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Master P

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Master P
Born
Percy Robert Miller

(1970-04-29) April 29, 1970 (age 56)
New Orleans, Louisiana, U.S.
Occupation(s)Rapper, record producer, music executive, dancer, actor, businessman
Years active1989–present
Known forFounder of No Limit Records, member of TRU and 504 Boyz

Percy Robert Miller (born April 29, 1970), widely recognized as Master P, is an American rapper, record producer, music executive, dancer, actor, and business figure. In 1991, he established the record label No Limit Records, which he subsequently expanded into the subsidiaries New No Limit Records and No Limit Forever Records. Miller gained significant attention in the mid-1990s through his involvement with the label's hip hop collectives TRU and 504 Boyz, as well as his fifth solo album, Ice Cream Man (1996), which included the popular track "Ice Cream Man." His 1997 single "Make 'Em Say Uhh!" earned a platinum certification from the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

To date, Miller has released a total of 15 studio albums.

Early life

Born and raised in the Third Ward neighborhood of Uptown New Orleans, Louisiana, Percy Robert Miller grew up in the Calliope Projects. He is the second eldest among five siblings, including brothers Kevin and fellow platinum-certified rappers Corey "C-Murder" and Vyshonne "Silkk the Shocker" Miller. His education included attendance at St. Augustine High School, Booker T. Washington High School, and Warren Easton High School. Miller was active in basketball and briefly enrolled at the University of Houston on an athletic scholarship before transferring to Merritt College in Oakland, California, where he pursued a degree in business administration. Early in his career, he held positions at Bellsouth Mobility and Remco.

Following the passing of his grandfather, Miller received $10,000 from a malpractice settlement, which he utilized to launch a record store named No Limit Records And Tapes in Richmond, California. This venture laid the groundwork for what would become No Limit Records. On February 15, 1990, he independently released the cassette Mind Of A Psychopath. The same year marked a turning point after his brother Kevin was fatally shot in New Orleans, inspiring Miller to dedicate himself to entrepreneurship as a means to improve his circumstances and provide for his family.

1989–1995: Early works

Master P’s first album Get Away Clean debuted on February 12, 1991, followed by Mama's Bad Boy in April 1992; both projects were issued through In-A-Minute Records. In 1992, he initiated his collaboration with his group TRU, releasing their debut album Understanding the Criminal Mind, followed by Who's da Killer? in 1993. His third solo album The Ghettos Tryin to Kill Me! arrived on March 18, 1994, later re-released by Priority in 1997. That year also saw his contributions to No Limit’s compilation albums West Coast Bad Boyz, Vol. 1: Anotha Level of the Game and West Coast Bad Boyz: High fo Xmas.

On June 6, 1995, Master P unveiled his fourth studio album 99 Ways to Die. Additionally, TRU’s third album True, marking their first major label release after two independent records, was issued that year; it reached number 25 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and number 14 on the Top Heatseekers. This album featured "I'm Bout' It, Bout It," one of Master P’s most notable songs. During this timeframe, he also participated in the compilation project Down South Hustlers: Bouncin' and Swingin'.

Reflecting on his early career experiences opening for Tupac Shakur, Master P recounted that promoters often introduced him as "Mr. P the country singer."

1995–2000: Resurgence in New Orleans and Commercial Triumph

In 1995, Master P shifted No Limit Records back to its roots in New Orleans, introducing fresh talent alongside the in-house production team Beats By the Pound. On April 16, 1996, he unveiled his fifth studio project, Ice Cream Man, which featured the popular track "Mr. Ice Cream Man". Later that year, the group TRU—now composed of Master P and his siblings C-Murder and Silkk the Shocker—worked on their album Tru 2 da Game, released on February 18, 1997.

Master P reached a new peak with the release of Ghetto D on September 2, 1997, which sold more than 760,000 units in its opening week and earned triple platinum certification. This album included the successful single "Make 'Em Say Uhh!", which was nominated for "Best Rap Video" at the MTV Video Music Awards. Following this, on June 2, 1998, he dropped MP Da Last Don, his highest-selling release debuting at number one on the Billboard Top 200, with first-week sales surpassing 400,000 copies and eventually selling over four million copies. A film sharing the album's title was also launched that same year.

On October 26, 1999, Master P released Only God Can Judge Me, which achieved gold status by selling over 500,000 copies. That year also saw TRU issue their fifth studio album Da Crime Family. On November 28, 2000, Master P's ninth album Ghetto Postage arrived featuring singles such as "Bout Dat" and "Souljas". Additionally, in 2000, Master P's collective 504 Boyz debuted with Goodfellas, which topped the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and included the hit single "Wobble Wobble".

