Master P is officially stepping away from the mic and into a full-time courtside role as he prepares to retire from music.
According to P, he will give his final performance at the 2025 Essence Festival in New Orleans so he can focus on his new role as President of Basketball Operations for the University of New Orleans men’s basketball team.
The No Limit Records founder, who helped launch the careers of artists like Mystikal, Silkk the Shocker, C-Murder, Mia X, Soulja Slim and many others, told WDSU he’s ready to close the chapter on his music career and dedicate his energy to mentoring young athletes in his hometown.
The 2025 Essence Festival, scheduled for July 4-6, will mark the end of a three-decade run that saw Master P sell over 100 million records, dominate the Hip-Hop charts and build a business empire that stretched into film, fashion and real estate.
The Louisiana Legislature honored him by naming June 11 “Master P Day” in recognition of his contributions to the state and he was recently inducted into the NOLA Walk of Fame.
His 1998 album MP Da Last Don debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and sold over 4 million copies, cementing his place in rap history.
“I grew up in the Calliope Projects. Grew up with my grandparents,” he told WDSU. “My dad was a man who loved to work. He taught me hard work… It’s been nothing but a blessing. I know God has definitely blessed me and my family.”
Now, he’s turning his attention to the hardwood.
A former college and NBA basketball player, as well as a longtime AAU coach, Master P has spent the last 20 years training and mentoring young athletes through his program, P. Miller’s Ballers. This program has produced NBA talent, including DeMar DeRozan and Jalen Suggs.
His new role at the University of New Orleans isn’t just about wins and losses. He wants to rebuild the Privateers program and provide local youth with a path forward through education and sports.
“Being a coach here and being able to save these kids’ life. Take them off the street. Help them get their college degree at a D1 school. It’s so important to me,” he said.
The Essence Festival will be his final concert, but he’s not leaving the spotlight. “I’m telling people, say goodbye to Master P and say hello to Coach P,” he said.
Related
