Master P: Biography, Success Story, American Rapper

Master P’s biography is a remarkable success story that charts the rise of a music mogul who has left an indelible mark on the hip-hop industry. Born Percy Robert Miller, Master P transformed his life from humble beginnings in New Orleans to becoming the CEO of No Limit Records. His journey is not just about music; it’s a multifaceted saga of entrepreneurship and resilience, including ventures into movies, sports management, and business.

Early Life

Percy Robert Miller, better known as Master P, was born in the vibrant Third Ward of Uptown New Orleans, Louisiana. Raised in the challenging environment of the Calliope Projects, he was the eldest of five siblings, including his sister Germaine and three brothers: Kevin, along with Corey “C-Murder” and Vyshonne “Silkk the Shocker” Miller, both of whom would go on to achieve success as platinum-selling rap artists.

Master P’s educational journey began at Booker T. Washington High School, followed by Warren Easton High School, where he was active on the basketball team. His athletic prowess earned him a scholarship to the University of Houston. However, his time there was short-lived, as he dropped out just months into his freshman year. Seeking a change, he moved to Merritt College in Oakland, California, where he pursued a degree in business administration.

The turning point in Master P’s early life came with the unfortunate death of his grandfather, which led to him inheriting $10,000 from a malpractice settlement. With this capital, he opened a record store in Richmond, California, named No Limit Records And Tapes. This establishment laid the groundwork for what would later evolve into the No Limit Records label. On February 15, 1990, he released his first cassette tape, Mind Of A Psychopath. Tragically, that same year, his brother Kevin Miller was killed in New Orleans, a heartbreaking event that fueled Master P’s resolve to succeed as an entrepreneur, aiming to transform his life and uplift his family.

Music Career

1989–1995: From Get Away Clean to 99 Ways to Die

Percy Robert Miller, popularly known as Master P, embarked on his music career with notable vigor. His journey began with the release of his debut studio album, Get Away Clean, on February 12, 1991. He followed up with his second album, Mama’s Bad Boy, in April 1992, with both projects being distributed through In-A-Minute Records. That same year, Master P explored collaborative ventures, releasing the album Understanding the Criminal Mind with his group TRU. They continued their partnership with another release in 1993, an album titled Who’s da Killer?

In a continued effort to carve out his niche, Master P released his third studio album, The Ghettos Tryin to Kill Me!, on March 18, 1994. This album would see a re-release in 1997 as a limited edition under Priority Records. His productivity soared in 1994 as he contributed to the No Limit compilation albums West Coast Bad Boyz, Vol. 1: Anotha Level of the Game and West Coast Bad Boyz: High fo Xmas.

I think everybody has a good and bad side.

Master P

1995 marked a significant period for Master P as he released his fourth studio album, 99 Ways to Die, on June 6. That year, TRU also released their third album, True, which became a significant success. It climbed to number 25 on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and number 14 on the Billboard Top Heatseekers. This album featured the hit single “I’m Bout’ It, Bout It,” which remains one of Master P’s most recognized tracks. Additionally, he contributed to the compilation album Down South Hustlers: Bouncin’ and Swingin’ during that same year.

Reflecting on his early days, Master P shared an amusing anecdote from when he opened for Tupac Shakur in the early 1990s. He recalled how he was humorously introduced as “Mr. P, the country singer,” highlighting the unique and sometimes challenging path he navigated in his rise to fame.

1995–2000: A Journey to Success

In 1995, Master P returned to New Orleans from California to rejuvenate No Limit Records, bringing with him a fresh roster of artists and in-house producers known as Beats By the Pound. On April 16, 1996, he released his fifth album, Ice Cream Man, which featured the popular track “Mr. Ice Cream Man.” The following year, on February 18, 1997, Master P and his group TRU, now a trio including his brothers C-Murder and Silkk the Shocker, released Tru 2 da Game.

