Rapper Killer Mike was detained at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, less than an hour before the 2024 Grammys were set to begin.
Earlier Sunday afternoon, the rapper won big in the rap category during the premiere ceremony, scoring the awards for best rap song and best rap performance for “Scientists & Engineers,” and best rap album for Michael.
An arena security official initially told The Hollywood Reporter that Killer Mike was detained for a reason (unknown at this point) that had nothing to do with Grammy Awards.
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“At around 4 p.m., an individual was detained at [Crypto.com Arena] for a physical altercation,” a LAPD spokesperson told The Hollywood Reporter. “The individual is currently being questioned. I cannot confirm the identity of the individual until the person is charged. The investigation is ongoing.”
The rapper was seen in handcuffs being taken into a security room inside the L.A. arena, near the VIP entrance. A source added that “it’s a big nothing,” and that he may be released later in the evening.
Recording Academy CEO Harvey Mason jr. was also seen talking to security and the rapper’s team for around 10 to 20 minutes before heading backstage.
Around 6:15 p.m., the scene outside the security room where Killer Mike was held dispersed, with LAPD officers exiting the area and members of the rapper’s entourage also moving briskly through the arena. THR also noticed Mike being led out from a side door in the rain. It was unclear where he was being escorted.
When THR asked Killer Mike’s team at the arena for more details, they declined to comment. THR also reached out to reps for the Recording Academy and CBS.
At 8:33 p.m., the LAPD posted on X: “The suspect has been identified as 48-year-old Michael Render and booked for Misdemeanor Battery 243(A) PC, and is in the process of being released.” (Michael Render is Killer Mike’s given name.)
Killer Mike’s latest wins came more than 20 years after the rapper won his first Grammy in 2003 for best rap performance by a duo or group for “The Whole World,” his collaboration with OutKast.
The rapper said of his Grammy wins earlier Sunday during the pre-show at the Peacock Theater, “For all the people out there that think you get too old to rap, bullshit. I don’t give a damn if you’re 78 rapping about how many gals you got in the nursing home, make sure we keep hip-hop alive.”
On Monday morning, Killer Mike dodged questions about what happened when appearing on Audacy V-103’s Big Tigger Morning Show. “We hit a speed bump, and then we head back to the party,” he said, pivoting to talking about his wins. “We’re not even going to allow you to ask that question. We’re going to get back to the real question: How did he do it? Three Grammys. Twenty years in the game. Forty-eight years old. Beat out everybody … he beat the best of the best.”
Following his Grammy wins, Killer Mike also released a new deluxe version of his album Michael on Spotify with “Rap Album of the Year” now joining the album title.
The 66th annual Grammy Awards, hosted by Trevor Noah, air live on Sunday from Los Angeles on CBS. The ceremony also streams on Paramount+. Find the complete list of the night’s winners here.
Feb. 4, 6:35 p.m Updated with LAPD statement
Feb. 4, 10:12 p.m. Updated with LAPD statement.
Feb. 5, 9 a.m. Updated with Killer Mike’s radio show comments.
Feb. 5, 10:17 a.m. Updated with note on Killer Mike’s deluxe album version on Spotify.
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