Rap legend Master P is officially stepping away from the mic. Over the weekend at Essence Fest, the 55-year-old hip-hop mogul gave a powerful farewell performance to mark his retirement from the music industry.
Master P, whose career has lasted nearly four decades, told PEOPLE that he’s excited to focus on a new chapter—being a leader and mentor off the stage. He is now the head coach and president of basketball operations at the University of New Orleans. For him, this next step is more than a job. It’s a calling.
“It’s a blessing now to be able to transition into doing something that’s bigger than me,” he said. “Being a servant is my most important job.” Master P also said that his retirement is part of maturing and not being afraid to grow.