Atlanta-born rapper and activist Michael Render, better known by his stage name Killer Mike, was escorted out of the Grammys in handcuffs after winning three awards during the pre-televised portion of the ceremony.
In a video posted to social media, Killer Mike is shown being led away from the award show by multiple Los Angeles Police (LAPD) officers at the award show venue, Crypto Arena. No official explanation has been given as to why he was arrested in such a public fashion, especially while the award ceremony was ongoing.
In the video, Killer Mike can be heard saying, “Are you serious?” to officers as they escort him out of the building around 4:22 p.m. PT, ahead of the main telecast beginning at 5 p.m. PT.
A police spokesperson confirmed a male was detained at the Grammys but did not offer a name or additional details.
Killer Mike Might Already Be Out
Whatever transpired, the rapper might have already been released from custody because he has since taken to X, formerly known as Twitter, to post about his award wins, calling it a dream come true.Before the incident with the police, Killer Mike won the Best Rap Album award for his 2023 album “Michael.” He also won Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song for his song “Scientists & Engineers.”
The Grammys are held by the Recording Academy of the United States to recognize achievements in the music industry. It’s marketed as one of the most prestigious and significant awards in the music industry.
Sunday night marked Killer Mike’s first Grammy Award win since 2003 when he won for his contribution to Outkast’s song, “The Whole World.” He was also nominated for Best Rap Song in 2018 as part of the group Run the Jewels, alongside Outkast member Big Boi and Danger Mouse.
“The only thing that limits your age is not being truthful about your age or what you’re doing,” Killer Mike said before the LAPD detained him.
“At 20 years old, I thought it was cool to be a drug dealer; at 40, I started to live with the regrets and the things I’ve done. At 45, I started to rap about it. At 48, I stand here as a man full of empathy and sympathy for the things I’ve done.”
When he collected his third award, the rapper shouted out: “Sweep! Atlanta, it’s a sweep,” in reference to his three wins in the categories he was nominated in.
