Iconic rapper credits Birmingham for helping launch his music career

Juvenile is celebrating the 25th anniversary of his hit "Back That Azz Up" with a tour featuring DJ Mannie Fresh and the 400 Degreez Band, performing at venues across the U.S. This week, the rap legend is stopping in Alabama.

The New Orleans-born rapper spoke with AL.com while on his way to Birmingham after performing in Washington D.C. and New York City. He shared that returning to the South for shows always feels like coming home.

“I’m always in Birmingham,” Juvenile said. “They bought a whole lot of records from me. I’ve been consistently booked for shows from the beginning, even before the record deal with Universal. The city helped put my music on the map.”

"Back That Azz Up," featuring DJ Mannie Fresh and Lil Wayne, has become a cultural anthem, a must-play at parties, weddings, homecomings, and concerts.

“I saw the song being a big record at the time,” Juvenile said. “But to be around this long, 26 years, it’s crazy.”

Earlier this week, the rapper appeared on the popular syndicated morning radio show "The Breakfast Club," where he revealed that he realized "Back That Azz Up" was a classic a decade after its release.

“I was like, ‘Wow, I’m never going to be able to take a break,’” he said. “People are going to keep booking me for shows, bar mitzvahs, weddings.”

Juvenile also discussed his 2023 appearance on NPR’s Tiny Desk concert series, where his live performance garnered over 8 million views.

“Once I did that ‘Tiny Desk,’ it was like I won a Grammy,” Juvenile said. “My phone started blowing up. Nothing but money. I opened up nine businesses.”

Now, Juvenile has expanded his brand with multiple products, including Juvie Juice flavors (beer), hot sauce, potato chips, cognac, a video game, rolling papers, marijuana, and upcoming items like coffee, wine, and a streaming app.

Juvenile last visited Birmingham a year ago to celebrate 25 years of his career-defining album “400 Degreez” at Avondale Brewery. The album went 4-times platinum when it was released in 1998, with hit songs like “Ha” and “Back That Azz Up.” He’s also known for other popular Cash Money Records tracks like “Slow Motion,” “Project Chick,” and “Hot Boys” featuring Lil Wayne, B.G., Turk, and Big Tymers.