In a saga that has gripped hip-hop for over two decades, Percy “Master P” Miller is waging his most fervent battle yet to free his brother, Corey “C-Murder” Miller, from Louisiana’s Angola State Penitentiary, where he’s served 23 years of a life sentence for a 2002 murder conviction. The No Limit Records founder, 58, has turned advocacy into activism, with exclusive sources indicating his silent efforts—bolstered by celebrity allies like Kim Kardashian—have created an “unprecedented turning point” in the case. “We’re closer than ever,” Master P told AllHipHop in an exclusive interview on December 2, 2025. “The truth is emerging, and no matter what, Corey will come home.” As hopes for a presidential pardon fade under President Trump’s focus on federal cases (C-Murder’s is state-level), a new glimmer of light shines: a potential state evidentiary hearing in 2026 under Louisiana’s 2021 “factual innocence” law, where retracted witness testimonies could finally sway the scales toward freedom. Could C-Murder, the musical genius behind No Limit’s platinum era, finally walk free soon?
The case dates to January 12, 2002, when 16-year-old Steve Thomas was fatally shot at the Platinum Club in Harvey, Louisiana. Miller, 30 and at the peak of his career with hits like “Down South Hustlers” from Trapped in Crime (2000, 200k sales), was convicted in 2003 based on two eyewitnesses: bouncers Darnell and Kenneth Jordan, who identified him as the shooter. A 2006 vacating of the sentence for withheld witness criminal histories led to a 2009 retrial (10-2 jury) and life without parole. Miller has maintained innocence, self-releasing four albums from prison, including Ricochet (2013).
The tide turned in 2018 when both Jordans recanted on Investigation Discovery’s Reasonable Doubt, claiming police coercion: Darnell faced 10-year threats for unrelated charges, Kenneth alleged detectives scripted his testimony. “I was pressured to lie,” Darnell stated. These affidavits fueled Miller’s 2023 federal habeas corpus petition, spotlighted by Kardashian’s August tweet: “Corey Miller has spent 21 years in prison for a crime he did not commit.” Civil rights attorney Ben Crump joined in 2021, staging rallies and hunger strikes. Master P, leveraging No Limit’s legacy, penned a June 2025 Juneteenth plea to Trump and Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry: “Review the real evidence—free Corey, it’s long overdue.” Though Trump can’t pardon state convictions, the post garnered 500k views, amplifying #FreeCMurder (100k signatures).
Federal courts rebuffed: U.S. District Judge Sarah S. Vance denied habeas in November 2023, deeming recantations “suspect”; the Fifth Circuit upheld in August 2024, rejecting ineffective counsel claims. But Hogan, Miller’s counsel since 2018, sees “optimism” in state proceedings: “We’re appealing to the Louisiana Supreme Court for a hearing on factual innocence—the evidence is overwhelming.” A 2026 evidentiary hearing could test recantations under oath, potentially granting a new trial if credible. “Courts prioritize trial records, but new law changes that,” Hogan said. Miller’s statement via Hogan: “I’ve lost decades, but faith in truth endures.”
Master P’s defiance shines: “Corey’s innocence is clear—coerced witnesses, withheld evidence. We’re not stopping.” Allies like Monica (ex) and nephew Romeo Miller rally, decrying Angola’s “slave labor.” Thomas’s family pushes back, but advocates counter: “Justice for Steve means truth for Corey.” As 2026 nears, the race intensifies—will retracted testimonies prevail? From No Limit’s throne, Master P vows: “Brother’s coming home.” Hip-hop watches; the turning point beckons.
