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Commentary: Three years later, rapper Drakeo’s killing leaves behind more questions than answers

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Three years have passed, yet Drakeo the Ruler’s grave remains undecorated. However, on a gloomy autumn Sunday, vibrant bouquets of white roses and blue hydrangeas adorned the Spanish marble columbarium where he rests at Forest Lawn in the Hollywood Hills. Around two dozen friends and family members gathered to honor what would have been his 31st birthday. The atmosphere was somber, much like an eternal shiva; the commemoration of Drakeo’s cinematic life was subdued, with the quest for understanding and healing ongoing.

The tragic circumstances surrounding Drakeo’s death – a Caesarian-style assassination carried out backstage before his performance at the Once Upon a Time in Los Angeles music festival in Exposition Park – has led to the absence of a traditional headstone. His family and friends harbor concerns that the perpetrators or their associates, who are still at large, might vandalize any tribute, as they did with memorials erected following his passing. A civil trial for wrongful death, involving promoters, security firms, and venue owners, is set to take place in November.

Last week marked the third year since Drakeo’s funeral, yet the unsolved case has left more questions unanswered than answered. It’s puzzling how no arrests have been made in such a high-profile murder case, especially given that there is ample video footage and it happened in an area supposedly under high security, with numerous VIPs, security personnel, and multiple law enforcement agencies present. Why did the California Highway Patrol, the agency handling the investigation, not reach out to witnesses linked to the case, including myself – a journalist who reported on the attack? Furthermore, why does it seem as if significant parts of the local hip-hop scene are trying to ignore the murder ever happened and erase all traces of Drakeo’s influential impact in the genre?

At Drakeo’s memorial, often referred to as the “Land of Death’s Disneyland,” the sun cast long shadows on the grass with its pale calcite glow. Amidst the cemetery’s weathered bronze plaques, Caiden, Drakeo’s nearly 8-year-old son, and his 6-year-old nephew Devante Jr., giggled, tussled, and raced around. From the way he squints when smiling or crosses his arms with a roll of his eyes, Caiden has an uncanny resemblance to his father.

Drakeo’s younger sibling, Devante (also recognized as Ralfy the Plug in the rap world), showcased tunes from his curated brother’s posthumous album on his phone. The track “The Undisputed Truth” climbed to No. 4 in hip-hop album sales on iTunes, which is a remarkable feat for an album released independently without backing from a major label or distributor. Later, Pitchfork praised it as the pinnacle of what could have been a prodigious talent’s early-career era.

Drakeo coined his type of hip-hop as “nervous music,” referring to the tunes produced when cruising around South L.A. in a luxury car worth $100,000, constantly checking over your shoulder at stoplights to see if police or danger was lurking behind. His distinctive slang, rhythm, gestures, and persona significantly reshaped and reinforced the core of contemporary Californian rap music.

03 Greedo, hailing from Watts, stated that Drakeo’s unique rhythm impacted the globe. He drove a luxurious purple Aston Martin and sported a specially designed “Long Live Drakeo” hat to the memorial service. In the latter part of the 2010s, they became the dominant fashion-forward rappers in their region due to their emergence alongside Drakeo.

As a cinema enthusiast, I’d rephrase that as: “Even my notorious counterpart could make the mundane seem captivating, and Drakeo was no exception. Most folks attempting fresh slang end up sounding cheesy, but not Drakeo. Initially, his language was a mystery to many, yet now it’s being imitated by all. I yearn for the days when I could create in the studio with someone as gifted as him.

In early 2017, I first encountered Drakeo within the Los Angeles County Jail. Just after sheriff’s deputies conducted a raid on his apartment close to LAX, I interviewed this emerging talent through a six-inch thick glass panel. The arrest was made when the deputies found firearms hidden in a sofa – none of which were connected to a murder that detectives attempted, over several years, to link back to him. Following his transfer by prison guards later that day, there was no communication from Drakeo for nine months.

