Killer Mike Got Arrested—But Let’s Talk About His Grammys Sweep Instead

Killer Mike was the talk of the 2024 Grammy Awards on Sunday (February 4)—both for the wrong and right reasons. Moments after he swept the Rap categories for his work on the Michael album, the Run The Jewels powerhouse was “arrested” for allegedly shoving a female security guard at the Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles. While the news dominated headlines, it seems people quickly forgot that Mike just scooped up three Grammys for Best Rap Album, Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song, an enormous accomplishment.

AllHipHop was front row inside the Peacock Theater as Killer Mike crushed the category during the Grammys Premiere Ceremony—and that’s something to celebrate. Taking to the podium upon winning his first golden gramophone of the evening, he passionately spoke about what it meant to him and other creatives.

“I wanna say I’m from the Southeast…I’m a Black man in America and as a kid, I had a dream to become a part of music,” he said. “And that 9-year-old is excitedly dancing inside of me right now…I wanna thank everyone who dares to believe that art can change the world. So thank you! […] Everyone in this room, it is our responsibility to keep using our imagination to shape and form the world. Thank you and I hope it’s not the last time I see you tonight.”

 

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Of course, it wasn’t the last time the audience heard from Killer Mike. Moments later, he won Best Rap Performance and Best Rap Song for “Scientists & Engineers” featuring André 3000, Future and Eryn Allen Kane. At that point, the excitement in the room was palpable as Mike and his whole crew returned to the stage to celebrate yet another victory. Upon getting to the mic, Killer Mike exclaimed, “You can’t tell me you get too old. You can’t tell me it’s too late. You can’t tell me dreams don’t come true. It is a sweep! It is a sweep! It is a sweep!”

 

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Killer Mike’s triumphant afternoon might have ended in handcuffs, but nothing could damper his spirit. Mike explained in an Instagram post how much the wins meant to him, writing, “First and foremost, I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to my wife, @shaybigga. You have held me down through thick and thin, and I couldn’t be prouder to be your husband and share this award with you. I also want to thank No ID (@cubansoze), who guided me through the process of pouring my soul onto the canvas, which you all know as the best rap album, ‘MICHAEL.’ Your guidance, expertise, and grace have been instrumental in shaping this project, and for that, I am eternally grateful.

“Thank you to the @RecordingAcademy for recognizing my work and granting me the opportunity to be considers for such esteemed awards. To my A&R’s @cuzlightyear and @DartParker, and my manager @willisactive, we’ve journeyed through hell and back together, and we’ve made it, fellas! I need to thank my partner in rhyme and crime, @thereallyrealelp, with whom I’ve had the privilege of creating art with for the past decade through our duo, @runthejewels! I’m forever indebted to Tom, Ryan, and everyone else at @lomavistarecordings who poured their creativity into mine. Let’s run this s### back! I couldn’t forget to express my love for the greatest city in the world, ATLANTA, GEORGIA. #ITSASWEEP!!!!”

 

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Killer Mike later addressed the arrest—albeit briefly: “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 overzealous security guard, but my team and I have the utmost confidence that I will ultimately be cleared of all wrongdoing. Until that time, keep listening to Michael and keep going after your dreams.”

According to the Los Angeles County Jail records, Killer Mike was booked on suspicion of misdemeanor battery and then released at 8:37 p.m. PT on his own recognizance. He’s due to appear in court February 29. His team issued the following statement: “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.”