NEW ORLEANS (WVUE) - 25 years ago, New Orleans rapper Juvenile released the classic album “400 Degreez” and hip-hop was never the same.
Back in March, Juvenile and Mannie Fresh dropped a Deluxe Edition of 400 Degreez to commemorate the anniversary, accompanied with a new music video for the title track.
The celebration doesn’t stop there.
From the album 400 Degrees, “Back That Azz Up” (”Back That Thing Up” is the radio edit of the song) was released as a single on June 11, 1998, and it became Juvenile’s biggest hit to date. What hit the airwaves was something that rocked hip-hop fans to their core.
Fast forward 25 years later, “Back That Azz Up” Day has become an official holiday in New Orleans by proclamation of Mayor LaToya Cantrell.
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“I really wasn’t keeping up with the dates until one of my guys educated me,” Juvenile said. “It’s crazy. It’s great to have all these accolades but it’s better to enjoy it with your family and the guys who made it happen. I really wasn’t expecting it.
It’s just another mark in a big year for Juvenile who will perform with a live band at Essence Fest. He’s also going on a tour that extends beyond national borders, kicking off and ending in New Orleans.
As for the legacy of Back That Azz Up, hip-hop wouldn’t be the same today without it. After the Cash Money Records release of “Back That Thang Up” 25 years ago, the track peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard Hot 100, popularized New Orleans bounce music nationally, and has a hallowed place in Rolling Stone’s “Top 500 Best Songs of All Time” list.
The track also featured a 17-year-old Lil Wayne.
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