2001–2005: The New No Limit Era

Master P’s tenth studio album Game Face was released on December 18, 2001, marking the first project under The New No Limit label in collaboration with Universal Records. In 2002, 504 Boyz followed up with their sophomore album Ballers. Both releases achieved notable success on Hip-Hop charts; however, No Limit Records experienced a decline due to changes in its artist roster, legal disputes, and decreasing sales figures, ultimately leading to bankruptcy on December 17, 2003.

On March 23, 2004, Master P issued his eleventh studio album Good Side, Bad Side through Koch Records; it debuted at number one on the Billboard Independent Albums chart. The following year saw Master P and TRU release their final collaborative effort titled The Truth, alongside Master P’s twelfth solo album Ghetto Bill: The Best Hustler in the Game.

2005–2007: Establishment of Guttar Music

In 2005, Master P partnered with his son Romeo Miller to create the independent label Guttar Music. That same year, Master P launched his thirteenth album Living Legend: Certified D-Boy under this new imprint. Additionally, Master P and 504 Boyz released Hurricane Katrina: We Gon Bounce Back, a project dedicated to those affected by Hurricane Katrina.

April 2006 saw the release of Master P's compilation album America's Most Luved Bad Guy. In 2007, he collaborated once again with Romeo on the album Hip Hop History, which achieved global sales of approximately 32,000 copies.

Since 2010: No Limit Forever and Recent Projects

On December 6, 2010, Master P revealed plans for a new tour named No Limit Forever International, which included his brother Silkk The Shocker and son Romeo. After a hiatus of more than four years, he made a comeback on February 8, 2011, by appearing on rapper Gucci Mane's track "Brinks." In early 2012, Master P initiated a rebranding effort for his record label. He also took the stage at the Insane Clown Posse event "Gathering of the Juggalos" on August 10, 2012. Prior to that, on November 16, 2011, he dropped his first solo mixtape in over six years titled TMZ (Too Many Zeros). By August 2012, he was in the process of creating his thirteenth studio album, Boss of All Bosses, and a preview of the single "Friends With Benefits," featuring Kirko Bangz, debuted in September 2012.

Master P released the mixtape Al Capone on January 16, 2013, as a promotional lead-up to Boss of All Bosses. Following that, on February 12, he introduced a joint mixtape called New World Order alongside Louie V. Mob. His third official mixtape, Famous Again, arrived on August 6 and included contributions from artists such as Romeo, Silkk The Shocker, Game, Chief Keef, Wiz Khalifa, and Chris Brown. Production credits featured prominent names like 1500 & Nothin. Later that year, on December 6, Master P unveiled his fifth studio album titled The Gift.

In early 2014, the album The Gift was reissued as a video album under the name The Platinum Gift, showcasing music videos for each track. Around this time, he announced work on two upcoming albums: Ice Cream Man 2 and Boss of All Bosses. On February 28, 2014, he released another mixtape called The Gift Vol. 1: Return of The Ice Cream Man.

On January 5, 2015, Master P presented the mixtape We All We Got with his collective Money Mafia; this project featured rapper Lil Wayne on the track "Power." In February, he collaborated with rapper Ace B to release the mixtape #CP3. Money Mafia’s fourth mixtape titled Hustlin was launched in April. By June, they announced their debut album named Rarri Boys, with its lead single "Bonita" following soon after. July brought the fifth Money Mafia mixtape called The Luciano Family. In October, Master P revealed plans for three sequel albums to his initial major label debut: Ice Cream Man 2: The Streets, Ice Cream Man 3: The Hustle, and Ice Cream Man 4: The Lifestyle, all slated for simultaneous release. His fourteenth studio album Empire, from the Hood to Hollywood was released on November 27 and featured appearances from artists including Lil Wayne, Maserati Rome, and Money Mafia through No Limit Forever Records and Globy House Records.

In early 2016, singles such as "Funeral" and "Middle Finga," which included members from his newly formed group No Limit Boys, were released. He also announced an upcoming album titled The Grind Don't Stop accompanied by a Pop-Up Tour. No Limit Boys planned to debut their first album later that year. On August 21, Master P dropped his sixth official mixtape called The G Mixtape, featuring collaborations with prominent artists like 2 Chainz, E-40, Gucci Mane, Lil Wayne, and Rick Ross. October saw the arrival of his seventh official mixtape entitled Louisiana Hot Sauce, which showcased talents from No Limit Forever such as Ace B and Romeo.

On January 6, 2017, Master P released his sixth collaborative mixtape with No Limit Boys under the title We All We Got.

No Limit Chronicles and Master P's retirement

On July 29, 2020, Master P debuted No Limit Chronicles, a five-episode documentary series on BET that chronicles his New Orleans-based hip-hop label. The series focuses on Master P’s journey as a music executive and entrepreneur, highlighting the revolutionary distribution agreement with Priority Records that elevated No Limit Records during the 1990s. It also brought renewed public focus to the imprisonment of his brother, C-Murder, prompting Master P to actively advocate for his release. On August 17, 2020, he shared footage of conversations with C-Murder’s attorney amid a demonstration supporting his brother’s freedom.

In July 2025, Master P declared his retirement from the music industry to assume the roles of head coach and president of basketball operations for the University of New Orleans basketball program. His farewell musical appearance took place at the 2025 Essence Festival of Culture.

Business career

Beyond his accomplishments as a rapper, Master P has forged a thriving path as an entrepreneur and investor. His initial venture was a record store in Richmond, California, named No Limit Records, which eventually transformed into a prominent record label. Early on, he identified retail opportunities and expanded his portfolio into various sectors such as travel agencies, retail chains like Foot Locker, real estate holdings, stock investments, film and television production, toy manufacturing, apparel lines, telecommunications, jewelry, automotive accessories, publishing, fast food franchises, and gas stations.

His sports management firm No Limit Communications—formed in partnership with marketing specialist Djuan Edgerton—achieved notable success. The umbrella company No Limit Enterprises grew into a substantial financial entity; its real estate division PM Properties manages over 100 properties across the United States. In 1998 alone, No Limit Enterprises reported revenues of $110 million. This remarkable achievement encouraged other hip-hop artists to explore business ventures beyond their musical careers. Additionally, Master P launched an energy drink brand named "Make 'Em Say Ughh!".

Master P transformed traditional music industry models through a 1996 distribution deal with Priority Records that allowed No Limit Records to maintain full ownership of master recordings and receive an 85% share of sales revenue while allocating only 15% to Priority for manufacturing and distribution services. This arrangement secured significant profit margins from both initial releases and future catalog sales. He introduced innovative marketing approaches resembling corporate campaigns rather than costly music videos or heavy radio promotion. By initially selling tapes directly and employing guerrilla marketing tactics such as handing out free samples to influential individuals, he cultivated a dedicated grassroots audience.

Following his alliance with Priority Records, Master P implemented a strategy of frequent album releases under the unified No Limit brand to emphasize the label’s identity over individual performers. He cross-promoted artists within album artwork and utilized distinctive pen-and-pixel style graphics featuring Mafia-inspired motifs to set releases apart visually. Offering more tracks per album than competitors enhanced perceived consumer value. He personified artists as comic book-like characters and leveraged SoundScan chart dominance to amplify popularity perception. His integrated marketing campaigns bundled albums with films and videos as cohesive packages that prioritized brand strength over solely musical content. These pioneering tactics contributed to selling 75 million records.

As founder and CEO of No Limit Entertainment, Master P managed a multifaceted enterprise including No Limit Enterprises, No Limit Records, Bout It Inc., No Limit Clothing, No Limit Communications, No Limit Films, No Limit Sports Management, P.M. Properties, and Advantage Travel. He represented NFL running back Ricky Williams during his draft by the New Orleans Saints, although that contract was later labeled by ESPN as one of the poorest in NFL history. Master P also oversees the careers of his son Romeo Miller, pop artist Forrest Lipton, and rapper Gucci Mane. He served as executive producer for his daughter Cymphonique’s Nickelodeon series How To Rock and co-created Romeo!, which starred his son.

Professional basketball career

In 1998, Miller secured a position as a reserve guard with the Fort Wayne Fury of the CBA after a No Limit associate facilitated a tryout. The team's coach described him as "teachable and eager to learn," though he did not view Miller as having NBA potential.

During January 1999, Miller spent ten days on the Charlotte Hornets training camp roster, invited through the influence of Hornet Ricky Davis's father. He contributed seven points in scrimmage and participated in two preseason games before being released on February 1. Miller asserted that his dismissal was due to objections over the explicit nature of his rap lyrics.

Later that year, Miller attended the Toronto Raptors training camp in the fall, scoring eight points in one preseason matchup but ultimately being cut prior to the regular season. He expressed dissatisfaction with what he perceived as an unfair evaluation from the Raptors organization.

In November 1999, Miller signed with the San Diego Stingrays of the IBL, a developmental league aimed at honing NBA-caliber skills. His tenure was underwhelming, and he left before completing a full season.

By 2004, Miller competed for both the ABA's Las Vegas Rattlers and Long Beach Jam. That same year, he earned tryouts with the Denver Nuggets, followed by an opportunity with the Sacramento Kings in 2005. He also took part in the 2008 McDonald's NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, where he tallied 17 points. Beyond playing, Miller coached the AAU team P. Miller Ballers, guiding future NBA talents such as Brandon Jennings, Lance Stephenson, and DeMar DeRozan, who commended his mentorship in basketball skills and business acumen.

In July 2025, Miller was appointed head coach and president of basketball operations for the University of New Orleans men's basketball program.

Film and television career

Master P has been featured in a variety of films since 1997, including both theatrical releases and direct-to-DVD projects such as I Got the Hook Up, Soccer Mom, Gone in 60 Seconds, Hollywood Homicide, Toxic, and Foolish. From 2003 to 2006, he starred alongside his son Romeo Miller in the Nickelodeon sitcom Romeo!. Additionally, Master P competed on Dancing with the Stars paired with Ashly DelGrosso but was eliminated during the fourth week.

In 1999, he co-starred with Eddie Griffin in the movie Foolish. In March 2011, plans were announced for him to headline Get Money, a film inspired by his book and featuring Gucci Mane, to be distributed through No Limit.

On June 10, 2015, it was revealed that Master P and his family would feature in a reality television series titled Master P's Family Empire, set to premiere on Reelz in November.

Writing

Miller published his debut book, Guaranteed Success, on September 1, 2007.

Pro wrestling

In 1999, Master P led the No Limit Soldiers wrestling faction within World Championship Wrestling (WCW), engaging in rivalries against Curt Hennig's West Texas Rednecks and the Filthy Animals.

On October 8, 2019, he became part-owner of House of Glory, an independent wrestling promotion based in Brooklyn. He also appeared on AEW Dynamite on April 23, 2025.

Legacy

Master P is widely acknowledged for both his musical talent and entrepreneurial skills, having established No Limit Records, an independent label that grew into a multifaceted enterprise under the "No Limit" brand.

Southern hip-hop artist 2 Chainz has credited Master P with shaping the culture of Southern rap, emphasizing his tireless dedication and consistent output as key elements behind their achievements.

Accolades and honors

At the 2001 American Music Awards, Master P earned the title of "Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist."

In 2005, he was placed at number 36 on VH1's list of the 50 Greatest Hip Hop Artists. On September 29, 2008, his track "Make 'Em Say Uhh!" secured the 94th spot on VH1's 100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs.

BET ranked Master P as the 28th most influential rapper in history and included him among 'The 25 Influential Black Music Executives.'

During the 2010 Hip Hop Honors, held in November 2011, Miller’s son Romeo Miller along with other family members performed to pay tribute to Master P and No Limit Records.

A tribute mixtape titled Uptown Veteran, created by DJ 5150 and DJ Hektik, was released on December 11, 2012, honoring Master P’s legacy.

On July 10, 2013, Miller became the first hip hop artist to be inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame.

Montreal-based artist Xav released a track called "Bout It Bout It" featuring Master P on January 20, 2015, as a nod to his global hit from 1995; its music video debuted on Vibe.com.

Master P was awarded an honorary doctorate by Lincoln University on May 23, 2021, recognizing his impactful contributions.

Philanthropy

Through initiatives like the P. Miller Youth Centers and the P. Miller Food Foundation for the Homeless, Miller has actively supported various communities. On July 12, 2005, Memphis Mayor Willie W. Herenton Jr honored him with the key to the city. On April 27, 2010, California Congresswoman Maxine Waters presented certificates of special recognition to Miller and his son Romeo. In December 2013, he organized a benefit concert in Louisville to aid the children of murder victim Andrea Arnold.

Personal life

A practicing Catholic, Miller donated $500,000 in 1999 to his Catholic elementary school as well as two nearby churches.

After more than two decades of marriage, Miller and Sonya C. Miller separated in 2010; she filed for divorce three years later in 2013. Together they have seven children: Romeo (born 1989), Vercy (1991), Tytyana (1992), Inty (1993), Itali (1999), Hercy (2002), and Mercy (2005). Additionally, Miller is father to Cymphonique (1996). The couple also raised their nephew Veno following the tragic death of Miller’s brother during a robbery in 1990.

In 2014, Sonya sought nearly a 40% share of their assets; Miller stated they reached a private agreement in 2016 without court involvement. In December 2021, he filed to be legally declared single; this request was approved in May 2022.

Miller renounced profanity in 2007 and actively supported Barack Obama’s presidential campaign through frequent endorsements.

