In Master P's eyes, a 20-year prison sentence hasn't erased Mystikal's contributions to No Limit Records. However, the label founder isn't defending his former artist's crimes. During an appearance on the We In Miami podcast, P addressed Mystikal's rape conviction and argued that untreated mental health struggles may have contributed to his troubles. He also acknowledged the consequences of the rapper's actions, saying he believes Mystikal is where he needs to be.
The New Orleans rapper, whose real name is Michael Lawrence Tyler, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in June after pleading guilty to third-degree rape. The case stemmed from a 2022 assault at his Louisiana home. When asked about the situation, Master P expressed concern about what he believed was a lack of appropriate treatment for his former artist.
"I don't think he ever got the right medicine he need," P said during the podcast interview. He also mentioned substance use, arguing that people often attempt to address their struggles without professional care. "Drugs is killing our culture…they're self medicating," he continued. "When you look at mental health, man, a lot of people are afraid to say they're dealing with this."
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Master P Reflects On Mystikal's No Limit Legacy
Their professional history dates back to 1996, when Mystikal joined No Limit Records and became one of the label's most recognizable performers. His albums Unpredictable and Ghetto Fabulous helped establish his place within the company's successful late-1990s run. Despite the seriousness of his conviction, P maintained that Mystikal's role in building the label shouldn't be forgotten.
"Man, Mystikal has helped us build an empire," he said. P also discussed how Mystikal's son, Jimi Nu, has performed his father's music during live shows, keeping that portion of the label's history represented onstage.
Mystikal's latest conviction follows an earlier sexual battery case in which he pleaded guilty in 2003 and subsequently served six years in prison. In the 2022 case, the woman told the court that Tyler physically assaulted and raped her after accusing her of stealing money. She requested the maximum sentence allowed under his plea agreement, which reduced the original first-degree rape charge and capped his potential punishment at 20 years.
The rapper also tried to withdraw his guilty plea shortly before sentencing, arguing he hadn't fully considered the consequences of his agreement. A judge rejected the request. Separately, the woman filed a civil lawsuit in 2023, which remained active after his sentencing.
Check out the clip of Master P on the We in Miami Podcast above.
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