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The song for the “’99 and the 2000” is now cemented in New Orleans history.
Mayor LaToya Cantrell issued a proclamation officially declaring June 11 as “Back That Azz Up Day,” which honors the late-’90s hip-hop classic from rapper Juvenile. The song also features Lil Wayne and producer Mannie Fresh. All three are natives of New Orleans.
The proclamation was made on the 25th anniversary of the hit song, which is the second single from Juvie’s 1998 album “400 Degrees.”
“’Back That Azz Up’ transcended its roots to become a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its infectious beat and memorable lyrics that continue to resonate with generations,” Cantrell said. “This legendary song has remarkably become the most played wedding song in America, uniting people across the nation in joy and celebration, and exemplifying the unifying power of music.”
Juvenile, born Terius Gray, rose to fame in the late-’90s and early-aughts working on Birdman, Bryan Christopher Williams, and his brother Ronald “Slim” Williams’ record label Cash Money Records. He was a solo artist and a member of the rap group Hot Boys, which featured Lil Wayne, B.G. and Turk.
“This song has been a huge part of my musical journey, and it’s amazing to see it still resonate with people today, and I can’t wait for the moment each night of the tour when the song drops,” Juvenile said in a statement.
Since “Back That Azz Up’s” debut, the single’s beat and lyrics have been a mainstay in hip-hop and pop culture. The song is also known as “Back That Thang Up,” its radio-friendly version. It dominated the music charts and peaked at No. 19 on Billboard’s Hot 100. In 2021, the song was No. 478 on Rolling Stone’s Top 500 Best Songs of All Time.
It was also certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America as it sold 500,000 copies.
The song was Juvenile’s biggest hit single until 2004’s “Slow Motion.”
Recently Juvenile announced a nationwide tour to celebrate the song’s 25th anniversary. It kicks off on July 7 in New Orleans. It heads to Los Angeles on Oct.17 where he will hit the stage of The Novo.
All of this comes off a very busy time for the “Ha” rapper.
Earlier this year, he was honored with his own Mardi Gras float in the Freret Parade.
In 2023 he launched his alcoholic beverage Juvie Juice and performed his hits for NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series, which featured Mannie Fresh and Jon Batiste. He later dabbled in the snack food business by launching a limited-edition flavor of CheeWees called 400 HOT Degreez CheeWees.
It’s fair to say his career has been “reJUVIEnated.”
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