“We Hit a Speed Bump.” That’s how hip hop artist Killer Mike described his arrest after a triumphant night at the 2024 Grammy Awards took an unexpected turn when the rapper was arrested during music’s most celebrated event.
After winning three awards during the pre-show ceremony, the performer, also known as Michael Render, was escorted out of the Crypto.com arena in handcuffs by a team of police officers following his significant victories. Video footage shared by The Hollywood Reporter’s Chris Gardner on X captured the incident.
However, on Monday morning, Killer Mike phoned into the Big Tigger Show on V-103.3 (WVEE-FM) in Atlanta to discuss his Grammy wins while skillfully avoiding questions about the arrest.
“We hit a speed bump, and then we head back to the party,” Killer Mike told hosts Big Tigger and Jazzy McBee. “We gon’ get back to the real question. ‘How did he do it? Three Grammys — 20 years in the game!”
According to police spokesperson Officer Mike Lopez, Killer Mike’s detainment resulted from an altercation inside the arena around 4 p.m. He was booked on a misdemeanor charge.
USA TODAY reached out to representatives for Killer Mike, the Recording Academy, and the Los Angeles Police Department for further comments.
Killer Mike, having won Grammys for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance for his track “Scientists and Engineers” and Best Rap Album for “Michael,” was photographed cradling his trio of awards after dominating his nominated rap categories. He delivered an inspirational speech to reporters backstage, urging them to exceed their perceived limitations.
“Keep running your race. If you think you can jump 20 feet, jump 40,” he stated. “It is our responsibility to be grand at everything. … The only thing that limits you is you. The only thing that limits your age is not being truthful about your age.”
He reflected on his journey, sharing, “At 20, I thought it was cool to be a drug dealer (and) at 48, I stand here a man of sympathy and empathy for the things I’ve done.”
REELated:
Killer Mike’s last Grammy win was in 2003 for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group for his feature on OutKast’s “The Whole World.” He is scheduled to appear in court on February 29 in Los Angeles following his release on his own recognizance at 8:37 p.m.
For other 2024 Grammy coverage, click here.
Follow us on Facebook, X and Instagram