Following his prison term, I interviewed Drakeo for The Times, emphasizing his massive stream counts, sold-out concerts, and the critical acclaim for his album “Cold Devil,” which later made Rolling Stone’s list of the Greatest Hip-Hop Albums of All Time, despite being self-released. However, trouble arose swiftly. In March 2018, a wide-ranging police operation by the Sheriff’s Department resulted in Drakeo, Ralfy, and their rap group, Stinc Team, being charged with a variety of offenses ranging from first-degree murder to minor credit card fraud. Despite Drakeo frequently ridiculing gang life and never officially joining a set, the state sought to label Stinc Team as an unlawful criminal organization. Drakeo’s lyrics were used as proof against him.

The inquiry centered on a homicide that occurred at an adult pajama gathering in Carson during December 2016. As reported by homicide detectives, two individuals associated with the Crips (one of whom was also part of the Stinc Team) allegedly shot a member of the Bloods. However, it’s important to note that no one implicated Drakeo as the shooter or someone who wished harm upon the victim. Instead, prosecutors argued in court that Drakeo had conspired to kill someone else – a rival rapper supposedly attending the same party. Since Drakeo was seen as the leader of his gang, he was held accountable for any violence carried out by those in his group. Interestingly, the alleged rival rapper wasn’t mentioned on the flyer for the pajama party and didn’t attend the event. Later, he claimed on social media that he wasn’t aware of it.

For approximately three years, Drakeo remained imprisoned at the Men’s Central Jail in downtown. Bail attempts were consistently unsuccessful. Approximately half of his sentence was served in solitary confinement, a condition he characterized as “undoubtedly torment.” He explained that it significantly affects one’s mental state, making you more prone to aggression, stating, “It messes with your mind.

During his time in prison, which he referred to as his own personal hell filled with brutal Mexican Mafia enforcers, he and I grew particularly close. Throughout his trial, he would frequently call me before court appearances, during breaks, and even late at night. Any attempt to maintain an unbiased stance quickly dissolved once the case details were made public. Being truthful, despite any personal biases, seemed far more crucial than upholding a false notion of impartiality “both sides” neutrality. In court, it appeared that the prosecution’s argument was at best weak, and at worst, a horrifying miscarriage of justice.

I received no response from representatives of the L.A. district attorney’s office concerning their approach in the 2017 murder case when I requested comments on it.

During the summer of 2019, Drakeo was found not guilty on all murder charges. However, the jury could not reach a unanimous decision for two offenses: discharging a firearm from a vehicle and an infrequently used gang conspiracy law. It was alleged that one of the convicted gunmen shot from the back of Drakeo’s parked car; according to California law, the driver of the vehicle can be charged with the same offense as the shooter. Both times, the votes leaned towards Drakeo’s innocence. Yet, the prosecution requested another trial. His release on bond was denied once more.

In March 2020, the outbreak of COVID-19 led to an indefinite delay of the state’s second inquest (or investigation). By autumn, Drakeo gained significant public attention. The New Yorker found the details of his case so absurd that they could be seen as a satire. The Atlantic suggested that “the national conversation about policing makes it crucial for more Americans to pay close attention to the music of Drakeo.” An album produced on a phone from a location once described by the American Civil Liberties Union as a “modern-day medieval dungeon” was widely acclaimed as the best ever created while in prison.

Following the November election of reformist District Attorney George Gascón, prosecutors presented Drakeo with a deal on the day after: If he admitted guilt to the two remaining charges, he could return home that same day. Within just a few hours of regaining his liberty, Drakeo had already recorded several songs which have since accumulated tens of millions of streams. Despite his recent fame and wealth, the internal strife of L.A.’s streets continued to plague him.

If we go by the commonly held story, members of the Bloods were set on avenging the first murder from 2016. Drakeo, however, was known for his unyielding nature and refused to back down. Over time, a deep-rooted grudge escalated into a relentless feud between Drakeo and it seemed like every gang member in Inglewood, with the tension intensifying after Drakeo released a harsh diss track titled “IngleWeird” in response to accusations about one of his closest friends’ murder.

