Rice University Adds Mia X to Their Hip-Hop Archival Collection
Today, Rice University’s Center for Engaged Research and Collaborative Learning (CERCL) announces Southern rap legend Mia X has been inducted into the school’s Hip-Hop Archival Collection, a testament to her legacy as a trailblazer in the genre of hip-hop.
Tribute to a Southern Hip-Hop Legend: Mia X at Rice University
September 18, 2019Rice University held an event to honor the “Mother of Southern Hip-Hop”, entitled Mia X: Soldier, Survivor, Savant. The ceremony took place at the Grand Hall of Rice Memorial Center to immortalize Mia X’s mark on hip-hop history in the Hip-Hip Archival Collection. In the process of recognizing her as a trailblazer for being the first female rap artist signed to Master P’s legendary No Limit Records imprint, she has earned this revere nod from having an over -three-decade long career in music and entertainment.
Mia X’s Trailblazing Career
Mia X — Mia X is best known for being the first female artist on No Limit Records, but her influence stretches far past the music that she makes. Her 1990s feminist lyrics that addressed social justice, race and empowerment made way for artists to follow. But, she remains an active word in the community and recently teamed with Juvenile and Mannie Fresh for “Vax That Thang Up” that urge folks to get vaccinated for COVID-19.
Mia X InductionLinearLayoutDividerREAD MORE: Mia X Set To Be Honored With Individual Mosaic Alongside No Limit ExhibitSince the opening of…www.nolimitsoldiers.comWatching the words by NOLA for life ( @nola_for_life ), I ask myself, where do we go from here?
Mia X was released to high praise from Anthony Pinn, who is the director of Rice University’s CERCL:\”Mia X is an iconic figure in Hip Hop history—literally making a way for so many others. And entering the Hip-Hop Archival Collection guarantees her as a cultural figure essential in uniting art and activism.
Mia X — Life After Hip-Hop (Reviews)
But Mia X had other for aficionados too. In addition to being one of the first female rappers in a male-dominated industry, she is also praised as an educator and community leader. Her lyrics and activism have fuelled generations, and her enshrinement is an important acknowledgment of the impact og Southern hip-hop on American culture.
There was also recognition of Mia X’s impact at a panel that included spouses Chinara Butler (Pimp C) and G Dash, representing SwishaHouse, among others.
Mia X Reflects on Her Journey
In reaction to the induction, Mia X remarked: “I was surprised when I got the call. Neil told me that I would be the first woman inducted, and I just thought of — 1979 when all i wanted was to see any rowers of music in this level.
Continuing the Legacy
For Southern hip-hop, not to mention female artists in the genre, Mia X being included within Rice University’s Hip-Hop Archival Collection is a big deal. This story of a New Orleans girl becoming a hip hop ICON is a classic example. She is “a matriarch of New Orleans,” in the words of longtime DJ Wayne “Wild Wayne” Benjamin Jr.
Rice University’s acknowledgment also seems to be a nod of the head towards Mia X as one who continues to demonstrate that hip-hop is not only here to stay, but evolving still as a powerful cultural entity.