Rapper Killer Mike has been detained at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles, less than an hour before the 2024 Grammys are 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 told The Hollywood Reporter that Killer Mike was detained for a misdemeanor charge (the specific charge is unknown at this point) that has nothing to do with Grammy Awards, and that the Los Angeles Police Department would be involved.
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 this 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.
When THR asked Killer Mike’s team at the arena for more details, they declined to comment. THR has also reached out to reps for the Recording Academy and CBS.
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.”
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.