Iconic Rapper Scarface reportedly won the coveted “I Am Hip Hop” Award at the BET Hip Hop Awards at the Jones Atlanta Civic Center, Friday night.
Unfortunately, things did not go well afterwards, as the 44-year-old rapper was arrested moments later, and booked at Fulton County Jail in Georgia.
Scarface got a BET award, then got arrested: http://t.co/g4LKQfeVXf pic.twitter.com/fHzqa5MCpo
— XXL Magazine (@XXL) October 12, 2015
According to reports , Scarface, whose real name is Brad Jordan, was arrested for failing to pay child support. Rapper and actor Christopher “Ludacris” Bridges, whom he helped to “break into the industry,” handed him the award. Scarface then delivered a moving acceptance speech, thanking fans, and showing his love for the hip hop industry after almost 30 years of being in the business. However, after exiting the stage with his award still in one hand, he was handcuffed by police officers. “Literally, he walked off the stage holding his awards and handcuffs were put on him,” according to a report .
Scarface arrested at taping of BET’s Hip-Hop Awards: http://t.co/qj30KM0yA5 pic.twitter.com/kMmcVxLuiQ — VibeMagazine (@VibeMagazine) October 12, 2015
After Scarface exited the stage heading back to the celebrity trailers, there were 10 sheriffs waiting to arrest him.
Brad Jordan, who hails from Houston, was reportedly prohibited from leaving Texas due to issues concerning his failure to provide child support. In the report, Jordan owes $482,190 in child support duties.
“Scarface was so concerned about accepting his award and not disappointing his fans he risked being arrested,” the report added.
Meanwhile, hip hop star Snoop Dogg, who hosted the event, was backstage when Scarface received his award. He was disappointed to see the hip hop icon get arrested and end the moment “on a sour note.”
The 2015 BET Hip Hop Awards show was also slightly delayed because of the incident.
Fulton County Jail records state that Scarface was arrested and jailed on Oct. 9, and was still in custody as of Monday afternoon, according to Fulton County Sheriff’s Office spokeswoman Tracy Flanagan.
Scarface became popular in the late 1980’s, together with his group Geto Boys. Their song “Mind Playing Tricks On Me” became a hit and boosted their music career in the hip hop scene.
Scarface, who was referred to by Ludacris as one of “hip hop’s best storytellers,” has already released 12 albums, with hits such as “Smile,” “I Seen a Man Die,” and “My Block.” His fellow artists hailed him for his “gritty lyrics and street wisdom” in the industry.
Scarface has worked with various hip hop artists such as 2Pac and Jay Z. The Geto Boys singer was also among the first Southern rappers to gain recognition outside of Texas before 2000.
The “I Am Hip Hop” Award is an honorary recognition to hip hop artists who have made significant contributions in the development and popularity of the hip hop industry.
A detailed account of the award for Scarface can be viewed at BET.com . It includes his humble beginnings as a “gifted MC,” his fame with the Geto Boys, the release of his debut solo album, and various collaborations with hip hop’s finest artists.
Previous recipients of the “I Am Hip Hop” Award in recent years include other hip hop greats such as Doug E. Fresh, MC Lyte, Rakim, LL Cool J, Salt-N-Pepa, Ice Cube, Russell Simmons, KRS-One, and Grandmaster Flash.
Doug E. Fresh takes home the “I Am Hip-Hop” Icon Award at 2014 BET Hip-Hop Awards http://t.co/lDGbLueQeo pic.twitter.com/CNx81XRCrD
— Karen Civil (@KarenCivil) September 22, 2014
Scarface’s successful and inspiring career that has made waves in the hip hop scene for decades will not likely be tarnished by his arrest at the awards show.
To know more about who won the awards in this year’s BET Hip Hop Awards, the show will air on Tuesday, October 13.
[Images by Bob Levey, Kevork Djansezian; Getty Images]
