Killer Mike had an interesting GRAMMYs night on Sunday.
The rapper, aka Michael Render, swept all three categories he was nominated in: Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Album for his self-titled 2023 studio album Michael. He took the stage to accept them during the premiere ceremony that took place before the prime-time main show.
“I’m a Black man in America, and as a kid I had a dream to become a part of music. And that 9-year-old is excitedly dancing inside of me right now,” he said in one of his acceptance speeches Sunday.
But moments later, the rapper was seen on video being taken away in handcuffs. The LAPD said on social media that the rapper was taken into custody because of a “physical altercation that occurred at the 700 block of Chick Hearn Court.” No further details were provided on when that incident happened or what the circumstances were.
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 suspect was placed under arrest and was transported to LAPD Central Division,” police said in a statement Monday. “The suspect has been identified as 48-year-old Michael Render and booked for Misdemeanor Battery,” the statement said, adding, “Render has been released on zero bail.”
Killer Mike has now released a statement about the win and the arrest which he says stemmed from confusion around which door to enter from during the big night.
“I first want to extend my appreciation to the Grammy’s Committee for recognizing me and my team for the work that went into ‘MICHAEL.’ We are incredibly proud and are basking in this moment. I am also grateful that one of my prayers has been answered – the day after my Grammy win – I learned that my son, who has been on the list for a kidney for years, finally has a match. Obviously, we are elated.
I do want to note that last night, my team and I fielded a number of calls from concerned fans and colleagues wanting to know if I was OK. I greatly appreciate the concern and support, but I am better than OK. 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 over-zealous security guard but my team and I have the upmost confidence that I will ultimately be cleared of all wrongdoing. Until that time, keep listening to ‘Michael,’ and keep going after your dreams.”
His camp added:
“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. On the way into the venue, there was considerable confusion around where to go. He encountered an over-zealous 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.”
