Drakeo the Ruler was a force of nature in the West Coast hip-hop scene, known for his distinctive “nervous music” style and raw, authentic storytelling. His career, while impactful, was also marked by a series of prominent rivalries that often spilled from the studio onto the streets, shaping his narrative and public perception. For an artist like Drakeo, beef wasn’t just about diss tracks; it was about loyalty, territory, and respect.
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Understanding Drakeo’s World of Beef
To truly understand who Drakeo had beef with, it’s essential to grasp the environment he navigated. The Los Angeles rap scene is competitive, with intricate street politics and a strong emphasis on crew loyalty. For Drakeo and his Stinc Team, these rivalries were often deeply personal, stemming from perceived slights, territorial disputes, or simply the cutthroat nature of the industry.
The Enduring Rivalry with RJMrLA
One of Drakeo’s most well-known and prolonged feuds was with fellow Los Angeles rapper RJMrLA. This beef simmered for years, becoming a defining aspect of both artists’ careers. It reportedly began around 2016, ignited by perceived disrespect and escalated through diss tracks. Drakeo’s track “Out the Slums” is often cited as a direct jab, setting off a back-and-forth that resonated deeply within the LA rap community.
The rivalry wasn’t just confined to music; it often involved public exchanges and social media jabs. While there were periods where a truce seemed possible, and industry figures sometimes tried to mediate, the underlying tension remained a significant part of their public personas. The feud highlighted the complex dynamics of authenticity and perceived betrayal within the highly scrutinized LA hip-hop landscape.
The Brief but Intense Beef with YG
Another high-profile conflict involved established superstar YG. This beef was shorter in duration but arguably more impactful due to YG’s mainstream prominence. The core of this dispute reportedly revolved around loyalty and affiliations. Drakeo felt that YG had shown disrespect or lacked support for certain individuals or crews that Drakeo held dear. This sentiment culminated in Drakeo’s pointed lyrics on his track “Big Bank,” where he directly challenged YG, accusing him of being disloyal and hypocritical.
The “Big Bank” diss created significant buzz and tension within the West Coast scene. However, unlike the RJMrLA beef, the conflict with YG eventually saw a resolution. Both artists, perhaps recognizing the potential for negative consequences or under pressure from industry peers, reportedly squashed their beef. This demonstrated the intricate balance between street politics and career longevity in the rap world.
Ohgeesy and Shoreline Mafia
Drakeo also had a notable, albeit less extensively documented, rivalry with Ohgeesy of Shoreline Mafia. This feud seemed to stem more from general industry competition, territorial claims, and perceived disrespect within the broader LA rap ecosystem rather than specific, direct diss tracks. Drakeo and his Stinc Team often took pride in their authenticity and street credibility, and any artist or crew perceived as infringing on their space or not upholding similar values could become a target.
While the beef with Ohgeesy didn’t reach the same level of public back-and-forth as the RJMrLA rivalry, it added another layer to Drakeo’s image as an artist constantly navigating and challenging his peers in the competitive Los Angeles scene. The Stinc Team’s loyalty was paramount, and these disputes often underscored their tight-knit bond and willingness to defend their crew.
Beyond Rappers: Drakeo’s Battle with “The System”
Perhaps Drakeo’s most pervasive and challenging “beef” was with the legal system itself. His life and career were repeatedly interrupted by significant legal troubles, including a high-profile murder conspiracy trial where he faced a potential life sentence. Despite ultimately being acquitted of the most serious charges, he spent a considerable amount of time incarcerated. This constant struggle against what he perceived as an unfair and targeting system deeply influenced his music and worldview.
Drakeo often rapped about his experiences with law enforcement and the justice system, portraying them as adversaries in his personal narrative. This “beef” wasn’t with a specific individual or crew, but rather a systemic struggle that colored his entire existence and artistic output, lending an even deeper layer of authenticity and urgency to his music.
Drakeo’s Approach to Beef and His Legacy
Drakeo the Ruler’s approach to beef was rooted in unwavering loyalty to his Stinc Team and a fierce commitment to authenticity. He never shied away from confrontation, using his unique “nervous music” flow to articulate his grievances and assert his dominance. His music was a direct reflection of his life, where rivalries were not just creative exercises but often extensions of real-world conflicts.
Tragically, Drakeo’s life was cut short when he was fatally stabbed at the Once Upon a Time in LA festival in December 2021. While the direct cause of his death was a physical altercation, it was a grim reminder of the volatile world he inhabited and often chronicled in his music. His passing left a massive void in the West Coast hip-hop scene, but his distinctive sound and unapologetic lyrical style cemented his legacy as a true original and an influential figure for a new generation of artists.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drakeo the Ruler’s Beefs
Here are some common questions about Drakeo the Ruler’s notable rivalries:
Q: What was Drakeo’s most famous beef?
A: Drakeo’s most famous and long-standing beef was with fellow LA rapper RJMrLA. This rivalry played out over several years through diss tracks and public exchanges.
Q: Did Drakeo and YG ever make peace?
A: Yes, after an intense but relatively brief feud, Drakeo and YG reportedly settled their differences. This decision likely stemmed from a combination of industry pressures and mutual respect.
Q: Why was Drakeo often involved in beefs?
A: Drakeo’s involvement in beefs was often rooted in his fierce loyalty to his Stinc Team, territorial disputes within the competitive LA rap scene, and his commitment to authenticity and street credibility. He used his music to address perceived disrespect and assert his position.
Q: What was “nervous music”?
A: “Nervous music” was the term used to describe Drakeo’s unique, often off-beat and unpredictable flow, combined with dark, minimalist beats. It was a distinctive sound that set him apart in the rap world.
Q: How did Drakeo’s legal troubles influence his music?
A: Drakeo’s extensive legal battles and incarcerations deeply influenced his music, providing raw, firsthand material for his lyrics. He often chronicled his struggles with “the system,” adding layers of authenticity and urgency to his storytelling.
Drakeo the Ruler’s journey was undeniably complex, with his feuds often intertwining with his artistic expression. Yet, through it all, he remained a captivating and influential voice, leaving an indelible mark on West Coast hip-hop.