Drakeo the Ruler 'has died after being stabbed in the neck at LA festival' - forcing organisers to cancel event

 Rapper Drakeo the Ruler has reportedly died after being stabbed at the Once Upon A Time music festival in LA.

The star, 28, whose real name is Darrell Caldwell, was said to have been knifed in an area off-stage around 9pm and was rushed to hospital where he was in critical condition.

Multiple sources have told TMZ that the performer died from his injuries. 

No one has been arrested as of yet, but the Los Angeles Times said that the artist was attacked by a 'group of people'.

Tragedy: Rapper Drakeo the Ruler has reportedly died after being stabbed at the Once Upon A Time music festival in LA 

According to the publication, the rapper was 'pretty badly hurt' and was thought to be backstage during the attack.

He was due to perform at the festival alongside other rappers including 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube.

The event was called off shortly after the stabbing, with the Los Angeles Police Department saying on Twitter that an 'incident' had occurred.

They said: 'The festival has concluded early. LAPD will be in the area assisting [California Highway Patrol] with the investigation.' 

Reports: The star, 28, whose real name is Darrell Caldwell, was said to have been knifed in an area off-stage around 9pm and was rushed to hospital where he is currently in critical condition

A Live Nation spokesperson said in a statement: 'There was an altercation in the roadway backstage. 

'Out of respect for those involved and in coordination with local authorities, artists and organisers decided not to move forward with remaining sets so the festival was ended an hour early.'

The festival was running behind schedule with Snoop Dogg supposed to be on stage at 8:30pm while a DJ was playing a 45-minute set.

By 9:20pm, the backstage area was said to be blocked off to anyone but police officers, with at least 20 present behind the main stage. 

MailOnline has contacted organisers for the Once Upon A Time in LA event for comment.   

Assault: No one has been arrested as of yet, but the Los Angeles Times said that the artist was attacked by a 'group of people'

Statement: The event was ended shortly after the stabbing, with the Los Angeles Police Department saying on Twitter that an 'incident' had occurred

In March 2018, Caldwell was reportedly arrested and charged with first-degree murder, attempted murder and conspiracy to commit murder. 

The charges were in relation to a shooting in Carson, California in December 2016 where one person was killed and two were injured.

In July 2019, he was acquitted of both charges, however the district attorney refiled charges of criminal gang conspiracy and shooting from a motor vehicle.

According to NPR, Caldwell was released from prison in November 2020 after the district attorney's office offered him a plea deal after three years in jail. 

The rapper recorded his album Thank You for Using GTL, released in June 2020, during his time in Men's Central Jail in Los Angeles. 

Raised in South Los Angeles, Caldwell released 10 mixtapes during his career.

Event: Caldwell was due to perform at the festival alongside other rappers including 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube