Killer Mike Was Set To Be Honored By Jay-Z Before Grammy Arrest
By Afouda Bamidele on February 15, 2024 at 8:15 AM EST
Updated on February 15, 2024 at 8:15 AM EST
Killer Mike is sharing new details about his viral Grammys night, including Jay-Z's plan to honor him on stage for dominating the Rap category.
The iconic rapper won three Grammys for Best Rap Album, Best Rap Song, and Best Rap Performance. However, he barely enjoyed his victory as authorities escorted him out of the event in handcuffs over an incident with an "overzealous" security guard.
Killer Mike Sends Special Shoutout To Jay-Z For His Homage Plan
Mike's latest appearance on "The Breakfast Club" was shared on the syndicated radio show's YouTube page. During the interview, the "Don't Let The Devil" rapper revealed his Grammy night would have featured a tribute from Jay-Z if not for his arrest.
The 48-year-old explained that the Roc Nation founder planned to honor him while accepting the Dr. Dre Impact Award. However, Jay-Z couldn't get through to Mike as he was unfortunately being whisked away in handcuffs. In his words:
"What's crazy is Jay was hitting me. I didn't realize as I was going through my thing Jay was hitting me like, 'Hold on, stick around. I want to toast you.' And then he hit me later and was like, 'I was going to concede my time to you for the speech.' So shout out to Hov!"
Although he discovered Jay-Z's intentions once it was too late, Mike stressed it was the thought that counts. "It's love, though," the 48-year-old shared, noting the pair positively reacted to the ruined Grammys night.
"Me and him laughed. He said, 'You wanted to go and get locked up during the biggest moment. I was laughing. It was hilarious," Mike continued. As for his arrest, the Hip-hop icon didn't share additional details about the incident but declared that any attempt to destroy his image was futile.
There have been various conspiracies about Mike's run-in with the cops, but these theories meant nothing to the rapper, who noted several Black icons had been through similar experiences. He said:
"It didn't work against Martin [Luther King Jr.], it didn't work against Malcolm [X], didn't work against Mandela. Didn't work against Method. Whatever the devil gives you … God, if you stay in tune, man. He'll multiply the good over the bad."
Still, on a positive note, Mike expressed gratitude for the incident, saying: "I'm thankful for the Grammys, I'm thankful for the b--------. B-------- is the best fertilizer on the farm. I got a chance to sit by myself for three hours and thank God and invoke praise and be grateful for the things that I received."
Inside Killer Mike's Arrest At The 2024 Grammys
February 4 marked the 66th Annual Grammy Awards, but the occasion will be engraved in fans' memories thanks to the viral video of Mike's arrest. In the clip, the rapper was hauled away from the show's venue with his hands handcuffed behind him.
The "Legend Has It" rapper looked shocked by the development, with his team yelling, "What the f–k?" while a bystander screamed, "Free Mike." At the time, details of the arrest were unclear, but sources noted it was related to a "misdemeanor."
"An official tells someone on his team that it's possible he may be released later tonight from the arena. Unclear if he's being booked here and what he's charged with," one reporter shared on X. In a follow-up tweet, the journalist claimed Mike's "misdemeanor" wasn't related to the Grammys.
Another source described the incident as "a big nothing," while a similar report alleged the arrest was linked to an "altercation" involving security at the event. Grammy showrunners were also concerned about the legal drama, with the President of the Recording Academy, Harvey Mason, trying to de-escalate the situation.
The day after his arrest, Mike expressed gratitude to God for blessing his patience with a life-saving reward for his son. Instead of reacting negatively to the legal drama, he stayed calm, meditated, and prayed.
The 48-year-old noted that his prayers did not go to waste as he received a call informing him that his eldest son had finally gotten a kidney donor after being on the transplant list for three years. In Mike's words:
"I could have succumbed to anger or evil and talked s---. But I'm just grateful," he shared. I'm grateful. Not only that I won, but I'm grateful that God showed me within 24 hours that there's something more important than even the accolades you've worked for. And that's my family and my child, and I'm just thankful. I thank Him."