Lil Mac

Lil Mac, born McKinley Phipps Jr. on July 30, 1977, is an American rapper hailing from the 3rd Ward of New Orleans. He started his music career very young, dropping his debut album, *The Lyrical Midget*, at just 13 years old. Early on, he was a part of the New Orleans rap scene and produced work with local talents like Mannie Fresh. Later adopting the name Mac, he signed with Master P’s No Limit Records, becoming part of their roster in the late 1990s. During that time, he toured across the U.S. and Europe and contributed to albums by prominent No Limit artists such as Master P, Mystikal, and Mia X. His 1998 album *Shell Shocked* remains his most commercially successful project, showcasing a style with notably complex lyrics that stood apart from many Southern hip hop acts of the era.

Mac's career also faced significant challenges; he was involved in a nightclub shooting incident that led to a murder charge, resulting in a lengthy prison sentence, though he maintained his innocence throughout. Despite this, his contributions to Southern hip hop and his early start have left a lasting impression on the New Orleans rap community. His music often reflected a different lyrical sophistication than typical Southern rap at that time, helping to set him apart and earn respect among hip hop circles.