Mia X, the pioneering No Limit Records rapper, has publicly announced she will not be joining Master P for his final performance at Essence Fest on July 6.
Mia X, considered the “Mother of Southern Rap,” took to social media to clarify the matter. She cited poor communication, a lack of a formal agreement and disrespect surrounding her compensation.
“It’s still unbelievable that I’m actually saying this,” she wrote on instagram. “I will NOT be performing at Essence Fest as a featured artist in Master P’s set.” She was promoted as a performing artist.
The rapper explained that discussions about her involvement only began last week, even though promotional materials listed her name. The concert had been planned for months. Mia alleges that Master P’s management initially dismissed her performance fee entirely.
She maintains a contract was eventually sent on June 27, but she felt the short time frame didn’t allow for proper preparation for such a major stage. She said that included rehearsals and wardrobe planning.
“I was also still insulted by the dismissal of my fair fee considering Essence paid big,” Mia X said, referencing previous issues with Essence and No Limit’s 2018 reunion performance.
She also expressed frustration with being used in marketing without her approval, adding that Essence Festival staff explained that the responsibility of securing artist contracts fell to the event’s curator—Master P.
Still, Mia felt her name added value to the lineup, even if she wasn’t compensated accordingly.
“I stand by doing good business and I’ve been done dirty,” she wrote. She said a public relations narrative had been spun before even speaking with her directly.
Essence Fest marks the final performance for Master P, a Southern rap icon and founder of No Limit Records. The show is being billed as a tribute to his career and legacy. It will move forward without one of its key players.
The full, unedited statement is below:
It’s still unbelievable that I’m actually saying this. I will NOT be performing at Essence Fest as a featured artist in Master P’s set.
We started talking about my involvement last week.
At first, his management didn’t want to entertain my performance fee, so it was agreed that I wouldn’t be a part of the show. I talked to P on the 26th of June, and he explained the lack of and miscommunication was due to his busy schedule. I felt disrespected because the show had been booked for many months, and I had been advertised as a featured artist. There was a clash because of my concern about:
- the short time and no schedule in place for rehearsals,
- no contract,
- no deposit,
- and the fear of a repeat of 2018.
On June 27th, I was sent a contract, but at this point, it was too late in my opinion to give the largest, most celebrated festival for us what they deserved—from stage coordination to wardrobe. And I was also still insulted by the dismissal of my fair fee, considering Essence paid big. I’m quiet about a lot of things and I keep family squabbling in-house, but this is about business, names, brands, and the fans.
I was angry at Essence too because I felt like they took a word and ran with the advertisement. They listed me without my consent, knowledge, or details about July 6th. I felt like, once again, no matter who’s saying “protect and respect Black women,” they always sell us out to the boys’ club.
But Essence explained that with this particular type of booking, they only do contracts with the curator and rely on them to get the booking and money straight. I understand that they’re protected by the agreement they made with P, but I still felt like my name in the lineup was an asset to the night—even though P’s manager said he had no clue my name would be added because this night was about P.
I was floored when I saw the interview with P saying this was a celebration for me—because we hadn’t spoken since February. Miscommunication on purpose is crazy. Common sense tells me that they had no intentions to discuss my fee for performing. They figured that I should take whatever they give me and be grateful when P says, “Give Mia X her flowers. Make some noise for her.”
I work in sickness and in health, and I appreciate the support from the people who have enjoyed my music over the years. I stand by doing good business, and I’ve been done dirty—and that PR spin before even speaking to me is diabolical.
Again, I’m sorry to all expecting to see me, and I hope you enjoy your festival weekend.
