New Orleans based rapper Master P has changed his name to P. Miller.

In a statement released by his publicist, P. Miller stated, "I am changing my name because Master P is who I used to be, I call it my childhood and P. Miller marks my manhood. I wouldn't change my past because it has groomed me to be the man I am today.”

Miller goes on to explain the role hip-hop has played in his life and his major achievements as Master P.

“I will always love hip-hop; it plays a major role in who I am today. I have branched out into so many different arenas that range from being the first African-American to have a clothing line at Wal-Mart, to writing books, and speaking on Capitol Hill, but all of that gets overshadowed because I come from the hip hop industry.”

“There are a lot of people out there, who are afraid to grow up and change, but I'm not and P. Miller is the evolution of me, Percy Miller the entrepreneur, the businessman.”

Miller is following in the footsteps of hip-hop mogul P. Diddy, that has had multiple name changes throughout his career.

(by Victoria Tsigonis)