Video footage captured by Chris Gardner of The Hollywood Reporter depicted the arrest of Killer Mike, known by his real name Michael Render, as he was escorted away in handcuffs. According to Gardner’s report, an official stated that the arrest was linked to an unspecified misdemeanor unrelated to the events during the Grammys on Sunday. As of press time, the Los Angeles Police Department HQ had no information to provide, and Killer Mike’s representative had not responded to requests for comment.
The incident occurred shortly after the rapper had engaged with the press, discussing his excitement about winning a Grammy for the first time in his solo career, marking over two decades in the hip-hop scene. Killer Mike expressed his elation, urging others not to be discouraged if it seems like some are reaching the finish line first. He emphasized the importance of perseverance, stating, “The only thing stopping you is your imagination. It’s our responsibility to be grand in every action.”
This Grammy win was a significant milestone for Killer Mike, who had previously won in 2002 for Best Rap Performance by a Duo or Group with Outkast for “The Whole World.” Before this year, his last nomination was in 2018 for Best Rap Song for “Chase Me,” a collaboration with Danger Mouse and Big Boi under the Run the Jewels project.
Ironically, Killer Mike’s father served as a police officer in Atlanta. In a 2014 interview with The Fader, Killer Mike mentioned that his father wanted his children to be “good citizens” but discouraged them from joining the police force. In 2020, amid protests following the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor, Killer Mike spoke emotionally about his family ties to law enforcement, expressing love and respect for police officers during a press conference with then-Atlanta Mayor Keisha Lance Bottoms and rapper T.I. The trio also urged Atlanta residents to refrain from looting and burning establishments.
Killer Mike has been vocal about police system failures in his music, interviews, and a 2014 op-ed about the Ferguson uprising. He emphasized his commitment to holding those in power accountable, stating, “I will use my camera, my pen, my pad, and my network to do my part, to make sure that Americans will no longer fear their government or its employees. They work for us — not the other way around.”
While this incident may raise eyebrows, it’s not the first time an artist has faced arrest at an awards show venue. In 2006, Yaasin Bey was arrested by the NYPD after a guerrilla-style street performance near Radio City Music Hall during the MTV Video Music Awards. Bey performed “Katrina Clap,” addressing the Hurricane Katrina tragedy. Despite claims of having a permit, he was arrested as a crowd gathered around the flatbed truck used for the performance.
