Security Guard Claims He Saw YG With Knife During Drakeo the Ruler Fight
A former security guard for Drakeo the Ruler has alleged that he saw rapper YG carrying what appeared to be a knife during the 2021 altercation that led to Drakeo’s death.
The claim comes from a deposition given by Alrick Cooper III, a member of Drakeo’s security team during the Once Upon a Time in L.A. festival on December 18, 2021.
According to court filings reported by the Los Angeles Times, Cooper testified that YG was “front and center” during the fight and allegedly appeared to be among three people carrying short, improvised knives.
However, Cooper acknowledged limitations in his identification, saying he could not see the person’s face because the individual he identified as YG was wearing a ski mask.
YG has repeatedly denied involvement in Drakeo the Ruler’s stabbing.
Witness Describes Alleged Scene During Festival Fight
In the deposition dated March 19, 2025, Cooper described what he says he witnessed during the backstage confrontation at the Los Angeles festival.
According to his testimony, YG was among those involved in the fight and was allegedly carrying a weapon.
Cooper said he identified the person as YG based on several characteristics, including the individual’s hazel eyes, height, and overall demeanor.
However, because the person was wearing a ski mask, Cooper’s identification remains a disputed point in the legal proceedings.
The deposition does not represent a court finding of wrongdoing, and the allegations have not been proven.
YG Has Denied Involvement
YG has previously rejected claims connecting him to Drakeo the Ruler’s stabbing.
The rapper has maintained that he was not involved in the incident that resulted in Drakeo’s death.
Following the release of the deposition details, YG’s representatives had not publicly responded to the specific allegations contained in Cooper’s testimony.
The case continues to draw attention as investigators and legal teams examine the events surrounding the fatal altercation.
New Filing Emerges After Police Activity
The deposition became public through recent court filings, appearing shortly before police executed a search warrant at a Burbank home connected to YG.
YG was later detained by police during a Thursday morning operation around 7 a.m., according to reports.
He was not arrested and later participated in a Verzuz battle against The Game that same evening.
The police activity added renewed attention to the unresolved questions surrounding the 2021 festival confrontation.
The Background of Drakeo’s Death
Drakeo the Ruler, whose real name was Darrell Caldwell, was fatally stabbed during a backstage altercation at the Once Upon a Time in L.A. festival in December 2021.
The Los Angeles rapper was transported to a hospital after suffering injuries during the confrontation but later died.
The incident shocked the hip-hop community and led to widespread mourning from fans and fellow artists.
Since then, questions surrounding the events leading up to the stabbing have continued to generate public discussion.
Why It Matters
The latest deposition has renewed interest in the circumstances surrounding Drakeo’s death because it introduces another witness account connected to the night of the incident.
However, witness testimony alone does not establish criminal responsibility, and allegations must be evaluated through the legal process.
The distinction is especially important in high-profile cases involving public figures, where accusations can quickly spread before all facts are established.
The Human Angle
Drakeo the Ruler’s death remains one of the most painful moments in recent West Coast hip-hop history.
For his family, supporters, and fellow artists, questions about what happened that night continue to carry emotional weight.
As new legal documents emerge, attention remains focused on separating verified facts from allegations while the circumstances surrounding the fatal fight continue to be examined.
