LOS ANGELES (AP) — Rapper and activist Killer Mike made headlines at the Grammy Awards on Sunday when he was detained by Los Angeles police. This incident occurred shortly after he achieved a triumphant moment in his career, winning three Grammy awards, including his first in over two decades.
Video footage shared by The Hollywood Reporter showed Killer Mike being escorted in handcuffs by police at Crypto.com Arena. The rapper had just experienced a series of joyous moments at the Grammys' Premiere Ceremony, where he swiftly collected his awards one after another. The police detention was a result of an altercation that took place inside the arena around 4 p.m., according to Officer Mike Lopez, a spokesperson for the police department.
Despite the incident, Killer Mike's representative has not yet provided a comment regarding the incident. Nonetheless, the 48-year-old rapper expressed his thoughts backstage, sharing the idea that age should never be a limit to one's achievements: 'The only thing that limits your age is not being truthful about your age or what you’re doing.' He continued, '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.'
Killer Mike's first Grammy win of the night came for the 'best rap performance' category with his song 'Scientists & Engineers,' featuring Andre 3000, Future, and Eryn Allen Kane. This track also took home the award for 'best rap song.' Additionally, he won the Grammy for 'best rap album' with his record 'Michael.' These wins marked a milestone in his career, as his last Grammy victory was back in 2003 for 'The Whole World,' which received the award for 'best rap performance by a duo or group.'
Beyond his musical endeavors, Killer Mike is also known for his work as a social-political activist. He has been a vocal advocate for addressing inequality for Black people and improving race relations. Notably, he was a prominent supporter of Senator Bernie Sanders' 2016 U.S. presidential campaign. Additionally, Killer Mike hosted the 2019 documentary series on Netflix called 'Trigger Warning with Killer Mike,' which delved into various issues affecting the Black community. He has also been involved in calming protests against police brutality, as experienced during a violent demonstration in Atlanta.
Overall, while Killer Mike's Grammy wins were a cause for celebration, the unfortunate incident of his detention underscores the challenges and obstacles that can arise even amidst moments of personal and professional success. Still, his dedication to both his music and activism remains unwavering, making him a force to be reckoned with in the industry and beyond.
