On this day in 1997, Master P released his sixth studio album Ghetto D, a landmark project that not only shifted the sound of Southern rap but also stamped No Limit Records as a dominant force in hip hop.
Fueled by the nationwide success of its lead single “Make ’Em Say Uhh!,” Ghetto D became Master P’s breakthrough, peaking at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and selling over 760,000 copies in its first week. The album would eventually go triple platinum, one of the most significant commercial achievements for a Southern rapper at that time.
Beyond its sales, Ghetto D was a cultural statement. Produced by Beats By the Pound, the project brought a gritty, raw New Orleans street soundtrack to the mainstream. Tracks like “I Miss My Homies,” “Stop Hatin’,” and “Bourbons and Lacs” showed P’s ability to balance hard-edged gangsta rap with records that carried deeper emotion and a sense of community.
The album also showcased the strength of the No Limit roster, with guest appearances from Silkk the Shocker, Mia X, Mystikal, Fiend, and C-Murder. Each feature added to the record’s identity as not just Master P’s moment, but a collective rise for his entire label.
Nearly three decades later, Ghetto D stands as a blueprint for the independent hustle in hip hop. Master P’s vision of building an empire—controlling music, branding, and business—helped pave the way for generations of artists who followed. The sound may have evolved, but the legacy of Ghetto D remains as powerful as the day it dropped.