang activity. There may also be criminal claims brought in this matter, although as of now, no charges have been filed, and no suspects have been named in the attack.
Live Nation sought immediately to dismiss the case, arguing that it could not have foreseen the attack and, therefore, as a matter of law, could not be held responsible for failing to provide sufficient security. Live Nation argued that the plaintiffs were required to point to a previous attack that would have made this event foreseeable.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Yolanda Orozco rejected this argument, writing that “[t]he fact that defendants knew security would be needed for the event supports the finding that the performing artists’ safety was a concern for defendants and foreseeable to defendants.” Judge Orozco further held that even if a mob attack occurred for the first time, it might still be foreseeable to Live Nation.
This ruling does not resolve the case in favor of Drakeo’s family. Instead, it means that the lawsuit will not be dismissed at the preliminary stage, and the parties will now be able to make discoveries and collect evidence supporting their respective positions. It also increases the chances that the case will eventually settle, as most patients do.
This is not the first time Live Nation has faced negligence claims in running its concerts. The company faces numerous lawsuits from the family and victims of the November 2021 Astroworld disaster, where a deadly surging crowd during a Travis Scott performance causes the deaths of ten people and injuries to hundreds of others.
It’s been just over one year since Drakeo the Ruler’s tragic murder. The fatal stabbing occurred backstage at the Once Upon a Time Festival in his hometown of Los Angeles in December of 2022.
In February of that year, Drakeo‘s brother, Ralfy the Plug, is responsible for filing a lawsuit against Live Nation. On behalf of his brother and the rest of their Stinc Team crew, the “Slime Me Up” rapper claims that the company is partially responsible for the targeted attack.
Drakeo the Ruler performs during Rolling Loud at NOS Events Center on December 12, 2021 in San Bernardino, California. (Photo by Timothy Norris/WireImage)
However, in July of last year, the world was witness to Live Nation subsequently filing a motion against it. In doing so, they were formally requesting the dismissal of the case. They claim that they cannot be held responsible for the fatal attack. The company cites the fact that this is the first incident to occur as the reasoning.
However, according to new reports, Judge Yolanda Orozco is officially siding with Ralfy. She says that the L.A. rapper doesn’t have to prove that a “prior similar” attack happened in order for Live Nation to be held accountable for their role.
“Although the occurrence of a mob/gang attack may have occurred for the first time, defendants may nevertheless be held liable if the facts show that the danger was foreseeable and/or preventable. […] The fact that defendants knew security would be needed for the event supports the finding that the performing artists’ safety was a concern for defendants and foreseeable to defendants,” says the Judge.
Furthermore, Ralfy is claiming that security at the venue is responsible for failing to search every vehicle entering the event. Additionally, he says there was no security present in the VIP area, where the attack took place.
Long Live The Truth
In September last year, the “Impatient Freestyle” rapper’s estate released the first full-length posthumous project from Drakeo. Keep The Truth Alive effectively continues his legacy as one of the most singular talents in the rap game with his unique vocabulary and whispery flows.
His last release prior to his death is So Cold I Do Em 2, which features songs like “Whole Lotta Ice” and “300 Raccs.”
Long Live The Truth. What’s your favorite Drakeo the Ruler song? Comment down below. Finally, make sure to stay tuned to HNHH for all of the latest updates and stories.
Live Nation has reportedly failed to get a series of lawsuits dropped in relation to the stabbing death of rapper Drakeo The Ruler at the Once Upon A Time In LA Festival. According to a report from Rolling Stone, A Los Angeles judge said in a key ruling Wednesday (January 11), that Drakeo‘s brother, Devante Caldwell, doesn’t have to show a “prior similar” attack happened at the Banc of California & Exposition, where the Once Upon A Time In LA Festival was held.
“The ruling represents the court’s recognition of Live Nation’s and the other defendants’ role in the injustice suffered by Drakeo, his family, and friends. We are one step closer to providing justice and closure to this horrific experience,” said Caldwell’s lawyer Jovan Blacknell.
Live Nation had previously claimed that state law held that the event corporation should be immunized from any liability in the backstage attack that resulted in Drakeo’s death. Their argument was that the attack was “unforeseeable” as no such events had ever previously taken place within the venue.
However, Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Yolanda Orozco ruled that Caldwell had presented enough facts for the court to move forward with the case.
“Although the occurrence of a mob/gang attack may have occurred for the first time, defendants may nevertheless be held liable if the facts show that the danger was foreseeable and/or preventable,” she wrote. “The fact that defendants knew security would be needed for the event supports the finding that the performing artists’ safety was a concern for defendants and foreseeable to defendants.”
