Killer Mike Gives Passionate Speech as He Wins Album of the Year at 2024 BET Awards: 'This Win Is Absolutely Ours'

Chris Brown, Gunna, 21 Savage, Usher, Drake, Victoria Monét and Nicki Minaj were all in the running this year

Killer Mike has taken home one of the biggest awards of the night at this year's BET Awards.

The Grammy-winner was awarded album of the year at Sunday's awards show in Los Angeles for his album MICHAEL.

Also up for the prize this year were Chris Brown for his album 11:11, Gunna for A Gift & a Curse, 21 Savage for American Dream, Usher's Coming Home, Drake's For All the Dogs (Scary Hours Edition), Victoria Monét's Jaguar II, Killer Mike for MICHAEL and finally Nicki Minaj, for Pink Friday 2.

Killer Mike was one of eight impressive albums in the running this year — and fans even wondered if another album would also be jointly presented with prize this year, considering that at the 2023 ceremony, Beyoncé and SZA both won album of the year for Renaissance and SOS.

In his acceptance speech, the musician expressed his gratitude for the support he receives from his fellow Black artists, stating simply: "Thank you for seeing me, Black people."

"Thank you for believing in me Black people. Thank you for honoring me in this way," he continued, thanking his wife Shana, their four children and his manager.

Related: Killer Mike Will Not Face Charges Over 2024 Grammys Arrest

The artist (born Michael Render) also spoke about being arrested at the Grammy Awards this year, saying: "Technically, I was not supposed to be here."

"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 continued his impassioned speech. "I want to tell Black people that because of BET, I'm back. Not because of no white person calling nobody."

"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, telling the crowd that his win is a win for everyone in attendance.

"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," he said. "I am absolutely you, and this win is absolutely ours."

Finally, before exiting the stage, the rapper tapped into his background in politics and encouraged 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 finished. "If you don’t like the people running, run your Black ass to the poll and run yourself.

Related: BET Awards 2024: Everything to Know About 'Culture's Biggest Night'

Killer Mike's win comes just days after it was announced that he would not face charges for his Grammy night arrest. Back in February, the rapper was led out of the award ceremony in handcuffs just moments after winning best rap song and best rap performance for "Scientist & Engineers" and best rap album, also for Michael.

At the time, the "Run" artist shared a statement with PEOPLE about the public arrest, citing "confusion around which door my team and I should enter."

"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," the artist said at the time. "Until that time, keep listening to Michael, and keep going after your dreams."

Taraji P. Henson is hosting the 24th annual BET Awards. Performances this evening included an opening from Megan Thee Stallion, as well as sets from GloRilla, Ice Spice, Latto, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Muni Long, Sexyy Red, Shaboozey, Tanner Adell, Tyla, Monét, YG Marley, and even Will Smith.

The 2024 BET Awards air on June 30 at 8 p.m. ET/ PT live from the Peacock Theatre in Los Angeles.

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