Mia X, known as the “Mother of Southern Hip-Hop,” made history once again by becoming the first woman inducted into Rice University’s Hip Hop Archival Collection Sept. 18. The induction, hosted by the Center for Engaged Research and Collaborative Learning (CERCL), celebrates Mia X’s pivotal contributions to Southern hip-hop, recognizing her as a groundbreaking artist, educator and community advocate.

“When I got the call I was shocked because they told me that I would be the first woman that would be inducted,” Mia X told KHOU 11 in an interview ahead of the event. “I just took it all in for a moment and just thought about how grateful I am to see a genre of music that I fell in love with in 1979 and to see us come this far.”

The event titled “Mia X: Soldier, Survivor, Savant,” honored Mia X’s influence beyond being an artist: She has established herself as a cultural icon whose work intersects themes of social justice, race and empowerment. A panel discussion featuring Anthony Pinn, the Agnes Cullen Arnold Distinguished Professor of Humanities and founding director of CERCL; Chinara Butler, widow of the late Pimp C; and G Dash of SwishaHouse highlighted her role in shaping Southern hip-hop.

“I’m just happy that Rice has acknowledged Mia Young, aka Mia X, because it’s well overdue and deserved,” said Wayne “Wild Wayne” Benjamin Jr., a longtime DJ and prominent figure in New Orleans radio. “Not only a daughter of New Orleans, she has grown into a matriarch of New Orleans.”

Mia X is celebrated as the first female rapper to sign with Master P’s No Limit Records. She earned a reputation for her powerful voice, feminist-focused lyrics and boundary-pushing approach to hip-hop in the 1990s.

“Mia X was the first (female rapper) that really captured us down here,” said former Screwed Up Click rapper Lil’ Keke. “It was like, ‘She tough as earth.’ I really loved her spirit.”

“When she stepped into the scene, she was so unladylike,” said Death Row Records rapper The Lady of Rage. “She was stomping, first lady of the (No Limits) Tank. Safe to say, she’s the first lady of New Orleans, and now she’s the first lady to be inducted into the Rice University Hip Hop Archives.”

Mia X’s lyrics have long reflected issues of social justice and race, making her a trailblazer in the male-dominated industry. As part of her ongoing activism, Mia X used her platform recently to encourage COVID-19 vaccinations through the hit remix “Vax That Thang Up” with Juvenile and Mannie Fresh.

Mia X’s career extends far beyond music. In addition to her success as a rapper, she is a best-selling author, actress, educator and renowned cook. Her memoir “Things My Grandma Told Me, Things My Grandma Showed Me” highlights the lessons she’s carried from her upbringing into her many professional ventures.

“What a wonderful opportunity,” said New Orleans city council member Oliver Thomas. “So proud of the great Mia X, not only one of our great New Orleanians but one of the first ladies of rap and hip-hop. We’re so glad that you’re being honored not only for what you’ve done in entertainment as a rapper, but for what you’ve done as a human being.”

From her early days with No Limit Records to her continued success across different industries, Mia X has paved the way for future generations of female artists, even becoming one of the first artists to openly discuss the complexities of motherhood in hip-hop and creating space for other women in the industry.

“Being a mother in hip-hop wasn’t talked about, and the conversations that Mia X and I had about being a mother in hip-hop inspired me,” said rapper Yo-Yo.

The Hip Hop Archival Collection at Rice, founded by Pinn, is an integral part of CERCL’s mission to preserve and document hip-hop’s cultural contributions, especially those of Southern artists. The collection, housed in Fondren Library’s Woodson Research Center, already includes materials from key figures such as Pimp C, Too Short, K-Rino and SwishaHouse. Mia X’s induction marks a significant milestone for the archive, highlighting the essential role of women in the evolution of the genre.

Throughout her career, Mia X has remained a symbol of resilience and her induction into the Hip Hop Archival Collection is a celebration not only of her past achievements but of her ongoing impact on the cultural landscape.

“What a great honor for me, being able to grace the stage with and produce one of the greatest emcees ever,” said KLC, the legendary producer from No Limit Records “This is well-deserved. Enjoy it because it only comes once and nobody can take it from you.”