Мастер P: Путь к успеху и создание No Limit Records

American rapper and record executive
the American rapper

Percy Robert Miller Sr. (born April 29, 1970), Having played on the basketball team, Miller attended the University of Houston on an athletic scholarship, but dropped out months into his freshman year and transferred to Merritt College in Oakland, California to major in business administration. After the death of his grandfather, Miller inherited $10,000 as part of a malpractice settlement. Miller opened a record store in Richmond, California called No Limit Records And Tapes, which later became the foundation for No Limit Records. On February 15, 1990, Master P released the cassette tape Mind Of A Psychopath. His brother Kevin Miller was killed that same year in New Orleans. This increased his motivation to become a successful entrepreneur to change his life and save his family.

Master P released his debut studio album Get Away Clean on February 12, 1991. This was followed by his second album Mama's Bad Boy, which was released in April 1992. Both albums were released through In A Minute Records. Also in 1992, he released his first collaboration album with his group TRU titled Understanding the Criminal Mind, and in 1993 they released another album titled Who's da Killer? Master P released his third studio album The Ghettos Tryin to Kill Me! on March 18, 1994; it was later re released in 1997 as a limited edition under Priority. That same year Master P collaborated on the No Limit 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 released his fourth studio album 99 Ways to Die. Master P and TRU released their third album True in 1995, which was the group's first major release after two independent albums. The album reached number 25 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums and number 14 on the Top Heatseekers. The album was known for its first single and one of Master P's best known songs "I'm Bout' It, Bout It". He also worked on the compilation album, Down South Hustlers: Bouncin' and Swingin', during that year. Master P said that when he used to open for Tupac Shakur in the early 1990s, the people responsible for introducing him would frequently call him "Mr. P the country singer".

In 1995, Master P moved from California back to New Orleans to relocate No Limit Records with a set of new artists and in house producers Beats By the Pound. On April 16, 1996, Master P released his fifth album Ice Cream Man. It contained the hit single "Mr. Ice Cream Man". Later in 1996, Master P returned with TRU to work on Tru 2 da Game, which would not be released until February 18, 1997. At that time, TRU was reduced to a trio with just Master P alongside his brothers C Murder and Silkk the Shocker. On September 2, 1997, Master P released his breakthrough album Ghetto D. The first week sales of the album were the highest of any of Master P's albums, selling over 760,000 copies, and it went on to go certified triple platinum. It contained the hit single "Make 'Em Say Uhh! ", Master P's highest charting single to date. The song earned him an MTV Video Music Award nomination the following year for "Best Rap Video", but lost to Will Smith's "Gettin' Jiggy Wit It". On June 2, 1998, Master P released his seventh and best selling album to date MP Da Last Don. Master P released a film of the same name earlier that year. The album debuted at number 1 on the Billboard Top 200 charts selling over 400,000 copies in its first week, and went on to sell over four million copies. On October 26, 1999, Master P released his eighth studio album Only God Can Judge Me, which contained his single "Step To Dis". The album went certified gold, selling over 500,000 copies. In 1999, Master P and TRU released their fifth studio album Da Crime Family. On November 28, 2000, he released his ninth studio album Ghetto Postage which contained his hit singles "Bout Dat" and "Souljas". Also in 2000, Master P and his new group 504 Boyz released their debut album Goodfellas, which peaked at number 1 on the Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums and contained their hit single "Wobble Wobble".

On December 18, 2001, Master P released his tenth studio album Game Face, the first Master P album released on The New No Limit, which had a partnership with Universal Records. In 2002, The 504 Boyz released their second album Ballers. Both albums charted high on the Hip Hop charts, but shortly after, No Limit began to decline in popularity. Record sales as well as roster changes and lawsuits caused No Limit Records to file for bankruptcy on December 17, 2003. Master P's eleventh album, titled Good Side, Bad Side, was released on March 23, 2004, through Koch Records, debuting at number 1 on the Billboard Independent Albums chart. Master P and TRU released their last album The Truth in 2005 followed by Master P's twelfth studio album Ghetto Bill:The Best Hustler in the Game

In 2005, Master P and his son Romeo Miller formed the independent label Guttar Music. On November 29, 2005, Master P released his first independent album and thirteenth overall, Living Legend: Certified D Boy, on Guttar Music. Master P and 504 Boyz released their last album titled Hurricane Katrina: We Gon Bounce Back that year, and it was dedicated to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. In April 2006, Master P released a compilation album America's Most Luved Bad Guy. In 2007, Master P released a collaboration album with Romeo titled Hip Hop History that sold 32,000 copies worldwide.

