With the success of Fox’s hip-hop-centric primetime soap “Empire,” it’s not surprising somebody thinks a real rapper’s family life should be on TV.
A few years ago, New Orleans-raised Master P, a k a Percy Miller, went through a nasty separation from his longtime wife, Sonya (near as I can tell, they’re still separated but not divorced).
The rap mogul hasn’t forgotten his origins. In 1999, he quietly donated $500,ooo to save St. Monica, the Catholic elementary school he attended, and two local churches.
From the National Catholic Register:
While Archdiocese of New Orleans officials were initially concerned about accepting a gift from a rapper, Auxiliary Bishop Gregory Aymond said he spoke directly with Master P and was assured by him that his days as a solo rap artist were over. However, his core business, the No Limit label, is still founded on rap music.
“He kept saying ‘I love my Church,’ said Bishop Aymond. I want my kids to have opportunities I didn’t have.”
Actually, I used to see Master P and the whole family at Mass in Beverly Hills, California. He has nine children in total, and seeing them piling out of a luxury SUV was a bit like watching the clown-car stunt at the circus. It never seemed quite possible that they all fit in there in the first place.
Only five of the youngsters are featured in “Master P’s Family Empire,” a reality series premiering Sunday, Nov. 28, on REELZ Channel. It follows the now-single parent as he juggles fame, business and fatherhood.
Here’s REELZ’s press announcement:
(Albuquerque, NM) Tuesday, June 9, 2015— REELZ today announced that, for the first time, music mogul Master P is opening the doors to his family home on the network’s original series, Master P’s Family Empire. Master P, whose real name is Percy Miller, is a single father who made it his mission to forge the Miller family empire—but with five kids ranging in age from nine to 25 it’s not always easy keeping his business interests in order, let alone keeping his kids on track. How will he manage his own projects along with the singing, modeling, acting and sports careers of his children without losing his mind? Master P’s Family Empire will give an inside look at how this single father skillfully juggles his roles as entrepreneur, philanthropist and hip-hop artist with his most important role: being a dad. Master P’s Family Empire is produced by Asylum Entertainment and premieres Saturday, November 28.
“Master P is a true American success story, rising from the most humble of beginnings to the top of the entertainment world completely on his own,” said Stan E. Hubbard, CEO of REELZ. “The Miller family’s infectious chemistry, genuine love for each other and commitment to working hard and following their father’s rules makes them as relatable as they are entertaining.”
A self-made music mogul who grew up in the Calliope projects of New Orleans—once labeled one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the nation—Master P sold more than 75 million records on his way to creating a business empire. After earning his keep through years of hard work he doesn’t intend to simply hand over the keys to the family castle. Master P is a dad on a mission to create generational wealth guided by the personal mantra “I’m your father, not your friend.” His tough love teachings are always rooted in support and instilling success in his children whether he’s producing a new mix tape, giving his daughter dating advice or attending an important parent teacher conference all while producing new recordings and mentoring a new generation of recording artists including his son Romeo.
The Family
Master P (Percy Miller)
Master P is a self-made hip-hop mogul, entrepreneur, philanthropist and political activist who is balancing his career with being a newly single father. He is a driven businessman who presides over a diversified business empire but most of all he’s a loving father who guides his children to succeed. Master P’s dedication to hard work started early. From his first job as a door-to-door salesman selling television packages for Cox Cable in his hometown of New Orleans, he soon set his sights on a career in music. Drawing upon his sales experience he began a grassroots approach to marketing his music and began selling his records out of the trunk of his car in local neighborhoods, a humble beginning of a recording career that would later land him the number 10 spot on the Forbes list of America’s 40 Highest Paid Entertainers.Romeo
At 25 years old Romeo is Master P’s oldest son and the only sibling who spent his early years in the projects of New Orleans. As a child star of his own series he grew accustomed to life in the public eye but he doesn’t let that divert his attention from his career as an actor, rapper and clothing designer. As busy as he is, he always finds time to be an older brother and role model for his siblings.Veno
Veno is a 22-year-old model with a promising future. His bold personality and high energy make him the life of the party and, although his desire for fun sometimes sidetracks his professional focus, with his father’s guidance he always finds his way back on the right track.Cymphonique
Cymphonique may be only 18 years old but with experience as a child actress she already knows the meaning of hard work and dedication. Her maturity keeps her focused on a flourishing acting and singing career and with the support of her father she’ll transform from “daddy’s little girl” to iconic entertainer.Hercy & Mercy
This dynamic duo is the youngest of the Miller clan. Hercy and Mercy have big NBA dreams which puts them within arm’s reach of a basketball at all times. At 12 and nine years old there are lots of things to distract them but P is always there to keep them on point.
Image: Courtesy REELZ Channel
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