Security Guard Testifies YG Brandished Knife in Drakeo Attack
WHO:
Los Angeles Times - YG's real name is Keenon Jackson, and Drakeo the Ruler's legal name was Darrell Caldwell Jr.
TMZ - Alrick Cooper III, a security guard for Drakeo the Ruler, testified about witnessing YG during the incident.
AllHipHop - YG, a rapper, is implicated in the testimony regarding the fatal stabbing of Drakeo the Ruler.
WHAT:
Los Angeles Times - Alrick Cooper III testified that he saw YG produce a knife and slash it toward him during the backstage fight.
Los Angeles Times - Cooper described the knife attributed to YG as a silver blade approximately three or four inches long, resembling an improvised prison shank.
Los Angeles Times - Cooper testified that the attackers divided into groups and surrounded Drakeo’s party near the artist entrance, with at least 20 to 25 people involved.
Los Angeles Times - Cooper reported that festival security personnel failed to intervene and closed two gates that could have provided an escape route.
Los Angeles Times - Cooper stated that he recognized YG by his hazel eyes, body type, height, walk, and demeanor despite YG wearing a ski mask.
Los Angeles Times - Alrick Cooper III testified that YG was “front and center” during the Dec. 18, 2021, brawl and was one of three men he saw carrying what appeared to be short, improvised knives.
Los Angeles Times - Cooper described the weapon attributed to YG as a silver blade approximately three or four inches long, resembling an improvised prison shank.
Los Angeles Times - Cooper testified that he saw two other men standing near YG with similar weapons, one described as a bald Black man and the other as a similarly sized Black man with dreadlocks.
Los Angeles Times - Cooper reported that members of the attacking group taunted Drakeo during the confrontation, with statements including “Is this Drakeo?” and “Now we finally got him.”
TMZ - Alrick Cooper III claims he saw YG brandishing a knife during the brawl that resulted in Drakeo's death.
AllHipHop - The testimony from Drakeo's security guard could have significant legal implications for YG.
WHEN:
Los Angeles Times - The first of two hearings covering motions to dismiss the case brought by Bobby Dee Presents and Live Nation is scheduled for Aug. 13.
TMZ - The deposition from Alrick Cooper III took place on March 19, 2025.
HOW:
Los Angeles Times - Cooper testified that he had previously intervened when YG approached Drakeo outside a recording studio, asking, “What’s up [with] all that internet stuff?”
TMZ - The security guard's testimony details the events surrounding the brawl that led to Drakeo's fatal stabbing.
(UPDATED July 26, 2026 01:27 UTC)
Alrick Cooper III testified that he witnessed YG, whose real name is Keenon Jackson, produce a knife and slash it toward him during a backstage altercation, describing the weapon as a silver blade about three to four inches long, similar to an improvised prison shank. Cooper detailed that the attackers, numbering between 20 to 25, surrounded Drakeo the Ruler's party near the artist entrance, while festival security failed to intervene and closed two gates that could have allowed for an escape. The first of two hearings regarding motions to dismiss the case brought by Bobby Dee Presents and Live Nation is set to take place on August 13.
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(UPDATED July 25, 2026 22:14 UTC)
Alrick Cooper III testified that YG was “front and center” during a brawl on December 18, 2021, and he identified YG as one of three men carrying what looked like improvised knives, including a silver blade about three or four inches long. Cooper also described seeing two other men near YG with similar weapons, one being a bald Black man and the other a Black man with dreadlocks, while the group taunted Drakeo with remarks like “Is this Drakeo?” and “Now we finally got him.” Additionally, Cooper recounted a previous incident where he intervened when YG approached Drakeo outside a recording studio, questioning him about “all that internet stuff.”
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(UPDATED July 25, 2026 21:14 UTC)
Alrick Cooper III, a security guard for Drakeo the Ruler, testified that he witnessed rapper YG brandishing a knife during the brawl that resulted in Drakeo's death. This testimony, which took place on March 19, 2025, could have significant legal implications for YG. Cooper's account details the events surrounding the fatal stabbing, bringing new attention to the case.