Michael Render, widely known as Killer Mike, was taken into custody for misdemeanor battery, as per a statement from the Los Angeles Police Department.
While specifics regarding the 48-year-old rapper’s apprehension remain unclear, journalist Chris Gardner of The Hollywood Reporter managed to capture footage of Render in handcuffs.
As Render was led away by the authorities, onlookers voiced their shock. One bystander exclaimed, “Mike, are you serious? What’s going on?”
Gardner also noted another individual shouting “Free Mike” as Render passed by. Variety reported that Render was promptly released after being detained. “He’s out and will be celebrating his wins tonight,” affirmed the rapper’s legal representative in a concise statement on Sunday evening.
An official from arena security informed The Hollywood Reporter that Render was detained in connection with an incident unrelated to the Grammy Awards.
Render and the Recording Academy have refrained from issuing public statements regarding the matter. Prior to the live Grammy Awards broadcast, Render clinched three accolades in the rap category: best rap performance, best rap song, and best rap album. His track, "Scientists & Engineers ft. André 3000, Future and Eryn Allen Kane," outshone competitors in the genre, including Doja Cat, Drake & 21 Savage, Nicki Minaj & Ice Spice, and Lil Uzi Vert.
Upon receiving his final award of the evening, Render delivered impassioned remarks about longevity in the rap industry.
“To all those who think you’re too old to rap, nonsense. Whether you’re 78 spitting bars about life in the nursing home, let’s keep hip-hop alive,” he asserted.
This statement seemed directed at André 3000, who hinted at feeling out of place in the rap scene with his recent solo venture, New Blue Sun.
“Sometimes, rapping feels disingenuous for me because I lack subject matter. I’m 48,” André 3000 expressed to GQ. “Not that age dictates content, but in some respects, it does.”
André 3000 is renowned for his role as one-half of the legendary hip-hop duo OutKast.
Since his 2003 Grammy win for best rap performance by a duo or group with OutKast’s "The Whole World," Render hasn’t secured another Grammy.