Master P’s mainstream breakthrough came with the release of Ghetto D on September 2, 1997. The album sold phenomenally, moving over 760,000 copies in its first week and eventually achieving triple platinum status. It featured the hit “Make ‘Em Say Uhh!”, Master P’s most successful single, which garnered him an MTV Video Music Award nomination for “Best Rap Video” in 1998, although he did not win and lost to Will Smith.

On June 2, 1998, Master P released his best-selling album, MP Da Last Don. Coinciding with a film of the same name released earlier that year, the album debuted at number one on the Billboard Top 200, selling over 400,000 copies in its first week and totaling over four million copies. On October 26, 1999, he released Only God Can Judge Me, which included the single “Step To Dis,” and achieved gold certification.

In 1999, Master P and TRU also released their fifth studio album, Da Crime Family. Continuing his prolific output, on November 28, 2000, Master P issued Ghetto Postage, with standout singles “Bout Dat” and “Souljas”. That same year, he and his new group 504 Boyz released their debut album Goodfellas, which soared to number one on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart and featured the hit “Wobble Wobble.”

2001–2005: From Game Face to Ghetto Bill

During the early 2000s, Master P continued to shape his musical career by releasing his tenth studio album, Game Face, on December 18, 2001. This album marked his first release under The New No Limit, a venture in partnership with Universal Records. In 2002, the 504 Boyz, a group Master P was part of, released their second album, Ballers. Both albums achieved notable positions on the hip-hop charts. However, this period also saw a decline in the label’s popularity, impacted by decreasing record sales, frequent roster changes, and multiple lawsuits. These challenges culminated in No Limit Records filing for bankruptcy on December 17, 2003.

Despite these setbacks, Master P was not deterred. He released his eleventh studio album, Good Side, Bad Side, on March 23, 2004, through Koch Records. The album was well-received, debuting number one on the Billboard Independent Albums chart. In 2005, Master P and TRU released their final album, The Truth. Master P also brought out his twelfth studio album, Ghetto Bill: The Best Hustler in the Game, signifying a continued effort to assert his presence in the music industry despite previous challenges.

2005–2007: Guttar Music and New Ventures

In 2005, Master P, alongside his son Romeo Miller, established the independent music label Guttar Music. That same year, on November 29, Master P ventured into independent music production with his thirteenth studio album, Living Legend: Certified D-Boy, released under Guttar Music. Additionally, Master P and the 504 Boyz released their final album, Hurricane Katrina: We Gon Bounce Back. This album was a heartfelt tribute to the victims of Hurricane Katrina, reflecting the duo’s dedication to the affected communities.

Moving forward, in April 2006, Master P curated a compilation album titled America’s Most Luved Bad Guy. The following year, 2007, saw another significant collaboration, this time with his son Romeo. The duo released the album Hip Hop History, which reached an audience around the globe, selling 32,000 copies. This period in Master P’s career marked a significant shift towards more personal and independent music ventures, showcasing his adaptability and continued influence in the music industry.

2010–present: The No Limit Forever Era

Since 2010, Master P has been actively redefining his music career with the launch of No Limit Forever. On December 6, 2010, he started with the announcement of a new tour named No Limit Forever International, featuring his brother Silkk The Shocker and his son Romeo. By February 8, 2011, he was back in the studio, featured on Gucci Mane’s track “Brinks,” marking his return to recording after a four-year hiatus.

In early 2012, Master P initiated a rebranding of his label, punctuated by a performance at Insane Clown Posse’s 12th Annual “Gathering of the Juggalos” concert on August 10, 2012. Later that year, on November 16, 2011, he released his mixtape TMZ (Too Many Zeros), his first solo project in over six years. 2012 continued to be a productive year with work on his thirteenth studio album, Boss of All Bosses, announced on August 2, 2012, and the release of a single snippet, “Friends With Benefits,” featuring Kirko Bangz, on September 17, 2012.

