Master P Says He’s Leaving Music After Essence Festival Performance

Master P is hanging up his mic for good.

In an interview with PEOPLE, the No Limit Records founder revealed that his performance at the Essence Festival on July 6 will be his last.

“My last show has to be with Essence,” P said. “It has to be big. A celebration.”

P then shared why he believes the timing is right for his retirement.

I’m growing to another level and I’m embracing it,” P explained. He was recently named the new head coach and president of basketball operations for the University of New Orleans basketball team.

“It’s a blessing now to be able to transition into doing something that’s bigger than me. Being a servant is my most important job,” P said. “I feel like hard work got me here, even though I didn’t know I was going to get this far in life. God spared my life and put me on this journey.”

A product of New Orleans’ public housing, P recalled that he dreamt of making it to the NBA and being a success in the music industry.

“I was just a kid trying to make it out the ghetto. I just had so many big dreams and goals,” he said.

After settling tin tbe San Francisco Bay Area, P learned the tricks of the traded from some entrepreneurial rappers

“That’s where I got my hustle. I remember being with E-40, E-A-Ski, JT The Bigga Figga, and all them. I actually created No Limit Records in Richmond, CA, “ P recalled.

“I had a lot of close calls,” he continued. “I went from one bad place to another, but I feel like God saved my life for a reason. He knew my heart.”

Although officially retiring, P admitted that it was a tough decision, but the time is right, saying this “feels like this is the next phase of my life. 

“That chapter closed itself with maturing and growing up and not being afraid to grow, “ P explained. “There is a lot of negative stuff going on in hip-hop, and people don’t want to talk about the positive things. They say when you know better, you do better. That’s the phase I’m on. I’m fine with growing up.”