To fans who have been around since day one, Mia X (née Mia Young) will always be the “Biggest Mama Mia” and “Unlady-Like Diva” of No Limit Records. The first female emcee to sign with the New Orleans-based label under the helm of Master P in the early 1990s, she’s still reminding us how special her pen and stage presence is three decades later.
“The love from my fans is so familiar,” Mia X tells EBONY. “They haven’t left me since 1992 so I can always depend on them, we’re like family. I always tell them they are the reason I was able to put my children through school. But I’m very grateful and appreciative of the younger generation for getting on to my music and learning about me. They’re showing me love and not treating me like a middle-aged lady.”
Fresh off the recent No Limit and Cash Money Verzuz held in Las Vegas, Mia X hopped aboard the 2025 Rock the Bells Cruise— an event birthed by LL COOL J just three years ago to celebrate the best parts of hip-hop. Throughout the 4-night sailing, the NOLA-born rapper could be seen supporting fellow artists (and getting her life) during their sets, interacting with cruisers and humbly receiving her flowers from fans and industry colleagues. She even rocked the mic on the last night as well.
Though she technically put down her mic in 1999 to focus on life outside of rap, the female emcee reminisces on those early No Limit Records days and being such an instrumental force within the label. What many may not know is that she was the creative brain behind the classic hit, “Make ‘em Say Ugh” and has always had an eye (and ear) for star quality when it comes to music.
“I brought the concept of “Make ‘em Say Ugh” to KL,” she explains. “When it came to production, I knew how I wanted things to sound. I knew how to match a rapper’s cadence with certain music. So I was very influential is saying “you’re going to do this song” or “give them this beat” to get the best out of each artist. I was always happy because they took my advice and turned it into platinum and gold.”
I had the opportunity to sit down with Mia X to delve deeper into the recent Verzuz who she is outside of her stage persona, her thoughts on the current state of female rap and even her beauty regimen.
EBONY: How does it feel hearing folks say you carried the Verzuz recently? Are you still on a high from all the love?
Mia X: With rhyming, I clock in, and then I clock out and go be grandma. But I’m appreciative of the hype from the Verzuz. It’s really the same energy we’ve always brought to the stage. Our music ushered in crunk, and it’s very energetic. It’s soldier music. So, a lot of younger people saw it for the first time. But the Xers and millennials had that nostalgic moment seeing us. The happiness in my heart was to see the generations bridge; that was the big win. Nobody won that Verzuz to me. It was a celebration of really good records from a great time in our lives.
How does Mia X stay relevant in the digital age? It wasn’t really around when you first launched, so how are you navigating that now?
I’m learning, and I depend on the younger supporters to teach me. I also taught hip-hop at Loyola University [New Orleans], and most of my students helped me navigate. I’m from the beeper and pay phone era, and I’m still comfortable in the beeper and pay phone era. So they showed me different ways to get out there and connect with people. But for the most part, I’m like just write me a letter baby, put it in the mail.
Who is Mia Young beyond the rap persona of Mia X?
This person right here. I remember Beyoncé talking about the transformation from Beyoncé to Sasha Fierce when she hits the stage. So that’s the thing, I’m always nervous when it’s time to perform or do a show. But when the music hits you, something changes. You just know that you better go out there and do the thing, so people won’t talk about you.
But, at home, I like to cook and grow things. I like to be with my grandbaby and talk to my children, family and friends. They have called me Mama Mia since I was in the 8th grade. I just remind you of your aunt or grandma. On stage, I say what I think a lot of women are feeling and what I am feeling. So, pretty much it’s the same person, one is just a little more hype because of the music and the other is more chill.
Overall, what’s your favorite part of the industry?
Behind the scenes is my favorite part and writing. I love to rhyme, and I’ve never stopped writing. Been doing it since me and Mannie Fresh were in a group in ‘84. Even though I left the game in ‘99, I never stopped writing. I have six notebooks on this cruise right now. But, I can also look at people and say, “that’s a star right there. If you do this or do that, you’re going to pop.”
The rap girls are having a moment right now. How does that make you feel as a trailblazer in the game, and what are you enjoying seeing today?
Yes! I’m just happy to see them out, doing their thing, getting their money and deals. Because at one time we were in the shadows. The crazy thing is, a lot of people still don’t know what I really look like. But, I’m like a proud mama or auntie. I like all the girls and just watching them. We’ve got to celebrate them and cheer them on because this industry is hard. You get beat down so much on image and lyrics. Everything is put under a microscope. I can’t wait to see what they are going to be in ten years.
My first record is 34 years old and my first No Limit album is 30. So just seeing what will be in 30 years with the younger generation. I would like to see what time does for them.
Speaking of time and aging gracefully, what is your secret?
Three days a week, after I wash my face, I put Pepto-Bismol on it and go to sleep. The other days I use grapeseed oil. Those were things my grandmother did, and her skin was like velvet or silk. Now, whether it works or not, I don’t know. Sometimes you just have to subscribe. People always ask my regimen and it’s all under $25. This is just what I do.
So, what’s next for Mia X?
Fifteen years ago, I launched a brand called Team Whip Them Pots to get people cooking more because it’s healthier, cleaner and a great way to bond with your kids. Since then, I’ve developed low-sodium seasoning, five rice dishes, and a gumbo secret. I just finished, and I’m about to launch my “Bout It, Bout It” patties— I have a spicy beef and spicy chicken patty. I’m all the way in the food game, being inspired by my idol Sylvia of Harlem.
People are asking me to pick the mic up again. I think I’m going to surprise my day ones and the new people that support me with an EP and a cooking vlog so they can cook with me. We’re just going to vibe out with some beats and eats!