Master P is New Orleans' new entertainment ambassador
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Percy "Master P" Miller will work on behalf of the the city of New Orleans to assist local businesses in getting a bigger piece of the pie from the Super Bowl and other events held here.
Why it matters: Officials say Miller's new role as the city's entertainment ambassador is part of an ongoing strategy to help culture bearers benefit more financially from the value they contribute to the city.
The big picture: Miller was born and raised in New Orleans. He founded No Limit Records and has expanded into other business ventures.
- He said he's going to start his ambassador role by focusing on connecting sponsors with restaurants, musicians and businesses in New Orleans.
- "The money that's coming in with these events, to be able to put money back into our community and our culture and giving our people opportunity — I think that's the most important thing that has to happen," he told Axios in an exclusive interview after Friday's announcement at Gallier Hall.
- "We're not getting the jobs for our people here," he said. "I think that these large corporations are taking all the pie, and it's time to get some of the locals that are on the front line."
The fine print: It's a volunteer position, and the city isn't paying Miller, according to Leatrice Dupré, the mayor's press secretary.
Zoom out: While Miller will be working on efforts related to Super Bowl LIX, which New Orleans hosts in February, the initiative is meant as a longer-term effort, Mayor LaToya Cantrell said.
- Miller will work with the Office of Cultural Economy to establish a "Hollywood South collaborative" to help mentor and teach entertainment business skills.
- Mentorship is not new to the business exec. Miller has his own program called "Master P Masterclass" that offers private mentoring.
- Miller and the mayor's office said they are still hashing out how the ambassadorship will work.
What's next: More influential New Orleans natives are expected to participate in the collaboration for film, television and music, the city said.
- Miller also is expected to make an appearance on the September episode of Cantrell's podcast and a city-hosted influencers event, officials say.
Go deeper: City's official announcement.
