Pop icon Michael Jackson’s journey through hip-hop continues to unfold, with hip-hop producer Mannie Fresh retelling the story of their meeting through Master P. During a recent episode of the Still 400 podcast, the New Orleans producer shared a wild studio story involving the King of Pop.
According to Fresh, Jackson once mistook him for Master P. The No Limit Records founder controlled the late 90s rap scene with classics such as “Bout It, Bout It,” “Make’em Say Uhhh,” and “Hoody Hooo.”
Fresh said the moment unfolded at New York’s Hit Factory. Engineer Fabian Marasciullo was working on a Jackson session. Marasciullo, known for his work with Lil Wayne, invited Fresh into the room.
“Fabian was working with Michael Jackson,” Fresh recalled. “He said, ‘You want to meet Michael Jackson?’ I said, ‘Right. Michael Jackson?’”
Fresh stepped inside as a fan. He left with an unforgettable mix-up.
“[Michael] was like, ‘Hey, man. I love all of your music. I really enjoy it,’” Fresh said. At first, he thought Jackson meant his Cash Money Records catalog. Then the compliment shifted.
“He said, ‘I love everything, Master P. You’re great,’” Fresh explained.
Jackson believed he was speaking to Percy Miller, not the Big Tymers producer behind “Back That Azz Up.” Mannie Fresh’s story follows many hilarious adventures with the icon told by hip-hop legends, including T-Pain, Wycelf Jean, and Snoop Dogg.
Hip-Hop Producer Mannie Fresh Says Michael Jackson Thought He Was Master P When They Met
Fresh chose silence over correction. “I think anybody would’ve done what I did,” he said. “I was like, ‘I’ll be whoever you want me to be, Michael Jackson.’”
The room carried historic weight. Jackson created Thriller and Off the Wall. His presence alone felt surreal.
Fresh later joked that if they had formed a bond, he would have asked for a car.
Marasciullo has shared his own Jackson memory. He once described working with Rodney Jerkins on “Rock My World.” As the track played, Jackson delivered his signature kick.
“I almost fell out of my chair,” Marasciullo said. “It was so wild.”
For Fresh, the mistaken identity remains hip-hop folklore. It stands as a rare collision between New Orleans bounce and the King of Pop.
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