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What should’ve been a full-circle moment for No Limit fans at this year’s Essence Fest took an unexpected turn after Mia X backed out of Master P’s highly touted “farewell” performance at the last minute.
Despite being listed as a featured act on Essence’s official flyers as early as May 20, the New Orleans rap legend revealed on Instagram late Sunday (June 30) that she would not be hitting the Superdome stage this weekend.
“It’s still unbelievable that I’m actually saying this,” she wrote. “I will NOT be performing at Essence Fest as a featured artist in Master P’s set.”
According to Mia, talks about her actual involvement didn’t start until just last week—well after promo materials had already been circulating with her name. In her statement, she said Master P’s team initially “dismissed” her performance fee altogether, and she didn’t receive a contract or deposit until June 27, just days before the show.
“I felt disrespected because the show had been booked for many months, and I had been advertised as a featured artist,” she explained. “No schedule in place for rehearsals, no contract, no deposit, and the fear of a repeat of 2018.”
Mia also pointed out that the financial disrespect stung even more given Essence’s budget: “I was insulted by the dismissal of my fair fee considering Essence pay big,” she continued. “I felt like once again, no matter who’s saying protect and respect Black women, they always sell us out to the boys club,” she wrote.
In an earlier interview with Fox 8, Master P—real name Percy Miller—had already hinted that Mia’s participation wasn’t guaranteed. “She’s the queen of the South,” he said. “I’m telling her, she don’t need to perform, but if she wants to perform, she can. But I really want to give her her flowers.”
After Mia went public, Master P followed up with a short response: “I don’t know where the miscommunication came from, but Mia X can get whatever she wants from me. This a Master P celebration! Mia can perform or don’t have to.”
