In a surprising turn of events at the 2024 Grammy Awards, Killer Mike, the acclaimed rapper who had just won three awards, was detained following an altercation at the Crypto.com arena. The incident cast a shadow over what had been a triumphant evening for the artist.
Killer Mike, who had swept his nominated rap categories, was seen being escorted out of the venue in handcuffs by a squad of police officers. The video of the incident was shared by The Hollywood Reporter’s Chris Gardner on X, causing a stir among fans and fellow artists alike.
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 Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) confirmed that the detainment was due to a physical altercation that occurred inside the arena around 4 p.m. However, the details of the altercation remain unclear, and it is not known whether the rapper was formally arrested.
Despite the incident, Killer Mike had a successful night at the Grammys. He won awards for best rap song and best rap performance for his song “Scientists and Engineers”, and best rap album for “Michael”.
This marked a significant achievement in his career, as his last Grammy win was in 2003 for best rap performance by a duo or group for his feature on OutKast’s “The Whole World.”
Following his win, Killer Mike gave a motivational speech to reporters backstage. Holding his trio of awards, he encouraged others to strive for greatness.
“Keep running your race. If you think you think you can jump 20 feet, jump 40,” he said. “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 also reflected on his past, saying, “At 20 years old, I thought it was cool to be a drug dealer. At 40, I started to live with the regrets and the things I’ve done. At 45, I started to rap about it. At 48, I stand here as a man full of empathy and sympathy for the things I’ve done.”
USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Killer Mike, the Recording Academy, and the LAPD for more information on the incident. A source close to the situation was quoted as saying that the situation is “a big nothing,” and that Killer Mike might be released that night.
As the story unfolds, fans and the music industry alike wait for further details about the incident that marred Killer Mike’s triumphant night at the 2024 Grammys.
This article will be updated as more information becomes available. Please follow our site for the most accurate and up-to-date news.
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