Remembering Mr. Magic: The New Orleans Rapper Who Helped Define the No Limit Records Era

#NOLAZINE - When discussing the legendary run of New Orleans hip-hop during the late 1990s and early 2000s, there are certain names that will forever be connected to the city's history. Mr. Magic is one of them.

Known for his powerful voice, aggressive delivery and unmistakable New Orleans presence, Mr. Magic became nationally recognized as a member of Master P's No Limit Records roster during one of the most successful periods in Southern hip-hop history.

Although his life was tragically cut short, Magic left behind music that continues to remind fans why the No Limit era was so special.

From New Orleans to No Limit Records

Born Awood Johnson, Mr. Magic came out of New Orleans and eventually became part of the No Limit Records movement built by Master P.

By the late 1990s, No Limit wasn't simply a local record label. It had become a national hip-hop powerhouse.

Master P had assembled a roster that included artists such as Mystikal, Mia X, Silkk the Shocker, C-Murder, Fiend, Mac, Soulja Slim and numerous others. The label's Pen & Pixel-designed album covers, frequent releases and Beats by the Pound production helped create an identity that fans could recognize immediately.

Mr. Magic fit naturally into that world.

His deep, forceful voice made him stand out, even on songs filled with other No Limit artists.

"Sky's the Limit"

Magic released his No Limit debut album, Sky's the Limit, in 1998.

The project arrived during the height of No Limit's commercial dominance and reached No. 15 on the Billboard 200 and No. 3 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

For a New Orleans rapper during that era, being part of the No Limit machine offered something that had once been extremely difficult for Southern artists to obtain: nationwide distribution and exposure.

Magic was no longer simply representing New Orleans.

His music was reaching listeners across America.

Thuggin'

In 1999, Magic returned with his second No Limit album, Thuggin'.

The album became another strong commercial release, reaching No. 30 on the Billboard 200 and No. 6 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

By this point, fans were familiar with Magic's style.

He wasn't trying to sound polished or overly commercial. His appeal came from the raw energy in his voice and his ability to sound completely at home over the hard production associated with No Limit.

Magic represented the street-oriented side of the label, and his music reflected the environment and culture that produced him.

Life After No Limit

Like many artists from No Limit's classic roster, Magic eventually moved away from the label.

He later released White Eyes in 2003 through Koch Records.

The album demonstrated that Magic was determined to continue his career beyond the massive No Limit machine that had initially introduced him to a national audience.

He also remained connected to New Orleans hip-hop through collaborations and relationships with other artists from the city.

But Magic would eventually become part of another important New Orleans rap movement.

Body Head Bangerz

Magic joined forces with former heavyweight boxing champion Roy Jones Jr. and fellow New Orleans rapper Trouble as part of the rap group Body Head Bangerz.

The group's 2004 album Body Head Bangerz: Volume One featured several notable artists, including Lil Flip, Juvenile, Bun B, Petey Pablo and others.

Their record "I Smoke, I Drank" became particularly popular and introduced Magic to another generation of Southern rap listeners.

For fans who may not have followed every No Limit release during the late 1990s, Body Head Bangerz provided another opportunity to hear that unmistakable Magic voice.

Tragedy Strikes

Sadly, Mr. Magic's story would have a devastating ending.

On March 1, 2013, Magic and his wife, Chastity Johnson, were killed in an automobile accident in Mississippi. Their daughter, who was traveling with them, survived the crash.

Magic was only 37 years old.

News of his death hit the Southern hip-hop community particularly hard.

For longtime No Limit fans, another voice connected to an unforgettable period in New Orleans music was suddenly gone.

Remembering an Important Piece of No Limit History

Mr. Magic's career deserves to be remembered for more than tragedy.

He was part of a generation of New Orleans artists who helped change the perception of Southern hip-hop.

Before Southern rap became the dominant commercial force it would eventually become, companies such as No Limit and Cash Money Records were proving that New Orleans artists could sell records nationally without abandoning their city's identity.

Magic played a role in that movement.

His albums Sky's the Limit and Thuggin' captured the sound and attitude of No Limit during its legendary run. Later, his work with Body Head Bangerz demonstrated that his career wasn't limited to one label or one moment.

And his voice remains instantly recognizable to fans who grew up listening to No Limit.

His Music Keeps His Name Alive

New Orleans hip-hop has produced countless personalities, styles and movements over the decades. Some artists became international superstars. Others became local legends whose influence extended far beyond record sales.

Mr. Magic occupies an important place in that history.

He experienced the peak of the No Limit era, released successful albums, toured, collaborated with major Southern artists and helped represent New Orleans on a national stage.

For those who lived through that period, seeing the words No Limit Records can immediately bring back memories of CDs stacked in record stores, Pen & Pixel covers, Beats by the Pound production and a roster that seemed to release a new album every few weeks.

Mr. Magic was part of that history.

His life ended far too early, but the music remains.

Rest in peace to New Orleans' own Mr. Magic — a voice from one of the greatest eras in Southern hip-hop and an artist whose contribution to the city's rap history should never be forgotten.