Watch: Grammy winner Killer Mike arrested minutes after bagging award
Killer Mike, the acclaimed rapper from Run the Jewels, experienced a sudden turn of events at the Grammy Awards on Sunday night.
The 48-year-old artist, whose real name is Michael Render, was handcuffed and escorted out of the Crypto Arena by Los Angeles police after a triumphant moment winning three Grammy Awards, including his first in more than two decades.
Footage captured by the Hollywood Reporter showed Killer Mike being detained by police shortly after winning three awards at the Grammy premiere ceremony.
Despite the joyous moments on stage, the rapper found himself in handcuffs and under the scrutiny of law enforcement.
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A spokesperson for the Los Angeles police told TMZ that a Black male was detained but did not disclose further details or the identity of the individual.
Killer Mike’s reps and the Grammy Awards have not commented on the matter.
Breaking: Rapper Killer Mike has been taken away in handcuffs in https://t.co/aF2yiyTHol arena after winning 3 #Grammys during telecast (Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance for “Scientists & Engineers,” Best Rap Album for Michael) “Free Mike” someone shouts as he walks past. pic.twitter.com/4epfmzqMt8
— Chris Gardner (@chrissgardner) February 5, 2024
The rapper’s first win came in the category of Best Rap Performance for his track “Scientists & Engineers,” which also secured the award for Best Rap Song.
The single features collaborations with Andre 3000, Future, and Eryn Allen Kane. Additionally, Killer Mike won Best Rap Album for his work on “Michael.”
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Backstage, just before the unexpected detention, Kllar Mike shared thoughts on his journey: “The only thing that limits your age is not being truthful about your age or what you’re doing. At 48, I stand here as a man full of empathy and sympathy for the things I’ve done.”
He won best rap album for his album Michael.
When he collected his third award, the Atlanta-based rapper shouted out, “Sweep! Atlanta, it’s a sweep!”
“For all the people out there that think you get too old to rap, bullsh*t,” he said during the pre-telecast.
Adding, “If you’re 78 rapping about how many gals you got in the nursing home, make sure we keep hip-hop alive”.
However, shortly after his uplifting Grammy victories, reports surfaced of an alleged physical altercation involving Killer Mike and a security guard at Crypto Arena.
Law enforcement sources informed TMZ that Killer Mike was booked for misdemeanour battery following a citizen’s arrest. The altercation reportedly occurred when security personnel attempted to intervene as the rapper made his way through the venue.
Despite the abrupt end to his Grammy night, Killer Mike’s fans celebrated his victories in the three categories he was nominated for. The rapper had won Best Rap Performance, Best Rap Album, and Best Rap Song.
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