Rapper Killer Mike faced controversy at the 2024 Grammys, where he was arrested for alleged misdemeanor battery.
In a statement released by the musician, he expressed confidence in being cleared of wrongdoing, calling his arrest a “speed bump.”
Killer Mike is known for being outspoken about social justice issues, and his activism includes advocating against police brutality.
Killer Mike Arrested At The Grammys For Alleged Misdemeanor Battery
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
Following his triumphant wins at the Grammys, rapper Killer Mike, born Michael Render, found himself embroiled in controversy as he was arrested at the award ceremony and later released by the Los Angeles police department.
The 48-year-old artist, who clinched awards for Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song, and Best Rap Performance, was reportedly taken into custody for alleged misdemeanor battery.
According to reports from Rolling Stone, a security guard accused Killer Mike of pushing her to the ground while attempting to navigate his way around her at the entrance of the Crypto.com Arena, where the awards ceremony took place.
Killer Mike Describes Grammy Arrest As Hitting A ‘Speed Bump’
In his response to inquiries about the altercation, the “RUN” singer said in a statement: “As you can imagine, there was a lot going, and there was some confusion around which door my team and I should enter. We experienced an overzealous security guard, but my team and I have the upmost confidence that I will ultimately be cleared of all wrongdoing.”
A member of the rapper’s team threw some light on the issue and what caused the arrest.
They said, “We are grateful for the love and support Killer Mike has received. He worked incredibly hard on ‘MICHAEL,’ and his Grammy win was well-deserved. We hit a speed bump in that Mike was detained and charged with a misdemeanor after collecting his awards.”
The team member continued, “On the way into the venue, there was considerable confusion around where to go. He encountered an overzealous security guard and continued moving towards his destination. The situation has been overblown, but we are confident that the facts of the case, when laid bare, will show that Mike did not commit the alleged offense, and he will be exonerated.”
Killer Mike Bags Three Grammy Awards In One Night – ‘It’s A Sweep’
The recently concluded 2024 Grammy Awards marked a significant milestone for Killer Mike, as it was his first win since 2003, when he secured victory for his contribution to OutKast’s “The Whole World” in the Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group category. He was also previously nominated for Best Rap Song in 2018 for “Chase Me” by Run the Jewels, his hip-hop duo with El-P.
However, this year, the Georgia native emerged triumphant in all three categories he was nominated for. These were Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance for his track “Scientists & Engineers” and Best Rap Album for “Michael,” his sixth studio album released in June 2023.
Featuring André 3000, Future, and Eryn Allen Kane, “Scientists & Engineers” secured wins over notable contenders such as Drake, Nicki Minaj, Doja Cat, and Lil Uzi Vert.
Overjoyed, Killer Mike exclaimed, “You cannot tell me that you get too old, you can’t tell me it’s too late, you can’t tell me dreams don’t come true!” Celebrating his clean sweep at the awards ceremony, he added: “It is a sweep! It is a sweep! It is a sweep!”
While he had previously clinched a Grammy in 2003 for his collaboration with Outkast, Sunday’s accolades marked his first Grammy as a solo artist.
Killer Mike Advocates Black American Challenges
In addition to making music, Killer Mike has been an outspoken advocate for Black Americans, highlighting issues of police brutality and systemic racism.
Notably, he lent his support to Bernie Sanders during both the 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns. He recently refrained from endorsing Joe Biden’s reelection bid during an appearance on the “Real Time with Bill Maher Show.”
Beyond his activism, the Grammy-winning artist delved into filmmaking, hosting Netflix’s “Trigger Warning with Killer Mike,” a documentary series on topics affecting the Black community.
Demonstrating his commitment to social justice, Killer Mike passionately intervened during a protest against police brutality in Atlanta, urging for calm amid escalating tensions. Additionally, he has diversified his portfolio, reportedly owning a collection of barbershops.
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