Master P. – Interview

getting down with master p.

Amidst all the negativity that surrounds Master P. and his label No Limit we thought we’d change the pace a bit. I chatted with P (aka Percy Miller) and we went straight for the positive approach. We didn’t ask about his brother, C-Murder’s, murder rap or his recent financial woes. No we talked about the future and the past. The things that matter and the things that will matter when its all said and done.

What’s a day in the life like?

Oh man, busy. (Laughs) With the clothing line, the record, we’ve got our gameface on. It’s an Ooohhhwee year.

I can’t even keep up with your life. I don’t know how you keep up. Is there five Master P.’s running around out there?

I cloned myself. There is four of me running around. One is shooting movies, one is playing basketball, one is taking care of music. Seriously we just make the time.

Do you consider yourself a workaholic?

Oh yeah. I think you have to be when you own your own business. I’m looking at the new No Limit as being a legacy. It’s incredible that we’ve been able to build this up and survive over ten years and we are doing the right thing by maintaining.

Is the difference between the haters and those have is that haters are sitting home doing nothing but complaining?

Oh yeah. People sit around thinking they are better than you, but they don’t make it happen.

What is the definition of the new No Limit?

Well the old tank was square. The new one is round. The unity is with the round platinum tank. The circle symbolizes unity. I think the new No Limit is me, Romeo, Silkk (the Shocker) and we are the roots to the tree. It’s about us and everything else added onto us are the branches. We are focused and we are controlling our destinies. We are family and we aren’t going no where so we can make an investment in us without losing in the future. We know we are always going to be here to support each other.

With the Universal deal are you going to work with them on films?

We’re open to doing some pictures with them. I think its going to be real big and it was the right move for us because we’re not just a record company. We’re a film company and more. I think it’ll help us grow.

Do you look at all forms of music?

I think that is what the new No Limit is about. We will have our first pop acts this year. We are a corporation now not just a rap company. I think that is where the maturity comes from to the new No Limit. In order to be big in the industry you have to branch out to pop, rock ‘n’ roll, and more to get the respect.

Does it make you smile to see everyone copying you?

It makes me feel good to know we’re original. When people are falling behind you then you know you are making the right decisions.

I was talking to a friend the other day and mentioned I was doing the interview. So he goes you’ve got to ask him if its true that he never leaves the house without a million dollars of jewelry on. Is it a story someone made up or is there some truth to it?

(Laughs) You know what? Probably Cash Money do that. (Laughs) I’m more mature. I don’t have to have all that jewelry. I’m making investments. I’m buying houses and business. Maybe a couple years ago, but I used the jewelry for a trophy for my success. But I think I’m more mature now and its not about the ice, its about trying to survive. I think people who make the right decisions and invest their money right will be around longer than those who live for the fame and fortune.

I read you went to business school.

Yeah.

How important was that once business started booming?

I think it laid the floor plans for my success on a business level and not just as an entertainer. An entertainer wants to come in and make a record, but someone that understands the future that if it pops you want to make some money off it.

When you started laying the floor plans what made you say ‘I could do so much more’ and built the empire?

That comes from looking at the future and looking at other people’s fate. I think that was the key to my success.

If someone stops you on the street and wants some advice what would you say to them?

Just stay focused and believe in the man up above and you’ve got to be there when its your time. I think a lot of people just aren’t around when it’s their time.

Do you think part of the problem is that people get really successful really quickly and don’t know how to handle it?

I think if you learn the business and roll with it you can hold onto it. If you get success overnight you don’t appreciate it and you’ll lose it real quick.

Is it nice to think that people are looking up to you for inspiration? Going from nothing to something huge?

People do look up to me and it makes me feel good. I made it out of a bad situation and I didn’t mind bettering myself and I think that is what people respect. Most people go backwards but I was able to look at the big picture.

How many people hit you up with things like ‘i’m a great rapper sign me’ or ‘I can produce, you need me’?

Man, all the time. But the thing is the ones that get out and make it happen survive. You have to be original to be in this business.

Are you doing a show for Nickelodeon?

Yeah its in the works right now it’s me and Romeo doing this television show called “Pieces To The Puzzle”. It’s like a modern day “Partridge Family”.

What do you do to get away from it all?

I just like to sit back and chill with my family.

What are some of the qualities that you have that you’d like to pass on to your son?

Just to keep it real and always be real with yourself and to take your time.

+ charlie craine