The bold and controversial circumstances surrounding Drakeo’s murder and the persistent whispers linking major figures in L.A.’s hip-hop scene to the case, have caused a deep rift within the community that remains unhealed. For those closely tied to the deceased, there is no escape from this ongoing turmoil.

Despite enduring deep sadness alongside indomitable resilience and determination, Darrylene Corniel consistently displayed optimism during Drakeo’s murder trial. On many occasions, I found myself seated beside her, as we both supported Drakeo and his family through their legal struggles. Even when faced with the tragic loss of her son, she has shown remarkable strength in keeping her family united and fostering strong connections with the extended family who cherished him dearly. She attributes this fortitude to her unwavering faith.

Corniel expressed, ‘I wouldn’t have gotten through this without divine help.’ Her faith and demeanor go beyond typical religious expressions. Corniel reminisced about a tale from the night Drakeo passed away – while she was in the ER, awaiting news from the surgeons.

In that hospital, Corniel began to pray fervently, speaking in a language unknown to many. He paid no heed to who might be watching, for his focus was solely on his prayer. Once the prayer concluded, the doctor entered the room and informed him sadly, “I’m afraid Darrell didn’t survive.” Struck by disbelief, Corniel couldn’t meet the doctor’s gaze. He repeated over and over again, “Darrell Caldwell? Are you certain you have the correct patient?

Later on, Corniel’s sister shared with her that seeing such passionate prayer made her confident that Corniel would ultimately emerge victorious from her struggles.

According to Corniel, he informed her: “That prayer wasn’t on behalf of my son,” he explained. “It was for myself. My son had already passed away, but I needed strength before the doctor shared the details with me. If I hadn’t prayed first, it’s hard to say how things would have turned out.

Right from the beginning of Once Upon a Time in L.A., something felt amiss. A chilling winter solstice breeze swept through Exposition Park’s asphalt. Despite numerous security agencies being hired, their methods for detecting potential dangers appeared lax (as I and others noticed during the festival). The stage arrangements were vast and disheveled. There was a palpable sense of wild chaos backstage. The lineup featured big names like 50 Cent, Snoop Dogg, the Isley Brothers, War, and many West Coast street rappers from the past decade, including several artists associated with Blood sets who had publicly declared Drakeo their enemy.

It’s clear that the incident was meticulously organized. Following Al Green’s performance, I exited a private VIP zone at the Banc of California Stadium to greet Drakeo, who had just arrived. The intention was to perform for a quick 30-minute set, grab his $50,000 payment, and depart swiftly. A small group of us headed towards the G-Funk stage where Drakeo was due to perform. Just moments after, roughly a dozen men wearing ski masks and burgundy hoodies started provoking Drakeo and his crew. This led to a physical altercation.

Initially, the contest appeared balanced between Drakeo and his team, as well as their opponents, with both sides trading blows. However, after a brief skirmish, their adversaries retreated. Just when it seemed like the threat had dissipated, masked attackers, appearing from the parking lot and backstage shadows, suddenly surged forward. This sudden wave of approximately 113 assailants in red quickly encircled Drakeo and his companions, with the Stinc Team’s primary objective clearly targeted.

Instead of directly witnessing the knife being used to cut Drakeo’s throat, I unexpectedly found myself amidst a surge of struggle and chaos that erupted swiftly behind the stage moments after Green finished performing “Love and Happiness.” Subsequently, the perpetrators quickly disappeared into the night.

As I recall that fateful night, certain sights and sounds linger vividly: One assailant bounding onto a column, tearing off his mask, and yelling “Soo woo!!!”, while Drakeo lay motionless on the pavement, bleeding profusely from his neck. The agonizing wait for the ambulance as he breathed his last; the stunned members of the Stinc Team requiring medical aid but met with suspicion by the police as if they were instigators of the violence.

