Southern Hip-Hop Dynasty Wars: The Untold Story of the Explosive Feud Between Master P and Pimp C

The clash between Master P of No Limit Records and Pimp C of UGK is one of the most intense and dangerous feuds in Southern hip-hop history. What began as a highly successful musical collaboration quickly spiraled into a battle fueled by pride, business tension, and, ultimately, violence that left deep scars on both men and their respective empires.

The Spark: Money, Respect, and a Phone Call

The tension originated after the 1996 collaboration “Break Them Off Something,” which appeared on Master P’s Ice Cream Man album. The track was a massive success, but Pimp C reportedly felt cheated, believing the royalties and financial compensation did not match the weight of his contribution—he produced the beat, crafted the hook, and brought UGK’s Texas credibility. For Pimp C, this was less about money and more about a profound disrespect for his artistry.

The situation turned personal and irreversible during a phone call between Master P and Pimp C’s mother and manager, Mama Wes. Master P called to book Pimp C for a session, but Mama Wes declined, citing a prior commitment to an independent artist who had already paid. Master P allegedly spoke dismissively about the competing project and disrespected Mama Wes. Pimp C, who overheard the call, viewed any disrespect toward his mother as an unforgivable violation of his personal code, transforming the business dispute into a personal war.

Public War and a Clash of Empires

Following the incident, Pimp C took the feud public, using his stage as a platform. He started calling out Master P, claiming he had cursed at his mother. Crowds at UGK shows quickly joined in, chanting “No Limit Who,” effectively turning concerts into protest rallies that divided the South.

The beef became a collision of two rival dynasties:

Master P (No Limit): Built an empire on structure, military-style branding (the tank logo), and business ownership. His focus was leverage, distribution, and corporate dominance.
Pimp C (UGK): Represented the raw, authentic Texas soul, emphasizing heart, principle, and Southern grit. He viewed himself as an artist first, valuing respect above all else.

The Climax: Hotel Room Violence and Near-Tragedy

The verbal conflict escalated to physical violence in an alleged incident that Pimp C later recounted to his inner circle. While Pimp C was staying at a hotel in Sugarland, Texas, working on the album Ridin’ Dirty, he claimed a group of masked men stormed his room. Pimp C alleged that Master P was among the assailants, pinning him down and striking him with a pistol. Pimp C suffered a concussion and cracked ribs. He claimed the mask was removed at the end, confirming Master P was behind the assault—a move Pimp C saw as a violation of every street code he stood on.

Years later, while Pimp C was serving an eight-year sentence (2002–2005) for an unrelated aggravated assault charge, the beef reached a terrifying new level. Rumors circulated that someone from Master P’s inner circle reached out to J Prince, the respected CEO of Rap-A-Lot Records, allegedly seeking permission to “eliminate” Pimp C. According to reports, J Prince immediately shut down the request, a decision that may have saved Pimp C’s life by preventing the conflict from exploding into an all-out blood war.

The Emotional End: An Apology and Tragic Peace

When Pimp C was released from prison in December 2005, he sought to make peace and close old chapters. Master P later revealed that Pimp C came to him and apologized, confessing that his anger and paranoia were fueled by substance abuse: “Big dog, I apologize to you. That was my bad. I was on pills.”

Mama Wes also confirmed that Master P was one of the first people to call after Pimp C came home. The two rap legends talked and resolved the feud, closing one of the South’s most dangerous beefs with mutual respect.

Tragically, the peace was short-lived. Pimp C passed away on December 4, 2007, just two years after his release from prison. Out of respect for Pimp C and Mama Wes, Master P rarely speaks about the incident today.