As the rapper triumphantly took the stage to accept the coveted Album of the Year award, he confessed with a tinge of irony, "Technically, I wasn't destined to be standing here." The audience hung on his every word as he recounted, "My wrists were shackled in handcuffs, and I was escorted out of this very building." His powerful speech at the BET Awards on Sunday evening not only alluded to his recent legal entanglements but also served as a call to action for the politically engaged.
Amidst the usual accolades, Killer Mike, whose real name is Michael Santiago Render, expressed gratitude to his wife, Shana, his children, and his manager Will Bronson, quipping, "He's a white guy, but he's with us to the end." He then shifted focus to the fateful incident at the Grammy Awards on February 4th, where he was detained after a brief altercation with a security guard outside Crypto.com Arena. Just last week, the news broke that he would escape charges due to the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office declining to press charges.
"Technically, I wasn't supposed to be here," Killer Mike declared, his voice resonating through the venue. "I was restrained, and I was escorted away. But let me tell you something, I look to the heavens and rejoice because I'm back, baby, I'm back." (Both the Grammys and BET Awards were held in the heart of Los Angeles.)
He continued, "I want to address my fellow Black Americans. It's because of BET that I'm standing here, not because of any white entity. A Black man leads this organization, a Black company brings this show to life, and they've reinstated my Black ass. Thank you."
"I feel compelled to speak out now," he said, his voice filled with emotion. "Many will ask, 'Who is he? Why did he win?' I am a testament to one of the greatest creations of God—the Black family. Black men and women, I am you. Whether you're young or old, whether you embrace me or reject me, I am unequivocally you, and this victory is ours."
With a fire in his eyes, he urged the audience not just to vote in November but to actively engage in politics. "They'll tell you voting for who we want is crucial, and it is," he declared. "Choosing our representatives on the big stage is important, but even more so is knowing who leads your city council, who prosecutes your cases. If you don't like the current leadership, then get your Black ass to the polls and run for office yourself."
Killer Mike emerged victorious over a star-studded lineup including Chris Brown, Gunna, 21 Savage, Usher, Drake, Victoria Monét, and Nicki Minaj. His triumph was celebrated for his album 'Michael.' Adding to the festivities, he released a new single titled "Humble Me," a song that alludes to his Grammy arrest.
The 2024 BET Awards, hosted by Taraji P. Henson, will honor Usher with the Lifetime Achievement Award. The show will air live on BET from the heart of Los Angeles.