I recollect making a feeble attempt to stagger towards the festival’s exit as George Clinton’s Funkadelic performed “Maggot Brain” from a distant stage. As the somber dirge grew more intense, a memory surfaced of the counsel Clinton offered Eddie Hazel during his initial electrifying guitar performance: “Play as if your mother had just passed away.

At that instant, an inner whisper hinted that Drakeo had passed away. Later, around 3 a.m. on December 19, 2021, at the hospital, the confirmation came amidst a deep, primal grief – a sorrow born from pain so intense it seemed unfathomable and otherworldly before. It was Corniel herself who shared the devastating news with the gathered crowd, preceded by a heart-wrenching cry that can only be released when one’s body and soul have endured such unimaginable suffering.

During the initial weeks following Drakeo’s death, I frequently woke up at 3:30 a.m., perspiring and disoriented, unable to recall my location. My mind seemed like an overturned snow globe, with red droplets cascading down, symbolizing my distress. Frequent bouts of crying were common. Any song could trigger a sense of falling apart. Even minor annoyances led to explosive outbursts of anger I couldn’t suppress. Therapy provided temporary comfort but no long-lasting resolution.

I penned a comprehensive article detailing the incident, which turned out to be a lengthy magazine story. At that point, various snippets of the event were ubiquitous on social media platforms, but they failed to capture the entire scope and duration of the chaotic brawl. On YouTube, amateur investigators scrutinized the footage, offering their interpretations. Some were far from accurate; others aligned precisely with my observations. I remained hopeful that the police would make an arrest following the attack. However, weeks morphed into months without any progress. Given the widespread dissemination of my eyewitness account of an unresolved homicide, I expected detectives to reach out to me or those who were with me on that fateful night for further inquiry. Yet, they never did.

Approximately a week prior to Drakeo’s funeral in February 2021, I had an unusual dream that I won’t forget – it was the only one that seemed even slightly prophetic. In this dream, I was traveling on a nearly empty bus with Drakeo, chatting and laughing as if nothing out of the ordinary had occurred. However, when I recalled the tragedy, I looked for any signs of injuries or trauma. Yet, he appeared content and unharmed.

In the dream, it seemed to me that Drakeo was both deceased and oddly near. To double-check, I inquired, “Are you alright?” With a radiant grin, he responded with his deep, groaning laugh, “I’m fine,” saying it thrice for added confidence. Then, he vanished from the seat diagonally opposite me on the bus. The vehicle continued to move silently. From my window, I could see Drakeo now outside, strolling alongside the road beside us. We shared a knowing glance, and then everything went black after that.

In the grieving process, there exists a complex contradiction. On one hand, you might yearn to erase the past events, seeing it as a means to discard the pain, which gradually feels like an unshakable weight on your heart. On the other hand, a different part of you desperately clings to the memories, dreading their inevitable decay and the unsettling apprehension that time will eventually reduce them to a hazy mist of noise and dust.

Drakeo’s situation is unique, not just because his art and symbolism have endured, but also due to an intangible factor. Even in death, he continues to be a focal point of discussion and contention. In certain L.A. circles, it’s seen as risky to even mention his name aloud, as it could lead to disrespectful responses or ominous silence. However, in other groups, particularly among his devoted (and predominantly Latino) fanbase, he is admired with near-messianic devotion.

For about five years, Los Angeles has seen a series of well-known rapper killings, such as Nipsey Hussle, PnB Rock, Pop Smoke, and Slim 400. Although the reasons and circumstances varied significantly in each case, the shooters were usually apprehended and convicted (except for one defendant in Pop Smoke’s murder trial who recently accepted a plea deal, resulting in a 29-year prison sentence). Most recently, last October, federal authorities arrested Lil Durk and accused him of conspiring to hire a hit on rival rapper Quando Rondo following a shooting at a gas station near the Beverly Center that resulted in one death. The lack of justice for Drakeo makes this situation even more heartbreaking.