On December 6, 2010, it was announced that Master P was going on a new tour with his brother Silkk The Shocker and his son Romeo titled No Limit Forever International. On February 8, 2011, Master P was featured on rapper Gucci Mane's track titled "Brinks". It was his first recorded song in over four years. In early 2012, Master P started to re brand his label. On August 10, 2012, he performed at Insane Clown Posse's 12th Annual "Gathering of the Juggalos" concert. On November 16, 2011, Master P released his first mixtape and first solo project in over 6 years, titled TMZ (Too Many Zeros). On August 2, 2012, it was announced that Master P was working on his thirteenth studio album Boss of All Bosses. On September 17, 2012, Master P released snippet of an upcoming single titled "Friends With Benefits" featuring rapper/singer Kirko Bangz. On January 16, 2013, Master P released his second official mixtape titled Al Capone as a promotion for his Boss of All Bosses album. On February 12, 2013, Master P released his first collaboration mixtape titled New World Order with his new group, Louie V. Mob, which includes himself and rappers Alley Boy and Fat Trel. On August 6, 2013, Master P released his third official mixtape titled Famous Again as a promotion for his Boss of All Bosses album; it featured appearances from Rome, Silkk The Shocker, Dee 1, Young Louie, Play Beezy, Gangsta, Howie T, Clyde Carson, Game, Chief Keef, Fat Trel, Alley Boy, Problem, Wiz Khalifa, Tyga, and Chris Brown, as well as production from 1500 & Nothin, Young Bugatti, Stiv Schneider, The Composer, and JB. On December 6, 2013, Master P released his fifth album titled The Gift. On January 23, 2014, it was announced that The Gift would be re released on February 21, 2014, as a video album with a music video for every song, and that it would be titled The Platinum Gift. On February 6, 2014, it was announced that Master P was working on two new albums, Ice Cream Man 2, which is a sequel to Ice Cream Man, and Boss of All Bosses. On February 28, 2014, Miller released his fourth mixtape The Gift Vol. 1: Return of The Ice Cream Man. On January 5, 2015, Master P released his second collaboration mixtape titled We All We Got with his new group Money Mafia, which includes himself, his son Maserati Rome, Ace B, Young Junne, Eastwood, Gangsta, Play Beezy, Calliope Popeye, Flight Boy, and No Limit Forever in house producer Blaq N Mild. The mixtape would also include a surprise feature from rapper Lil Wayne on the track "Power". On February 9, 2015, Master P released his third collaboration mixtape titled #CP3 with his No Limit Forever artist and rapper Ace B. On April 20, 2015, Master P released his fourth collaboration mixtape titled Hustlin with his group Money Mafia. On June 4, 2015, it was announced that Master P's newest group Money Mafia would be releasing their debut album in 2015 titled Rarri Boys. On June 8, 2015, Master P along with Money Mafia would release their first single from Rarri Boys titled "Bonita". On July 16, 2015, Master P released his fifth collaboration mixtape titled The Luciano Family with his group Money Mafia. On October 7, 2015, Master P would reveal the cover art's and announced that there would be three sequel album installments to his critically acclaimed debut major label album Ice Cream Man titled Ice Cream Man 2: The Streets, Ice Cream Man 3: The Hustle, Ice Cream Man 4: The Lifestyle that will be released all on the same day. On October 13, 2015, Master P would reveal and announced the cover art, release date and track list to his upcoming new album titled Empire that will be released on November 28, 2015. On November 27, 2015, Master P would release his fourteenth album titled Empire, from the Hood to Hollywood; it would feature guest appearances from Krazy, Lil Wayne, Maserati Rome, Money Mafia, Ace B, BlaqNmilD, Fame O and Luccianos, and would be released via his label No Limit Forever Records and Globy House Records. On February 23, 2016, Master P would release a new single titled "Funeral"; it would feature his new group No Limit Boys members Ace B and Angelo Nano. On March 2, 2016, Master P would release a new single titled "Middle Finga". On March 18, 2016, during an interview Master P would announce he was working on a new album titled The Grind Don't Stop with his new group No Limit Boys & he would also announce his new tour titled the Pop Up Tour. On March 28, 2016, it was announced that Master P's newest group No Limit Boys formerly Money Mafia would be releasing their debut album in 2016 titled No Limit Boys. On August 21, 2016, Master P released his sixth official mixtape titled The G Mixtape; it featured appearances from 2 Chainz, A$AP Ferg, E 40, The Game, Gucci Mane, Jeremih, Lil Wayne, Nipsey Hussle, No Limit Boys, Rick Ross, Usher, Travis Scott and Yo Gotti. On October 27, 2016, Master P released his seventh official mixtape titled Louisiana Hot Sauce; it featured appearances from fellow No Limit Forever artist Ace B, Angelo Nano, Cymphonique, Gangsta, J Slugg, Lambo, Moe Roy, Play Beezy, Romeo and Young Vee. On January 6, 2017, Master P released his sixth collaboration mixtape titled We All We Got with his group No Limit Boys.

