Drakeo

December 1, 2024

Fast Facts
Background
Career Timeline
Why We Love
Surprising Facts
FAQs

Drakeo the Ruler, born on December 1, 1993, was a well-known American rapper and songwriter. Distinguishing himself from other rappers of this generation, Drakeo utilized a unique flow as well as lyrics that are poetic and rather eloquent. His many rap anthems even led him to be called “the most original West Coast rapper in decades” by the “Los Angeles Times,” being put in the same category as other great M.C.s from around Los Angeles including Kendrick Lamar and Snoop Dogg. One of his most successful works was the 2017 mixtape “Cold Devil.” There are definitely many layers to the story of Drakeo up until his passing. So keep reading to get to know all about the late rapper’s life and career.

Fast Facts

Full Name:

Darrell Wane Caldwell

Nickname:

Drakeo the Ruler

Birth date:

December 1, 1993

Death date:

December 19, 2021 (age 28)

Zodiac Sign:

Sagittarius

Height:

5' 10"

Net Worth:

$1 million

Background

Darrell Wane Caldwell, widely known as Drakeo the Ruler, was born and raised in South Los Angeles by his single mother who worked as a preschool teacher. From a young age, Drakeo was surrounded by gang activities and violence around Los Angeles. To avoid drowning in that lifestyle, Drakeo spent a lot of his time rapping. It was during this time that he started developing his signature flow and style with the support of his brother who was a rapper under the stage name Ralfy the Plug.

With his dedication to rapping full time, Drakeo finally got noticed by famous West Coast producer D.J. Mustard who remixed his song ‘Mr. Get Dough’ (2015). The official music video raked over four million views, kicking off Drakeo’s mainstream rap career. Following the success of the song, Mustard hosted a party for the launch of “I Am Mr. Mosely” which became the tape that boosted Drakeol’s popularity (2015). The next year Drakeo released a sequel to his first project called “I Am Mr. Mosely 2” and also did “So Cold I Do Em” (2016). He got imprisoned for a while but was then released in 2017. Right after getting out of jail, he recorded 16 tracks in 10 days which would later be compiled into his successful project, “Cold Devil” (2017). Sure enough, the public responded well to the project. The music publication “Pitchfork” called it one of the most compelling albums that ever came out of his career. As a way to prolong the campaign of this project, Drakeo also released several music videos for songs including ‘Flu Flamming,’ ‘Big Bag Unchies,’ and ‘Out the Slums’ in a month. Some remixes were also released with rappers including Lil Yachty in ‘Flu Flamming’ and Shy Glizzy in ‘Big Banc Uchies.’ Later in September, while awaiting his jail trial, Drakeo also released the “Roll Bounce” music video.

Unfortunately, Drakeo’s career was cut short after his passing on December 18, 2021. At a festival called Once Upon a Time, it was reported that Drakeo was stabbed in the neck during a fight that happened backstage. The event was forced to a stop following the news of his death.

Career timeline

2015

The Remix by D.J. Mustard

Drakeo is discovered by D.J. Mustard who remixes his breakthrough song ‘Mr. Get Dough.’

2015

The Debut Mixtape

Months after getting discovered by Mustard, Drakeo releases his debut mixtape “I Am Mr. Mosely” under Mustard’s 10 Summers label.

2016

The Continous Song Releases

After releasing a successful debut mixtape, Drakeo drops “I Am Mr. Mosely 2” and “So cold I Do Em.”

2017

He Launches His Best Project

After his release from jail, Drakeo drops “Cold Devil” which is considered his best project.

2021

The First and Final Album

After releasing only mixtapes, Drakeo finally reveals his first and final album “The Truth Hurts,” which contained features from other big artists such as Don Toliver and Drake.

Why We Love Drakeo

He was incredibly talented
With the many West Coast anthems that he put out, it is no doubt that Drakeo had an ear for making good music. His musical legacy is sure to continue and win over more hearts.
His lyrics are honest
While he does talk about the gang lifestyle he has experienced, Drakeo is also not afraid to talk about his inner struggles and heartbreak. His lyrics have a poetic quality about them.
His success is his labor’s fruit
Putting together a body of work or a full-length album is not easy. However, with hard work, Drakeo managed to put out 11 successful mixtapes as well as an album.

5 Surprising Facts

His most successful project was critically acclaimed
“Cold Devil” is deemed Drakeo’s most successful project as it is both critically acclaimed and has performed commercially well with over 10 million streams.
He recorded an album from jail
In one of his projects called “Thank You For Using GTL,” Drakeo’s verses were recorded entirely through phone calls from jail.
He was arrested three times
Not a stranger to the gang lifestyle, Drakeo has been arrested on three different occasions including unlawful possession of a firearm, attempted murder, and first-degree murder.
Big rappers spoke out about his death
After his untimely death, several rappers including Snoop Dogg and Wiz Khalifa sent their condolences to Drakeo’s family and wished for less gang violence.
His brother sued Live Nation
Upset about how the incident happened backstage at a big festival, Drakeo’s brother sued entertainment company Live Nation claiming they had been negligent with venue security.