Nationwide — Master P is responding to criticism over his recent comments about slavery, saying his message was not about forgetting history. He said he was encouraging Black Americans to focus on creating opportunities and closing the racial wealth gap. The backlash started after a clip from his Forbes interview circulated on social media, according to Complex. During the interview, the No Limit Records founder said Black Americans should not keep “going back to” or “harping on” slavery. He suggested that constantly focusing on the past could create what he described as a “negative mindset.”
His comments quickly sparked debate. Critics accused him of downplaying the impact of slavery and the discrimination that followed. Some argued that slavery remains an important part of discussions about the racial wealth gap because its effects continued through Jim Crow, segregation, and other policies that restricted opportunities for Black Americans.
Master P later addressed the criticism in a video, saying people were creating a false narrative around his remarks. “For the ones in the back that can’t hear,” he said. “Stop making them false narratives. I love my people.” He then explained that his argument was about looking for ways to improve the future instead of trying to change something that already happened.
“That’s what I mean about we can’t change the past but we can change the future by bridging the wealth gap,” he continued. “That’s what Master P said, you can’t twist the truth.” He also reposted the Forbes clip on Instagram and stressed the importance of integrity, business and personal responsibility. “You got to have integrity, do good business…and doors will open,” he wrote.
The comments fit with his long-running focus on entrepreneurship, financial literacy and Black ownership. He grew up in New Orleans’ Calliope Projects before building No Limit Records into a successful music empire and expanding into other businesses and philanthropic efforts. His latest remarks have now opened a broader debate about pursuing economic progress while continuing to acknowledge the lasting effects of slavery and discrimination.