On July 29, 2020, Master P released No Limit Chronicles, a five part BET docuseries on his New Orleans based hip hop label. The series shares stories of Master P's career as a record executive and businessman, underscoring the unprecedented distribution deal with Priority Records that made No Limit Records a powerhouse record label in the 1990s. Awareness of the circumstances of Master P's incarcerated brother, C Murder, resurged after the series aired, prompting Percy to rally for his brother's release. On August 17, 2020, Master P posted a video to his Instagram account of him and C Murder's lawyer speaking to a group of protesters, inciting momentum to work in favor of his brother's liberation.

Aside from being a rapper, Master P has enjoyed a successful career as an entrepreneur and investor. Miller opened a record store in Richmond, California called No Limit Records, which later became the foundation for his own record label of the same name. Miller was one of the first rappers to notice and take advantage of the retail potential of the music industry. As an investor, Master P was one of the first rappers to build a business and financial empire by investing in a wide range of business and investment ventures from a variety of industries. He has since invested the millions of dollars he made from his No Limit record company into a travel agency, a Foot Locker retail outlet, real estate, stocks, film, music, and television production, toy making, clothing, telecommunications, a jewellery line, auto accessories, book and magazine publishing, car rims, fast food franchises, and gas stations. His sports management agency No Limit Communications, a joint venture with marketing guru Djuan Edgerton, was a success. His conglomerate company, No Limit Enterprises became a financial powerhouse. His real estate investment and property management company, the New Orleans based PM Properties controls over 100 properties across the United States. According to Black Enterprise magazine, No Limit Enterprises grossed $110 million in revenue in 1998 alone. This level of success inspired other rappers to branch out into other business ventures and investments. Miller also has his own line of beverages called "Make 'Em Say Ughh!" energy drinks. Miller has also made a foray into mass media, where he founded Better Black Television, a cable television network in November 2010 based in New Orleans, making him the first rapper to establish a cable television network. Rappers had historically focused more on the artistic and glamorous side of hip hop music while paying very little attention to the business, investment, and financial aspects. All that changed in 1996 when Master P signed a music distribution deal with Priority Records, one where No Limit Records would retain 100% ownership of their master recordings and keep 85% of their record's sales while giving Priority 15% in return for pressing and distribution which allows No Limit to profit from future sales such as catalogs and reissues. As founder and CEO of No Limit Entertainment, Miller at one time presided over a business empire that included his conglomerate 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. Miller represented former NFL running back Ricky Williams when he was drafted by the New Orleans Saints; however, the deal was rated the worst contract for a player in NFL History by ESPN. Miller manages the music, film, and television career of his son, Romeo Miller, as well as pop star Forrest Lipton and Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane. Miller was the executive television producer for his teenage daughter Cymphonique's Nickelodeon Show, How To Rock, and the co creator of Romeo!, the hit Nickelodeon television show that stars his son.

