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Killer Mike took home one of the biggest awards of the night at this year’s BET Awards, securing the coveted Album of the Year award for his powerful album, MICHAEL. The Grammy-winner’s triumph came amidst tough competition from other stellar artists, including Chris Brown, Drake, Usher, Gunna, 21 Savage, Victoria Monét, and Nicki Minaj.
During his acceptance speech, Killer Mike expressed heartfelt gratitude to his fellow Black artists and fans, saying, “Thank you for seeing me, Black people.”
“Thank you for believing in me Black people. Thank you for honoring me in this way,” he added. He also thanked his wife Shana, their four children, and his manager for their unwavering support.
Reflecting on a turbulent year, Killer Mike touched on his arrest at the Grammy Awards earlier this year. “Technically, I was not supposed to be here,” he shared.
“I was put in handcuffs, and I was marched out of this building. But I want to tell you — look at God, because I’m back, baby. I’m back and I’m living.”
He credited BET for his return, emphasizing the importance of Black-owned enterprises and their role in his success. “A Black man runs this business. A Black company put this show on, and they got my Black ass back in here. Thank y’all,” he added.
Killer Mike’s speech resonated deeply with the audience as he declared, “I am a representation of one of the finest things God has ever made — and that’s one half of the Black family. Black men and women — I am you, whether you’re young, whether you’re old, whether you like me, whether you don’t like me. I am absolutely you, and this win is absolutely ours.”
Before leaving the stage, the rapper, known for his political activism, urged viewers to vote. “They’re gonna tell you who we vote for is important, and it is. Who we vote for on the big stage is important, but it’s more important you know who your city council person is, who your prosecutor is,” he advised.
“If you don’t like the people running, run your Black ass to the poll and run yourself,” he added.
Killer Mike’s win comes just days after it was announced that he would not face charges for his Grammy night arrest in February. The incident occurred just moments after he won best rap song and best rap performance for Scientist & Engineers and best rap album for MICHAEL.
The rapper attributed the arrest to a misunderstanding with an overzealous security guard but remained confident that he would be cleared of all wrongdoing. “Until that time, keep listening to Michael and keep going after your dreams,” he encouraged his fans.
