Yesterday [January 25 1999] in an exclusive interview with one of the music industry's most colorful people, the Colonel who we know as Master P announced that he can now add the words NBA professional basketball player to his long resume. That's right you read correctly, the man who went from Richmond, California street hustler to CEO of one of the music businesses most successful rap labels- No Limit is now a full fledged member of the Charlotte Hornets basketball team.

As shocking as this may sound, Master P was calm in his explaination. He was always a good ball player. He reached great heights while playing ball in college both in both Northern Cali at Merrit College and at the University Of Houston. He did well when he played in the Canadian Basketball league..and now he's ready to mix it up with the NBA. In fact he had just come from practice when the interview took place. He noted that the night before during an exhibition game that he had scored several 3 pointers. He went on to explain that people should not be surprised at him playing ball. "Why is that Shaq can play ball and rap and I can't rap and play ball? We made history in the rap game, now it's time to make history on the courts.. my whole life is now dedicated to playing basketball.".

Master P's entry into the NBA could not come at a better time, with an image crippling strike looming in the background and retirement of Michael Jordan who is arguably the greatest basketball player of alltime, the NBA is in dire need of a major draw. That spark may just be the multiplatinum artist Master P. No doubt he will be a curiosity that brings fans to a ball game, but he apparently has the skillz to back things up. People all over the country are at the very least checking their local schedules to see when their hometown team plays Charlotte. People are definitely gonna come to see Master P the rapper, music label CEO, film director, sports agent, clothing line entrepreneur, mall owner and the all around good guy who will make you say 'Uuuughn'.

P went on to note that his record label will be run by his brother Silk Tha Shocker along with several other high profile No Limit Soldiers. He has just completed his latest movie 'Foolish' which stars comedian Eddie Griffin. In addition Master P has his hands involved in the upcoming film 'Scream 3'. If that's not enough, he's about to open a No Limit label here in Oakland and make some major moves to revive a once bustling Bay Area rap scene. The label may be housed in the building that once was home to Hammer's old label 'Bust It'. Speaking of which, Hammer is about to make a big come back.. Look for his new album 'Lets Get It Started 2' to drop in the next couple of months, but that's a whole other story. Master P also noted that his 15 act No Limit label is about to do a major tour later on this summer.

Master P concluded that he owes his success to hard work and a will that would never quit. I recall seeing him come everyday to the radio station trying to get his records played and being turned down. Now the script has flipped and we call Master P asking to get his latest hit. P noted that he's been blessed and that you can't deny the streets. 'The people will dictate what you will and won't play.'. Master P is a prime example of the adage 'there's more then one way to skin a cat'. We wish him much success.