In 1998, Miller ranked 10th on Forbes magazine's list of America's 40 highest paid entertainers, with an estimated income of $56.5 million. In 2013, Miller's wealth is estimated to be $200 million, making him one of the wealthiest figures in the American hip hop scene.

In 1998, Miller joined the Fort Wayne Fury of the CBA as a backup guard after a No Limit employee asked the Fury head coach to give his boss a tryout. According to the coach Miller was "coachable [and] an eager learner", but not NBA material. Miller was on the Charlotte Hornets training camp roster for 10 days in January 1999. He was invited to participate at the request of Hornet Ricky Davis's father. He scored 7 points in intrasquad play and played eight minutes in two exhibition games before being released on February 1. That fall he was on the Toronto Raptors training camp roster. He scored eight points in one preseason game, but was dropped before the season began. He complained that the Raptors hadn't given him a fair chance. In November, he signed with the San Diego Stingrays of the short lived IBL, a "home for players without NBA skills and those who are developing them." His performance was disappointing and he played for less than a season. In 2004, Miller played for the ABA's Las Vegas Rattlers and Long Beach Jam. He earned try outs for the Denver Nuggets at training camp for the summer league in 2004 and the same opportunity for the Sacramento Kings in 2005. He took part in the 2008 McDonald's NBA All Star Celebrity Game and scored 17 points. As a coach, he coached the AAU team the P. Miller Ballers and alums of the team Brandon Jennings, Lance Stephenson, and DeMar DeRozan. DeRozan said of his time being coached by Miller that, "I am forever grateful for having him in my life He taught us about life, how to understand business—the business of basketball. He was, in a sense, a father figure."

On September 1, 2007, Miller released his first book, titled Guaranteed Success.

In 1999, The No Limit Soldiers appeared on WCW Monday Nitro feuding with The Filthy Animals and The West Texas Rednecks. On October 8, 2019, it was reported and confirmed that Master P purchased ownership in Brooklyn, New York based independent wrestling promotion House of Glory.

Miller is known for his music and his business acumen, due to creating and branding his highly successful independent record label No Limit Records, as well as his other business ventures. Miller is held in high esteem by other rappers as well. During an interview after meeting Miller, Atlanta rapper 2 Chainz stated, "This is my first time meeting [him]. I just want to let him know how he influenced the whole South in Hip Hop." 2 Chainz went on, "We used to argue people like they ain't understand why we appreciated Master P and his music. It was more than that. I felt like it was his grind, his hustle. He actually put music out like every week. I even heard stories about some of the songs never even being mixed before. It was just about giving the fans what they needed. And he the reason why a lot of us are here, including myself."

In 2001, Master P won the award for "Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Artist" at the American Music Awards. In 2005, Miller was ranked at number 36 by VH1 in their list of 50 Greatest Hip Hop Artists. On September 29, 2008, Miller's single "Make 'Em Say Uhh!" would be ranked at number 94 by VH1 in their list of 100 Greatest Hip Hop Songs. BET named Miller number 28 in 'The Most Influential Rappers of All Time'. BET also listed Miller as one of 'The 25 Influential Black Music Execs'. In November 2011, Miller's son Romeo Miller performed at the 2010 Hip Hop Honors, along with his brother Valentino Miller, his cousins Lil' D and Black Don, and his uncle Silkk The Shocker, as well as Trina, Gucci Mane, and Mystikal to honor Master P and No Limit Records. On December 11, 2012, DJ 5150 and DJ Hektik released a tribute mixtape to Master P titled Uptown Veteran. On July 10, 2013, Miller was inducted into the Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, making him the first hip hop artist to be inducted. On January 20, 2015, Montreal R&B/Hip Hop artist Xav released a song with Master P called "Bout It Bout It", from his upcoming Zeeky EP, paying homage to Master P's 1995 international hit. The music video, which also features Master P, premiered on Vibe. com the same day. On May 23, 2021, Master P received his honorary doctorate from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania.

