“I thought it was cool to be a drug dealer”: Grammy-Winner Killer Mike Does the Impossible, Proves Age is Just a Number
Killer Mike, real name Michael Santiago Render, is known as a rapper and activist who made his recording debut in 2000 with OutKast’s fourth album Stankonia. He went ahead to win a Grammy Award for their single The Whole World from Big Boi and Dre Present…Outkast album. Killer Mike released his debut studio album in 2003; Monster under Purple Ribbon Records and Columbia Records.
The rap artist released his sixth album Michael in 2023 through VLNS and Loma Vista Recordings. Michael is Killer Mike’s first solo album in eleven years, and he described the album as a ‘come home moment musically’ and ‘submission to God’. The album received a positive response, and the artist earned three awards at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.
Also read: Why Was Rapper Killer Mike Arrested After Winning 3 Grammys?
Rapper and activist Killer Mike marks a significant win at the Grammy Awards 2024
The 66th Annual Grammy Awards was held at the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles on February 4th, 2024. Rapper and activist Killer Mike won three Grammy Awards for Best Rap Song, Best Rap Performance, and Best Rap Album during the pre-televised portion of the ceremony.
The win marks Killer Mike’s first Grammy win in more than two decades after he previously won in 2003 when he was nominated for his work with OutKast’s The Whole World. The artist beat Drake and 21 Savage’s Her Loss, Metro Boomin’s Hereos & Villains, Nas’ King Disease III, and Travis Scott‘s Utopia to win Best Rap Album.
According to ABC News, Killer Mike said backstage;
“The only thing that limits your age is not being truthful about your age or what you’re doing. At 20 years old, I thought it was cool to be a drug dealer. At 40, I started to live with the regrets and the things I have done. At 45, I started to rap about it. At 48, I stand here as a man full of empathy and sympathy for the things I’ve done.”
Michael was one of the most nominated rap projects at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards. Upon winning his award, the rapper exclaimed, ‘Atlanta, it’s a sweep‘, adding that no one can tell him that he is too old or it’s too late or dreams do not come true. The album was highly appreciated for taking up themes, including addiction, morality, and his overall view on Black life.
Also read: Mariah Carey’s Reaction to Winning a Grammy after 2 Decades is Absolutely Priceless
Killer Mike’s significant win at the Grammy Awards tainted by his arrest
The 66th Annual Grammy Awards marked a significant win for rapper and activist Killer Mike but was soon followed by a very surprising change of events. It was reported that Killer Mike was detained at the award ceremony and was escorted in handcuffs by Los Angeles police.
According to Today News, a spokesperson for Los Angeles Police confirmed that he was detained for questioning following an altercation. THR reported that the security of the arena had shared that Killer Mike was detained for misdemeanor charges and had nothing to do with the ceremony. No other information has been provided as of now.
Despite Killer Mike’s significant win being tainted at the ceremony, fans believe that his work should be celebrated. The rap artist in his interview with Grammy News had shared that for his album Michael, he had put his guard down and allowed himself to grieve the death of his mother and apologize for selling drugs. He said,
“That Killer Mike character was invented when I was 9. I just wanted to be a MC, and Killer Mike was like me being superhero. But when you hear me talking about my mother, I’m empty now. It’s not sad, but it’s about missing and wanting.”
The Rap artist described his album as a prodigal son coming home, adding that it’s his generation statement noting that if August Wilson was writing a rap album, this would be his Fences.
The artist’s representative declined to comment on him being detained at the ceremony.
