In a gripping tale of resilience and transformation, the story of “Lil P”—who would rise to fame as Master P—unfolds against the backdrop of New Orleans’ brutal streets. Born Percy Miller in 1970, he faced unimaginable horrors as a 𝘤𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥, witnessing violence that would haunt him forever. By the age of four, he had seen a murder, a traumatic experience that shaped his understanding of life’s fragility.
Despite a challenging upbringing marked by poverty and family turmoil, Master P found solace in basketball, earning a scholarship to the University of Houston. However, a devastating ACL injury shattered his dreams, forcing him back to the streets of New Orleans. Struggling to survive, he turned to drug dealing, but a life-altering moment came when he became a father. This pushed him to seek a better life for his family, leading him to Richmond, California.
It was there that a chance encounter with a bustling record store ignited his entrepreneurial spirit. With a $10,000 settlement from a lawsuit, he opened No Limit Records, which quickly evolved into a cultural phenomenon. Master P’s raw storytelling resonated with fans, and after the tragic murder of his brother Kevin in 1990, he channeled his grief into music, propelling No Limit to unprecedented heights.
With hits like “Make ‘Em Say Uhh!” and a unique business acumen, Master P transformed hip-hop, selling over 100 million records and establishing himself as a mogul. Yet, the journey was fraught with tension, especially with rival Birdman of Cash Money Records. Their rivalry, rooted in street history and competitive business moves, continues to reverberate through the industry.
Recently, tensions resurfaced during a surprise appearance by Master P at a Hot Boys reunion, reigniting old rivalries and reminding fans of the complex dynamics between two of New Orleans’ most iconic figures. As Master P’s legacy grows, the echoes of his past and the streets of New Orleans remain ever-present, a testament to his indomitable spirit.