On May 29, 2022, Miller publicly announced the passing of his daughter Tytyana at age 29.

Discography

Studio albums

Film

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Television

Year Title Role Notes
1997 I'm Bout It Perry McKnight Video release
1998 The Players Club Guy
I Got the Hook Up Black
MP da Last Don Nino Video release
1999 Hot Boyz 'Moe' Video release
Foolish Quentin 'Fifty Dollah' Waise
No Tomorrow Maker
2000
Track Down Brad
Gone in 60 Seconds Johnnie 'Johnnie B'
Lockdown Clean Up
911 Unknown role Video release
2001 Popcorn Shrimp Crip Short film
2002 Undisputed Gat Boyz Rapper 1
Dark Blue 'Maniac'
2003 Death of a Dynasty Himself Appeared as himself
Hollywood Homicide Julius Armas
Scary Movie 3 Himself
Bad Bizness Mr. Carlson Video release
Year Title Role Notes
1999 Linc's Himself Episode: "Lovers and Other Traitors"
WCW Monday Nitro Himself Episode: "Episode #4.43"
Malcolm & Eddie Mister O Episode: "Badfellas"
2000 Louis Theroux's Weird Weekends Himself Episode: "Gangsta Rap"
Moesha Patience Recurring role in season 5
2001 Journeys in Black Himself Episode: "Master P"
Making the Video Himself Episode: "Snoop Dogg: Lay Low"
E! True Hollywood Story Himself
The Hughleys Himself Episode: "I'm Dreaming of a Slight Christmas"
Dark Angel Duvailer Episode: "Art Attack"
Oz Curtis Bennett Episode: "Orpheus Descending"
2002 MADtv Himself Episode: "Episode #7.19"
Girlfriends Himself Episode: "X Does Not Mark the Spot"
2002-04 Hollywood Squares Himself Recurring guest appearances
2003 Star Search Himself/Guest Judge Episode: "The One with the Father and Son Duo Master P and Lil' Romeo"
Doggy Fizzle Televizzle Himself Episode: "Episode #1.5"
2003–06 Romeo! Percy Miller Main cast member
2004 Soul Train Himself Episode featuring Master P and Freddie Jackson
CSI: NY Kevin Vick Episode: "Grand Master"
2006 Dancing with the Stars Contestant Competed in season 2
The Fabulous Life Presents: Really Rich Real Estate Himself Episode: "#1.3"
2008 The Greatest Himself Episode: "100 Greatest Hip Hop Songs"
2009 Robot Chicken Nick's Friend (voice) Episode: "President Evil"
2015 Oprah: Where Are They Now? Himself

Episode focusing on Hip Hop Mogul Master P and others |-

  Highly Questionable
  Himself |
  Episode titled "Master P" |-   
  2015–16 |
  Master P's Family Empire |
  Himself |
  Featured as main cast |-   
  2016 |
  Minay TV |
  Himself |
  Appearance in episode "3rd Annual Compton Thanksgiving Dinner" |-   
  2016–20 |
  Growing Up Hip Hop |
  Himself |
  Supporting cast during seasons one through five |-   
  rowspan="2"|2017 |
  Hip Hop Squares |
  Himself/Contestant |
  Appeared in episode "Master P vs Romeo" |-   
  Soundtracks: Songs That Defined History |
  Himself |
  Featured in episode on "Hurricane Katrina" |-   
  2020 |
  Celebrity Watch Party |
  Himself |
  Recurring guest role |-   
  2020 |
  No Limit Chronicles |
  Himself |
  Appeared in episodes "Nightmares & Dreams" and "Rise of the Tank" |-   
  2021 |
  Master P Reviews |
  Himself |
  Main cast member |-   
  2022 |
  Uncensored |
  Himself |
  Featured in episode titled "Master P" |-   
   2023|
   Soul of a Nation|
   Himself|
   Appeared in episode “Hip-Hop @ 50: Rhythms, Rhymes & Reflections - A Soul of a Nation Presentation”|

}

Documentaries

Year Title Role Notes
1995 Eyes on Hip Hop Himself
1997 Rhyme & Reason Himself
2001 Xzibit: Restless Xposed Himself
Welcome to Death Row Himself
2003 Paper Chasers Himself
2006 Life After Death Row Himself
2008 The Life and Times of Mr. Perfect Himself
Desert Bayou Himself
2010 Run Ricky Run Himself
2022 From the Hood to Hollywood Himself

Video games

Year Title Voice role Notes
2002 Street Hoops Himself Vocals
2018 Get Money Himself Voice role

See also