Percy Miller, known mostly by his stage name Master P, is a man that cares deeply for his city and the people in it. This month, Miller’s most recent project, the NOLA Walk of Fame, was unveiled in the midst of Super Bowl LIX festivities, when all eyes are on New Orleans. Miller talks about his passion, the love he has for his city and why it’s important to teach the next generation to be proud of where they come from.
Q: You’ve said that people don’t always realize you’re from New Orleans and that was one of the reasons behind wanting to create the Walk of Fame. Why is it important that people know where you’re from?
I think that the culture here is so different, and I want people not only to know me or the next generation, I want them to know the other people that are in this Walk of Fame at the same time, because a lot of people don’t know. A lot of the people that are on [the Walk of Fame] are from New Orleans. This is a historical moment that we have, to be able to, hopefully, [highlight] people like Anthony Mackey, somebody that is in a Marvel movie, come from [New Orleans.] We got people like that here in this city, doing a lot of things, and people don’t even realize that.
Q: Why is it important to you that the Walk of Fame and all its components are used to teach the next generation?
I think if the next generation understands the trailblazers that came before them, they’re going to be able to be inspired and say, ‘hey, I don’t have to be perfect, but I can make it out of the madness.’ Our city is so great, but we also have a broken city. There’s a lot of gatekeeping here and no one talks about it. I think we need to talk about it, because we want to break those cycles so these kids can win. When you look at the people that are real successful here, I feel like they formed a circle. And if you’re not in that circle, these kids don’t get a chance. I feel like we have to communicate in love to break these cycles. My question is, how do we come together? We call this gumbo down here in New Orleans, but we have to talk about it. I’m thankful God has blessed me and I’m in a position where I can bring this to fruition. I feel like the kids are gonna go out and chase more dreams and goals and say, “hey, I want to be like those guys.”
Q: Many people thought the Super Bowl halftime show should reflect all of the great music that’s come out of the city. Do you think people don’t recognize or appreciate New Orleans as a rap city or a city that gave a lot to the industry?
To be honest with you, they can’t deny us. We sold over 100 million records with No Limit, Cash Money has sold millions of records. Lil Wayne is a vanguard in the music industry. He’s probably the greatest rapper alive, though Kendrick is an incredible artist, and he’s got a lot of great music out here. But we just saying, the people would have looked and said, “This is a New Orleans thing, yeah? Let’s let them put their city on the map at the same time.” And that’s why I’m like taking charge to say, Let’s make sure our people get some of the business stuff out here. Let’s make sure that the minorities get the opportunities who have a shine at the Super Bowl, and we all come together, because I feel like we are stronger together.
Lagniappe
Favorite Restaurant: Nice Guys
Favorite Carnival Parade: Zulu
Favorite Saints Player: Alvin Kamara
True Confession: I love educating kids. So, I think I would’ve been a second-grade teacher and a coach.