Master P started 2013 with the release of his mixtape Al Capone on January 16, promoting his upcoming album Boss of All Bosses. A collaborative mixtape followed this, New World Order, with his new group, Louie V. Mob, which included Alley Boy and Fat Trel, on February 12, 2013. Later that year, on August 6, he released another mixtape, Famous Again, featuring various artists and producers. By the end of the year, on December 6, 2013, he released his fifth album, The Gift.

The momentum continued into 2014 with the announcement of a video album re-release of The Gift titled The Platinum Gift, set for February 21, 2014. During this period, he also worked on two new albums, Ice Cream Man 2 and Boss of All Bosses, releasing his fourth mixtape, The Gift Vol. 1: Return of The Ice Cream Man, on February 28, 2014.

2015 was another bustling year with multiple releases, including the mixtapes We All We Got and #CP3, and the announcement of the debut album Rarri Boys from his group Money Mafia. Master P also revealed plans for three sequel albums to his Ice Cream Man album. The new albums Ice Cream Man 2: The Streets, Ice Cream Man 3: The Hustle, and Ice Cream Man 4: The Lifestyle were all announced for simultaneous release. His album Empire, released on November 27, 2015, featured various guest artists and marked another milestone in his prolific career.

By 2016, Master P had not slowed down, releasing new singles, including “Funeral” and “Middle Finga,” and announcing a new album, The Grind Don’t Stop with the No Limit Boys, along with his Pop-Up Tour. His mixtape activity continued robustly, with The G Mixtape and Louisiana Hot Sauce featuring extensive collaborations across the industry.

In early 2017, Master P released another collaboration mixtape with his No Limit Boys titled We All We Got, continuing his legacy in the music industry with relentless energy and innovation.

Chronicles of No Limit

On July 29, 2020, Master P unveiled No Limit Chronicles, a compelling five-part BET docuseries exploring the rise of his New Orleans-based hip-hop label, No Limit Records. The series delves into Master P’s journey as a record executive and businessman, highlighting the groundbreaking distribution deal with Priority Records that propelled No Limit Records to the forefront of the music industry in the 1990s.

Following the series’ release, public attention was drawn once again to the plight of Master P’s incarcerated brother, C-Murder. Inspired by the renewed interest, Master P took to social media to advocate for his brother’s release. On August 17, 2020, he posted a video on his Instagram account, capturing a moment where he and C-Murder’s lawyer addressed a crowd of supporters. The video showed their collective efforts to galvanize public support and momentum for C-Murder’s liberation, marking a significant moment in their ongoing campaign.

Business CarEER

Master P has made a mark not only as a rapper but also as a pioneering entrepreneur and investor. Starting with a humble record store in Richmond, California, called No Limit Records, he expanded this into a major record label of the same name. His entrepreneurial spirit was evident early on as he capitalized on the music industry’s retail potential.

Miller’s ventures are diverse, ranging from a travel agency to a Foot Locker retail outlet, real estate, stocks, and sectors as varied as film, music, and television production, toy manufacturing, clothing, telecommunications, jewelry, auto accessories, publishing, car rims, fast food franchises, and gas stations. His sports management agency, No Limit Communications, was a joint venture that turned into a success, and his conglomerate, No Limit Enterprises, became a financial powerhouse. His New Orleans-based real estate investment and property management company, PM Properties, manages over 100 properties across the United States. In 1998, No Limit Enterprises grossed an impressive $110 million, according to Black Enterprise magazine.

Miller’s innovative approach extended to marketing; he pioneered the adoption of more common strategies for corporations than music labels. His deal with Priority Records in 1996 was revolutionary. It allowed No Limit Records to retain 100% ownership of their master recordings and keep 85% of their record sales. Priority received 15% for pressing and distribution. This deal made him a fortune and allowed for profits from catalog sales and reissues.

Work hard and never make excuses.

Master P

Miller was adept at guerrilla marketing, distributing free tape samples to owners of expensive cars and promoting his music through grassroots methods. This approach helped build a robust fanbase. He produced albums with an emphasis on quantity and branding over individual artist identity, ensuring that No Limit’s brand was prominent. He leveraged cross-promotion tactics, including everything from album covers to inexpensive music videos and even tying promotions to films.

