Grammy-winning rapper Killer Mike was arrested for misdemeanor battery after a scuffle with a security guard backstage at the Crypto.com Arena on Sunday night. The incident occurred hours after he received three awards for his album Michael and his song Scientists & Engineers.
According to witnesses, the altercation started when the security guard tried to stop Killer Mike from entering a restricted area where his wife was waiting for him. The rapper allegedly pushed and punched the guard, who suffered minor injuries. The police arrived at the scene and took Killer Mike into custody. He was released shortly after posting bail.
Killer Mike spoke to the media outside the police station and said that he was “better than OK” and that the incident was a “speed bump” on his way to celebrate his achievements. He said that he had confidence that he would be cleared of all wrongdoing and that the security was “overzealous”. He thanked his fans and colleagues for their support and encouraged people to keep listening to his music and pursuing their dreams.
He also reflected on his journey as a rapper and how he overcame his regrets and mistakes. He said that age should not limit anyone from doing what they love and keeping hip-hop alive. He said that he was proud of his album Michael, which he dedicated to his late father, and his song Scientists & Engineers, which he wrote to inspire young people to pursue science and technology.
Killer Mike, whose real name is Michael Render, is a veteran of the hip-hop scene and a vocal activist for social justice. He is best known for being one half of the duo Run the Jewels, along with rapper and producer El-P. He has collaborated with artists such as Outkast, Jay-Z, T.I., and Kendrick Lamar. He has also appeared on several TV shows and podcasts, such as Trigger Warning with Killer Mike, The Joe Rogan Experience, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert.
Killer Mike won three Grammys on Sunday night, including Best Rap Album for Michael, Best Rap Song for Scientists & Engineers, and Best Rap/Sung Performance for The Light, featuring Alicia Keys. He was nominated for four more awards, including Album of the Year and Record of the Year.
