In a surprising turn of events at the Grammy Awards, rapper and activist Killer Mike, aged 48, found himself handcuffed and escorted out by Los Angeles police at Crypto Arena. The incident occurred shortly after the rapper clinched three Grammy awards in a triumphant moment at the premiere ceremony. He secured honors for Best Rap Album (Michael), Best Rap Song, and Best Rap Performance for his track “Scientists and Engineers,” featuring Andre 3000, Future, and Eryn Allen Kane.
According to Los Angeles police spokesperson Mike Lopez, Killer Mike’s detention was linked to an altercation within the Crypto.com Arena, the venue for the ceremony. The rapper, whose real name is Michael Render, was booked on a misdemeanor charge but later released, with a scheduled court appearance later this month.
Video footage from the scene depicted Killer Mike being led away in handcuffs by police officers, casting a shadow over his Grammy victories. The incident unfolded just after he passionately declared, “This is for all the people who think you’re too old to rap… we keep hip-hop alive. Never ever stop doing what you do.”
The 48-year-old artist, renowned for his advocacy on issues affecting black Americans, such as police brutality and racism, received shouts of “free Mike” from eyewitnesses as he was escorted away.
These Grammy wins marked Killer Mike’s first since 2003 when he was honored for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for his contribution to OutKast’s “The Whole World.” Known for his outspoken views on social justice, Killer Mike has been a prominent voice on race relations and the treatment of Black individuals in the United States. His impactful work includes hosting Netflix’s “Trigger Warning with Killer Mike,” a documentary series addressing issues affecting the Black community.