Kellen Davis, one of Ralfy’s and the Stinc Team’s attorneys in the civil trial against Live Nation (the producer of Once Upon a Time), expressed that CHP doesn’t seem prepared for an investigation of such significant scale. He suggested that LAPD, the Sheriff’s Department, or even the FBI could have been involved due to their ability to claim jurisdiction when they wish to take on a case. However, it’s notable that none of these agencies chose to involve themselves in this high-profile murder case, despite its notoriety.

I wanted to know from Davis why the case appeared to stagnate within the California Highway Patrol, an organization known for its weaker homicide division compared to other law enforcement agencies.

Davis stated, “I can’t prove it, but you might see a pattern here. Drakeo was very vocal about how he felt the Sheriff’s Department conducted their investigation into him, keeping him in high-security detention and allegedly violating his First Amendment rights. Given the resources and skilled detectives they have at their disposal, it could be inferred that their past dealings with Drakeo may have discouraged them from pursuing the case further.

Representatives for the Sheriff’s Department did not respond to my requests for comment.

Throughout the course of the investigation, we uncovered security camera footage depicting Drakeo’s fatal incident. However, this specific video has never been made public and likely never will be. Earlier this summer, I was summoned to view it during a deposition for the civil suit. My main role there was to reiterate what I had previously written in my magazine article.

The sheer number of lawyers representing the eight different defendants in the lawsuit (which included Live Nation, USC, and Los Angeles Football Club) took me by surprise. They requested that I spend numerous hours revisiting Drakeo’s killing on video. As I played it back in slow motion, they grilled me to see if I could recognize Drakeo on screen. They provided a high-level view of the scene where someone seems to be stabbing Drakeo. Watching the incident again brought back memories of the horrific event as I watched the body fall onto the asphalt once more.

The video appears blurry, taken likely by a camera placed above. The distance makes it hard to recognize the assailants, who generally wore masks. However, what stood out to me was the large number of police officers and security personnel on site, seemingly overseeing a tragic event.

Initially, when I initiated this tale’s coverage in late November, I attempted to elicit a response from Detective Stephen Kimble, who was handling the case for CHP. Despite my sending numerous text messages and voicemails, he failed to respond. An email dispatched on Nov. 21 generated an automated reply indicating that he wouldn’t be in the office until Sept. 3.

Ultimately, I spoke with a media representative from CHP who shared that Kimble was currently on holiday but eager to assist. Inquiring about the progress of the Drakeo case, he provided a standard response: The inquiry remains active, and they’re pursuing potential leads.

In December, Ralfy the Plug settled into a spacious six-bedroom Tudor mansion nestled in the northeastern foothills of Los Angeles, boasting 3,000 square feet of living space. Though most boxes remained untouched, a prominent Drakeo plush toy was already showcased in the lounge area. The area is known for its peaceful, family-oriented vibe, with neighbors friendly enough to greet each other while walking their dogs and children enjoying soccer games in a park just around the corner, which shimmers green.

This discussion revolves around a location that’s as far removed as possible from the Westmont area, unincorporated during Drakeo and Ralfy’s upbringing. This place was infamous for its exceptionally high murder rate, earning the ominous nickname “Death Alley” mere years before these brothers gained prominence in the mid-decade. Separated by only 18 months, Drakeo and Ralfy were practically indistinguishable, like fraternal twins. They engaged in criminal activities together, serving time for their offenses, until rap presented a legitimate means to fulfill their financial dreams.

Originally, they intended to amass wealth individually, keeping full ownership of their publishing and master rights. This would enable them to chase acting, start a fashion brand, and explore other business ventures. However, the untimely demise of Drakeo left Ralfy with the task of realizing their shared aspirations alone.

As a dedicated cinephile, I’ve dabbled in soft drinks, bottled water, skateboards, t-shirts, and hoodies – you name it! And guess what? We even put our mark on shoes, not once, but twice! Over the past three years, these ventures bearing the Drakeo and Stinc Team brand have all sold out like hotcakes.