Under the No Limit banner, Miller’s record labels have sold 75 million records, demonstrating the effectiveness of his innovative strategies. His business empire, once overseen by him as the CEO of No Limit Entertainment, included various entities from No Limit Records to No Limit Films and even No Limit Sports Management.

In addition to his business acumen, Miller has managed the careers of several artists, including his son Romeo Miller, pop singer Forrest Lipton, and rapper Gucci Mane. He was also the executive producer for his daughter Cymphonique’s Nickelodeon show How To Rock and co-creator of Romeo!, another Nickelodeon hit. This vast array of business interests showcases Master P’s remarkable ability to merge creativity with entrepreneurial spirit, making him a role model for artists aspiring to leverage their artistry into broader business ventures.

Basketball Career

Master P also ventured into professional basketball, showcasing his diverse talents and interests. In 1998, he joined the Fort Wayne Fury of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA) as a backup guard. His entry into the team came after a No Limit employee suggested the Fury’s head coach give Master P a tryout. The coach found him coachable and an eager learner, though not quite ready for the NBA.

The following year, in January 1999, Master P made it to the Charlotte Hornets training camp roster, staying for ten days. This opportunity arose at the behest of Hornet Ricky Davis’s father. During this stint, he scored 7 points in intrasquad games and participated in two exhibition games before being released on February 1. Master P felt he performed well but attributed his release to the controversial nature of his rap lyrics.

Later, in 1999, he appeared on the Toronto Raptors’ training camp roster. Here, he scored eight points in one preseason game but was not retained for the regular season, a decision he felt was unfair. In November of the same year, Master P signed with the San Diego Stingrays of the International Basketball League (IBL), a league described as a haven for players developing their NBA-caliber skills. His time with the Stingrays was short-lived and generally viewed as disappointing, lasting less than a season.

In 2004, Master P played for the ABA’s Las Vegas Rattlers and Long Beach Jam and attended tryouts for the Denver Nuggets summer league training camp and the Sacramento Kings in 2005. His basketball journey also included participating in the 2008 McDonald’s NBA All-Star Celebrity Game, where he scored 17 points.

Apart from playing, Master P also contributed to the sport as a coach. He coached the AAU team, the P. Miller Ballers, mentoring future NBA players like Brandon Jennings, Lance Stephenson, and DeMar DeRozan.  DeRozan expressed deep gratitude for Master P’s guidance, describing him as a father figure who taught them about basketball and the business behind it.

Film and television career

Master P has made significant strides in film, television, and other entertainment ventures. Since 1997, he has appeared in various feature films and television shows. His roles span movies like Uncle P, Soccer Mom, Gone in 60 Seconds, Hollywood Homicide, Toxic, and Foolish. On television, he starred in Romeo! alongside his son Romeo Miller on Nickelodeon from 2003 to 2006. He competed in Dancing with the Stars, where he stepped in for his injured son. Despite a challenging performance, receiving the lowest score for his pasodoble in the show’s history, his participation was memorable.

You know, I started doing movies. I mean, my mind was brought into saying, ‘You know what? I want to build a generation of wealth.’

Master P

In the realm of professional wrestling, Master P’s influence was felt in 1999 when he led The No Limit Soldiers in World Championship Wrestling (WCW), feuding with Curt Hennig’s The West Texas Rednecks. His engagement with wrestling expanded when, on October 8, 2019, it was reported that he had acquired an ownership stake in the Brooklyn-based independent wrestling promotion House of Glory.

Adding to his entertainment credentials, in March 2011, it was announced that Master P was set to star in a new film titled Get Money, which would be based on his book of the same name. The film, involving his protégé Gucci Mane, was to be released through No Limit.

