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Once again, Master P finds himself at the center of controversy—this time, not from an enemy, but a longtime collaborator. Mia X, the first lady of No Limit Records, recently made headlines after announcing she would not be appearing on Master P’s set at the 2025 Essence Festival in New Orleans, despite months of promotion.

According to her, she was never paid, never officially contracted, and ultimately declined a late offer from P that didn’t meet her expectations.

To be clear, Mia X isn’t the first to publicly call out Master P. His son Romeo aired his frustrations on social media, confronting his father about money and legacy. But this latest feud cuts deeper for many fans. It’s not just about a performance—it’s about what happens when loyalty and legacy clash with business and boundaries.

Let’s unpack it.

What Really Happened?

Mia X claims she allegedly agreed to appear on Master P’s farewell set as a gesture of goodwill. But over time, as her name continued to be promoted, no formal agreement was reached and no compensation was secured. According to her statement, Essence Festival only pays the main curator of a set, in this case, Master P, leaving it up to him to coordinate any additional performers.

She says Master P eventually did offer to pay her, but it wasn’t what she asked for, so she respectfully declined the show. Some fans applauded her transparency while others questioned why this issue wasn’t handled behind the scenes sooner, especially since her name had been attached to the promo for weeks.

 

Master P Responds

Master P, never one to stay silent, responded in true No Limit fashion—he announced his “musical funeral” that was originally planned as a farewell celebration with friends and collaborators but now has taken on a more somber tone.

He’s asking fans to wear black and white and show up for one last ride. A final bow to decades of breaking barriers, pioneering independent hustle, and changing the lives of countless people, both in and out of the music industry.

Understanding the Disconnect

As someone who respects both artists, some points deserve clarification:

When an artist headlines a festival, they’re often paid a lump sum and assume full responsibility for producing their set. If they choose to bring out special guests, it’s typically at their discretion, and not uncommon for those appearances to be unpaid, especially if done as a favor or in the spirit of reunion.

In this case, Mia X may have been extending a hand as a friend and peer. But once the promotional push included her name and likeness, it changed the optics. At that point, it’s no longer just about friendship—it’s business. If a formal agreement wasn’t reached, both sides share responsibility for the communication breakdown.

 

What remains unclear is:

At what point did her rate decline?

Why was the promotion allowed to continue despite no confirmation?

Why wait until days before the event to speak up publicly?

 

These questions are worth asking, especially when reputations and legacies are at stake.

 

The Bigger Picture

Master P is one of the most respected moguls in hip-hop history. He didn’t just build a label—he built a blueprint. Independent distribution, ownership, brand partnerships—he did it all before it was trending. He opened doors for the same people now turning their backs on him.

Let’s not forget what Snoop Dogg said: “Master P saved my life.” That’s not a small statement from someone with a legacy of his own. Yet, while peers like Snoop give Master P his flowers, others seem quicker to tear him down, often coming from the very communities he helped lift.

Survivor’s remorse is real. Many entertainers stay tied to the people and places that shaped them out of guilt or a sense of loyalty. But that loyalty can become a prison when expectations are misplaced or manipulated. Unfortunately, Black success is often expected to be communal, even when that success wasn’t built collectively.

 

Final Thoughts

As a fan of both Mia X and Master P, this seems like a big misunderstanding, not malice. Unfortunately, these issues are unfolding on social media days before an already emotional farewell show, which taints the moment and confuses fans who only want to honor his legacy.

If you’re attending the Essence Festival, show up for one of the greats and wear black and white. Reflect on the impact, and not just the drama. Give this man his moment, because Master P’s contribution to hip-hop isn’t just history—it’s the reason many of us even had a shot.

 

More info about the lineup can be found on The Essence Festival website :

https://www.essence.com/essencefestival2025/