i went to Indiana to see Master P play 🏀
+ NLE Choppa and Cardi and Mach
BET’s No Limit Chronicles has us all appreciating the genius of Master P. His impact on hip-hop culture, business and sports was masterful in the late ‘90s, and TheMotto No. 75 finds me me sorting through working with Percy Miller during those historic times. When I was music editor of The Source, Master P’s vice president of marketing and public relations was Barbara Pescosolido. From my messy office I spoke to her constantly (scroll down for the full look).
In 1998, No Limit released 23 full-length albums. From Young Bleed’s January My Balls and My World to Mystikal’s December Ghetto Fabulous. I was constantly being messengered advance CDs, and I even had a No Limit black leather jacket. But I’d yet to meet Master P.
In early 1999, still stinging from my The Source resignation, I started freelancing at Vibe. My ego trip partner Sacha Jenkins was music editor at Vibe. Rob Kenner was busy in my copy as well. And my future wife Danyel Smith (who I had no idea would become my wife) was editor-in-chief. The Silkk/P cover was my first cover as a Vibe contributing writer, and I split duties with my ego trip colleague Jeff “Chairman” Mao. He profiled Silkk The Shocker, and I went to Indiana to see if the hype around Master P’s basketball dreams was real. From the jump it was clear that Percy Miller was committed. His journey to the NBA began as a proud member of the CBA’s Ft. Wayne Fury.
That night at the game, P, like most rookies, spent most of his time on the bench. But when he did get in, he seized his moments (my play-by-play is in below piece). I had my doubts that P would ever rock an NBA uniform, but he proved me wrong with impressive 1998 and 1999 pre-season stints with the Charlotte Hornets and Toronto Raptors, respectively. He came damn close to joining the League — for real. Never doubt the Master.
top billin’⤵️
mood:
watch out, now:
I’ve still got that new NLE Choppa album, Top Shotta in rotation (including Choppa’s commentary on TIDAL). Still it’s this ⬇️ collab with Roddy Ricch “Walk Em Down” that commands the most attention.
you must learn:
Social Distancing Comes Naturally to Roddy Ricch Words: Mark Anthony Green Photos: Aaron Sinclair (GQ)
2020 Freshman Class Revealed Words: Georgette Cline (XXL)
The Verzuz Effect Why Iconic Artists—And Apple—Are Betting Big On Battles Words: Naima Cochrane (Billboard)
The Black Internet Gold Rush That Wiped Away $75 Million in 18 Months Words: Aliya S. King (Level)
The Politics Of Being Cardi B. Words: Marjon Carlos Images: Steven Klein
Burna Boy Has the Whole World Listening Words: Jon Pareles Images: Daniel Obasi (NY Times)
Amir 'Loon' Muhadith Talks Bad Boy & Harlem World History, Prison Reform, Industry Lessons + More. The Breakfast Club. (Power 105.1FM)
Boldy James Is About to Hit a New Level Words: Dylan Green (DJ Booth)
DaBaby’s Revenge Words: Eric Skelton Images: Isaiah “Spicy” Rico (Complex)
turn it up:
Thank you, Mach-Hommy. We are grateful for the Hard Lemonade TIDAL exclusive. And a salute to Mach’s day-one fans — I’m still getting my familiar with the artist’s unique catalogue. My early favorite off the new project is “Squeaky Hinge”.
what more can I say:
New Drake tune tonight? We ready!
@elliottwilson tweets | @elliottwilson IG | follow HRDlist
a danyelliott production
Danyel Smith + Elliott Wilson