Mia X, a trailblazing figure in the rap world, achieved another milestone in her illustrious career by being inducted into Rice University’s Hip Hop Archive.
As the first female emcee signed to Master P’s groundbreaking label, No Limit Records, she describes the moment as a “full circle” experience, considering the industry’s evolution from being dismissed as a fad to becoming a respected academic discipline.
Mia X’s love affair with hip-hop began in 1979 when the genre was just six years old and still finding its footing in the music industry. By 1982, she was determined to become a rapper; by 1992, she had released her first record. However, her journey was not without challenges. “I got into the rap game when rap music itself was only six years old… and by the time I started recording professionally, the world still wasn’t sold on hip hop becoming the biggest genre in music,” she says.
Another hurdle was the struggle to gain respect as a woman in a male-dominated industry. “It was hard trying to break into an industry as a woman and not a puppet.” Despite these challenges, Mia X remained true to herself, writing her own music and refusing to conform to industry expectations. Her perseverance paid off, earning her gold and platinum records and, more importantly, the respect of the industry, particularly in the South.
The music industry has significantly changed since Mia X entered the scene. From recording on analog equipment and distributing music through vinyl, cassettes, and CDs to the digital era, where music is instantly accessible online, the landscape has transformed dramatically. “What I loved about the time that I was in the industry was that we had a lot of ladies making great music and selling tons of records. We did not look alike. We did not sound alike,” she says. “There was diversity and individuality of female artists during my time.”
However, there were differences in financial compensation between then and now. “The money part was way better in my day,” she explains, pointing out that artists used to earn more from record sales compared to the minimal earnings from streaming today. Despite the financial challenges, Mia X appreciates the ease with which artists can now distribute their music and connect with fans through social media, compared to the grassroots promotion efforts required in her early career.
Mia X’s partnership with Master P and No Limit Records was a defining moment in her career. She recalls how Master P, who had heard about her through his brother C-Murder, approached her after she had already made a name for herself with a successful regional record. Despite other offers, Mia X chose to sign with No Limit because she believed in Master P’s vision. “He told me, ‘I’m gonna have the biggest independent record label in the world.’ When he said it, I believed him,” Mia X told the Defender.
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Mia X is now expanding her legacy and portfolio as a chef, author, philanthropist, and professor. Through her company, Team Whip Dem Pots, she promotes cooking to strengthen family ties. She was chosen to be the highlight chef of Essence Eats’ 2017. Things My Grandma Told Me, Things My Grandma Showed Me was her book published the following year. In 2019, Loyola University hired her as a lecturer to teach hip-hop.
As a pioneer in the industry, Mia X offers invaluable advice to young women aspiring to follow in her footsteps. “Be relentless when it comes to learning this business… It is a business, and you are making things look fun and carefree,” she advises. “Stay on top of your paperwork and understand the industry’s intricacies.” Additionally, Mia X encourages aspiring artists to stay true to themselves and their unique talents rather than conform to trends or external pressures.