Miller has dedicated his time to communities through P. Miller Youth Centers and his P. Miller Food Foundation for the Homeless. On July 12, 2005, Willie W. Herenton Jr, the mayor of Memphis, Tennessee, presented Miller with the key to the city. On April 27, 2010, Miller and his son Romeo were awarded the Certificate of Special Recognition from California Congresswoman Maxine Waters.

Miller is Catholic. In 1999, he donated $500,000 to the Catholic elementary school he attended and to two nearby churches. After 21 years of marriage Miller and his wife, Sonya C. Miller, separated in 2010 but Sonya did not file for a divorce until 2013. The former couple have 7 children together and Miller had 1 child out of the marriage and raised his brother's child, Veno, after he had been killed in a robbery in 1990. In 2014, Sonya sued Miller, asking for almost 40% of their assets. Miller has claimed that the two had settled the matter privately in 2016 but it was never submitted to court. In December 2021, he asked the judge to declare him legally single. In May 2022, it was reported that the rapper was legally declared single. In 2007, he swore off of profanity and endorsed Barack Obama for President of the United States of America, contributing frequently to his campaign. On May 29, 2022, Miller announced that his daughter Tytyana Miller had died at 29 years old.

Year Title Role Notes 1997 I'm Bout It Perry McKnight Video 1998 The Players Club Guy I Got the Hook Up Black MP da Last Don Nino Video 1999 Hot Boyz 'Moe' Video Foolish Quentin 'Fifty Dollah' Waise No Tomorrow Maker 2000 Track Down Brad Gone in 60 Seconds Johnnie 'Johnnie B' Lockdown Clean Up 911 Unknown Video 2001 Popcorn Shrimp Crip Short 2002 Undisputed Gat Boyz Rapper 1 Dark Blue 'Maniac' 2003 Death of a Dynasty Himself Hollywood Homicide Julius Armas Scary Movie 3 Himself Bad Bizness Mr. Carlson Video 2004 Still Bout It Perry McKnight Video Decisions Petey Video 2005 Uncle P Uncle P 2006 Repos 'Tee' Video God's Gift Pops Video Don't Be Scared Greg Video 2007 Paroled Al 'Big Al' Black Supaman Bernard Jr. Video 2008 Soccer Mom Wally Internet Dating Trey Video 2009 The Mail Man Rob The Pig People Unknown 2010 Toxic Angel 2011 Knock Knock Killer 'Pimp P' 2017 Killing Hasselhoff Del Toro Destruction: Los Angeles Jay Jones 2018 Never Heard Jason 2019 I Got the Hook Up 2 Black 2021 Never and Again Boss Man The Christmas Dance Brother Moore #Unknown Mayor Leo Rawlings 2026 Short Track Saturday Night Rex Allen

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 cast: 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 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 2004 Soul Train Himself Episode: "Master P/Freddie Jackson" CSI: NY Kevin Vick Episode: "Grand Master" 2006 Dancing with the Stars Contestant Contestant: Season 2 The Fabulous Life Presents: Really Rich Real Estate Himself Episode: "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: "Hip Hop Mogul Master P/Oprah's Hairstylist/Amy Grant/Legendary Coach Mike Ditka/J. R. Martinez" Highly Questionable Himself Episode: "Master P" 2015–16 Master P's Family Empire Himself Main cast 2016 Minay TV Himself Episode: "3rd Annual Compton Thanksgiving Dinner" 2016–20 Growing Up Hip Hop Himself Supporting cast: season 1 5 2017 Hip Hop Squares Himself/Contestant Episode: "Master P vs Romeo" Soundtracks: Songs That Defined History Himself Episode: "Hurricane Katrina" 2020 Celebrity Watch Party Himself Recurring Guest 2020 No Limit Chronicles Himself Episode: "Nightmares & Dreams" & "Rise of the Tank" 2021 Master P Reviews Himself Main cast 2022 Uncensored Himself Episode: "Master P" 2023 Soul of a Nation Himself Episode: "Hip Hop @ 50: Rhythms, Rhymes & Reflections A Soul of a Nation Presentation"

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