A mural honoring the legacies of late Los Angeles rappers Drakeo the Ruler and MoneySign Suede was defaced in a brazen act of vandalism on Melrose Avenue, prompting widespread outrage from the local hip-hop community and beyond. The mural, located at the storefront of Asaali, a popular streetwear brand, was targeted late at night on July 4, 2025, in an incident captured on surveillance footage and shared widely on social media.
The video, shows an unidentified man deliberately splashing dark-colored liquid, possibly gray paint or graffiti, onto the mural, which features vibrant portraits of Drakeo the Ruler (Darrell Caldwell) and MoneySign Suede (Jaime Brugada Valdez) set against a backdrop of clouds.
Asaali’s owner, Asa Kinney, known as Baby Milo, took to Instagram to express shock and condemnation his fury in a passionate statement accompanying the video:
“You disrespect my friends, my family, the culture. LA won’t stand for this, we on yo azz.”
The post, which garnered 71,285 views and 198 favorites, underscored Milo’s personal connection to the rappers and the mural’s significance as a tribute to their contributions. Drakeo the Ruler, who passed away in December 2021, and MoneySign Suede, killed in a California prison in April 2023, were celebrated for their impact on the local music scene, making the mural a cherished symbol on Melrose Avenue, a hub for street art and culture.
Milo, a prominent figure in both the rap and streetwear communities, founded Asaali, a brand favored by artists like Young Thug and Swae Lee. His store’s mural has become a focal point for honoring the fallen rappers, making the vandalism a deeply personal affront. In his public appeal, Milo called for anyone with information about the vandal to come forward, emphasizing that the act transcends mere property damage.
The incident has ignited a firestorm of reactions online, reflecting the complex dynamics of community sentiment. Supportive comments, such as “#MadTing” and “Bugged out,” echoed Milo’s outrage, while others expressed skepticism or outright hostility, with remarks like “Lames both of them nobody cares” and “Nah murals are gay af.” Some users predicted consequences for the vandal, while others dismissed the likelihood of action, with one comment stating, “Nvr seen bigger pussys & bigger storytellers than n!99as in california LMFAO ain NOTHING gna happen 2 him.”
The community continues to rally around the legacies of Drakeo the Ruler and MoneySign Suede, with Milo’s call to action resonating as a demand for justice and respect for the city’s rich hip-hop heritage.