Moreover, on June 10, 2015, it was announced that Master P and his family would star in their own reality show, Master P’s Family Empire, which will air on Reelz in November. This show promises to give audiences a closer look into this prolific figure’s personal and professional life in the entertainment industry.

Legacy

Master P has left an indelible mark on the music industry and business. His legacy is defined mainly by his pioneering work with his independent record label, No Limit Records, which set new standards for artist-driven music businesses. He ventured into diverse business fields, cementing his reputation as a savvy entrepreneur.

Master P’s influence extends beyond his entrepreneurial success; he is highly respected within the hip-hop community, particularly in the South. Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz has spoken publicly about Master P’s impact, emphasizing his musical influence, remarkable work ethic, and approach to business. 

According to 2 Chainz, Master P’s relentless release schedule, often putting out new music weekly, inspired many artists, including himself. He noted that Master P’s dedication to meeting fan demand, sometimes releasing songs that hadn’t even been mixed, showcased his commitment to his audience. This approach helped shape the hip-hop landscape, particularly in the South, making Master P a role model for an entire generation of artists.

AWARDS And ACCOLADES

• 2001: Favorite Rap/Hip-Hop Artist at the American Music Awards
• 2005: Ranked number 36 on VH1’s 50 Greatest Hip Hop Artists
• 2008: Single “Make ‘Em Say Uhh!” ranked number 94 on VH1’s 100 Greatest Hip-Hop Songs
• 2011: Performed at the 2010 Hip Hop Honors by Romeo Miller and others to honor Master P and No Limit Records
• 2012: Tribute mixtape titled Uptown Veteran released by DJ 5150 and DJ Hektik
• 2013: Inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, the first hip-hop artist to be inducted
• 2015: Song “Bout It Bout It” with Montreal R&B/Hip Hop artist Xav released, paying homage to Master P’s hit
• 2021: Received an honorary doctorate from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania

Philanthropy

Percy Miller, widely recognized for his philanthropic efforts, has made significant contributions to communities by establishing the P. Miller Youth Centers and the P. Miller Food Foundation for the Homeless. His dedication to public service was acknowledged on July 12, 2005, when he was honored with the key to the city of Memphis, Tennessee, by its mayor, Willie W. Herenton Jr. Further recognition came on April 27, 2010, when both Miller and his son Romeo received a Certificate of Special Recognition from California Congresswoman Maxine Waters. These accolades highlight Miller’s commitment to giving back to society and supporting those in need.

Personal Life

Miller is a devout Catholic who has always maintained a strong connection to his faith. In 1999, he generously donated $500,000 to his Catholic elementary school. He also contributed to two other local churches in his community. Despite his strong beliefs, Miller’s life has been complex, especially when it comes to his marital relationship. After over two decades of marriage, Miller and his wife, Sonya C. Miller, separated in 2010, although the official divorce proceedings did not begin until 2013. The couple has seven children together. Additionally, Miller raised a child from outside his marriage and his nephew Veno, who was tragically killed in a robbery in 1990.

In 2014, a legal battle ensued when Sonya sought nearly 40% of their shared assets. The dispute was reportedly resolved privately by 2016, though it never reached the courts. In a significant move towards closure, Miller requested in December 2021 to be declared legally single, a status granted by May 2022.

Miller’s lifestyle took a notable turn in 2007 when he decided to stop using profanity. That same year, he actively supported Barack Obama in his presidential campaign. A more recent and heartbreaking event in Miller’s life was the loss of his daughter Tytyana at the age of 29, an incident that he publicly announced on May 29, 2022. This blend of uplifting and challenging personal milestones marks the profound journey of a man deeply intertwined with his beliefs, family, and civic duties.

Final Reflections

The success story of Master P outlined in his biography is an inspiring blueprint for aspiring artists and entrepreneurs. His strategic insight and relentless pursuit of success propelled him from a neighborhood music shop owner to a global icon. Master P’s biography not only celebrates his achievements in albums like Ghetto D and ventures into films like I Got the Hook Up but also underscores his significant impact on the music and entertainment industry.

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