Killer Mike Reflects on His Grammys Night Arrest: 'I Could Have Succumbed to Anger... but I'm Just Grateful'

Mar. 15, 2025

Killer Mike with his awards at the Grammys in Los Angeles on Feb. 4, 2024.Photo:Michael Buckner/Billboard via Getty

Michael Buckner/Billboard via Getty

Killer Mikeis counting his blessings in the face of what might leave many others bitter.

The 48-year-old Atlanta rapper — whose real name is Michael Render — was arrested on Sunday at the2024 Grammy Awardsandbooked on a misdemeanor after an alleged physical altercation with a security guard.

Killer Mike accepting the Grammy for best rap song in Los Angeles on Feb. 4, 2024.Amy Sussman/Getty

Amy Sussman/Getty

After a few hours, Mike was released on his own recognizance. “I got out and I went partied and had fun,” he told the outlet.

The next morning, Mike got news that his son, Pony Boy — one of four kids he shares with wife Shana — was approved for a kidney transplant after being on the list for three years.

“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,” he added. “And that’s my family and my child and I’m just thankful. I thank Him.”

Mike is scheduled to appear in a Los Angeles court on Feb. 29 for a hearing related to his arrest. A source previously told PEOPLE that his team is “confident that the facts of the case, when laid bare, will show that Mike did not commit the alleged offense, and he will be exonerated.”

After the incident, Mike spoke out to PEOPLE in a statement. “As you can imagine, there was a lot going and there was some confusion around which door my team and I should enter,' he said. “We experienced an over-zealous security guard but my team and I have the upmost confidence that I will ultimately be cleared of all wrongdoing. Until that time, keep listening toMichael, and keep going after your dreams.”

He went on to say that he and his team received “a number of calls from concerned fans and colleagues wanting to know if I was OK.” Noted Mike: “I greatly appreciate the concern and support, but I am better than OK.”

Big Boi and Killer Mike perform in Atlanta in October 2020.Paras Griffin/Getty

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“It feels absolutely grand,” he told the press after winning Grammy No. 2, 3 and 4 on Sunday. “If it feels like some people are reaching the finish line first, don’t worry. Just keep running your race. The only thing stopping you is your imagination. It’s our responsibility to be grand in every action.”

source: people.com