Long before Lil Wayne ascended to global superstardom, Juvenile, born Terius Gray, was the lyrical force spearheading Cash Money Records from New Orleans. Emerging onto the national scene in 1998, Juvenile became a prominent hip-hop figure from Louisiana, standing apart from artists associated with No Limit Records. Despite a fluctuating relationship with Cash Money and Brian “Baby/Birdman” Williams, Juvenile has cemented his cultural significance with timeless anthems like “Slow Motion” featuring Soulja Slim, the iconic “Ha,” and the original twerking anthem, “Back That Ass Up.”
Juvenile’s journey began in the early 1990s within New Orleans’ vibrant bounce music scene. He independently launched his career with the 1995 release, Being Myself. After gaining local traction, he connected with Birdman and Ronald “Slim” Williams, signing with Cash Money in 1997 during the label’s independent phase. He joined fellow artists Lil Wayne, B.G., and Turk, who were already part of the CMR family, forming the influential group, Hot Boys. His second album, Soulja Rags, followed, garnering critical praise and further establishing his presence in the rap landscape.
The year 1998 marked a turning point with his groundbreaking third album, 400 Degreez. Led by the impactful single “Ha,” which spawned remixes featuring both the Hot Boys and a power collaboration with Jay Z and DMX, the album quickly gained momentum. However, it was in 1999 that Juvenile transcended hip-hop circles and became a household name in pop culture, largely due to his massive hit, “Back That Ass Up.” 400 Degreez achieved 4-times platinum status and paved the way for Cash Money’s ascent to becoming the dominant rap label it is recognized as today.
Amidst the well-documented disputes with Cash Money concerning alleged financial discrepancies, Juvenile, along with other Cash Money Millionaires, departed and inked a deal with Atlantic Records. He simultaneously co-founded his own label, UTP Records. Under this new venture, he delivered another significant hit, “Nolia Clap” from his 2006 album Reality Check, marking his first Billboard No. 1 hit. Years later, in 2014, Juvenile returned to Cash Money, signifying a reconciliation and renewed partnership.
With eleven albums to his name, Juvenile remains an active and influential figure in the New Orleans rap scene. Boasting a catalog of classic tracks, it is essential to explore some of his most significant Juvenile Songs that have defined his enduring career.
See 40 Hip-Hop Albums Turning 20 in 2016