A recent release of exclusive Drakeo figurines and stylish hoodies from the Chiefin Heavily store, managed by the Stinc Team member of the same name, attracted long queues of teenagers and young adults at Fairfax, a popular location.

Listening in on our discussion, Devante Jr., Ralfy’s son, bounds onto the sofa and declares, “I really miss my uncle; he passed away. He was as famous as my dad.

Following Drakeo’s death, Ralfy was deeply saddened. However, two weeks later, he gave a heartfelt, dignified tribute to Drakeo (“The Truth Hurts”) and then embarked on an incredibly productive period, releasing numerous full-length projects and videos. It seemed as though Drakeo’s bright influence had overshadowed him previously, but Ralfy stepped up with remarkable consistency and creativity, earning him recognition as a regional powerhouse in his own right – someone who has single-handedly contributed to preserving his brother’s legacy.

Ralfy mentioned that he keeps himself occupied, explaining how he manages his discomfort. ‘I ensure there’s always something to do,’ he said. ‘Even if I’m not actually doing anything, I’ll stream on Twitch to keep myself engaged.’

On December 18th, which marked the third anniversary of Drakeo’s passing, Ralfy organized a tribute concert at the Fonda Theater. This event showcased approximately two dozen artists, representing a star-studded group of emerging L.A. street rappers, such as Lefty Gunplay and Dody6, who have recently gained attention following their appearances on Kendrick Lamar’s “gnx.

If Drakeo consistently shapes the rhythmic landscape of West Coast street rap, his music serves as a guiding influence for underground artists such as Detroit’s traditionalist Boldy James, unconventional Rochester artist RXK Nephew, and North Carolina’s introspective and lyrical Mavi. A freestyle by Tyler, the Creator on the “Hey Now” instrumental from “gnx” recently emerged, which added a previously absent tribute – an “RIP the Ruler” shoutout that was seemingly missing in Kendrick Lamar’s exploration of Drakeo’s style. Just last weekend, Justin Bieber shared a track from “The Undisputed Truth” on his Instagram story.

In my opinion, it wasn’t just his rapping skills that made my brother stand out; he was the complete package. His influence extended beyond music, impacting how people dressed, moved, spoke, even the beats they chose. Drakeo infused a refined elegance and charm into everything he did. He essentially brought the ‘sauce’ to L.A.

During the tribute event, a crowd gathered to purchase $100 Drakeo hoodies and collectible dolls. Mostly young Black and brown children attended, many adorned with clothing from Chiefin Heavily, That’s An Awful Lot of Cough Syrup, or earlier lines of Drakeo merchandise. Although the room wasn’t completely filled, attendance was substantial.

The crowd came not only for the performance but also to share in the communion of Drakeo’s music. They eagerly sang along to hits such as “Flu Flamming” and “Impatient Freestyle,” treating these songs like sacred rituals – a sentiment that was deeply felt by many. (It’s worth noting that Drakeo’s catalog garnered over 100 million streams in the year 2024 alone.) The stage lights shone like votive candles. Emerging stars onstage all paid homage to Drakeo; Lefty Gunplay, for instance, shared his dream of joining the Stinc Team. Desto Dubb gave away free T-shirts. Ralfy showered the crowd with money. Towards the end of the night, dedicated fans battled it out for a Drakeo doll by answering trivia questions about his life.

The mood of the night held a mix of sadness and sweetness. To me and many others, December 18, 2021 will forever be remembered as a calamity that could have and should have been avoided. It’s an unrelenting tragedy that significantly changed our lives — where finding meaning becomes challenging and justice remains elusive. However, when it comes to championing Drakeo’s unique artistic prowess and eccentric personality or letting his work disappear into the vast sea of digital content, the decision isn’t tough. His relentless spirit and unwillingness to compromise made him a legend that won’t easily fade away. He was always ready for any fight, never settling for less. This unyielding tenacity might have ultimately led to his demise, but it also instilled the resilience and integrity that created his lasting legacy.

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2025-02-25 14:34

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