Influence Profile
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Trending in Juvenile’s World
Latest Album
South West Bosses
Released Jan 29, 2009
Trending Globally
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Story
Quick Facts
Born
1975
1975
From
United States of America
United States of America
Journey
Few rappers are as closely connected to the sound and culture of New Orleans as Juvenile. Born Terius Gray, he became a major figure in Southern hip-hop through a style shaped by New Orleans bounce, street storytelling, heavy bass, and his unmistakable Southern delivery. His career is closely associated with Cash Money Records, the Hot Boys, and the wider movement that helped establish Southern rap as a dominant force in America.
Growing up in New Orleans, Juvenile was surrounded by the city's distinctive musical traditions. His experiences in the Magnolia Projects and other parts of the city influenced the language, subject matter, and rhythmic character of his music. He began developing as a rapper while young, gaining experience through local performances and recordings before attracting attention beyond New Orleans.
His association with Cash Money Records became a major turning point. In 1997, he released "Solja Rags" through the label and joined B.G., Lil Wayne, and Turk to form the Hot Boys. The group became one of the most recognizable rap collectives of the late 1990s, with "Get It How U Live!"
Juvenile's biggest breakthrough came in 1998 with "400 Degreez." Guided by Mannie Fresh's production, the album brought together bounce rhythms, Southern rap, bass-heavy production, and Juvenile's distinctive vocal approach.
Two songs became especially important to Juvenile's career. "Ha" showcased his New Orleans accent and stripped-down rhythmic delivery, while "Back That Azz Up," featuring Lil Wayne, became a widely recognized Southern hip-hop anthem. Together, the songs helped establish Juvenile as one of the leading voices of the Cash Money era.
He continued his solo career with projects including "Tha G-Code" and "Project English." After leaving Cash Money amid business disagreements, Juvenile explored independent work and developed the UTP collective. He later reunited with Cash Money for "Juve the Great," which featured "Slow Motion," his collaboration with Soulja Slim. The 2004 single reached No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Juvenile remained active through later albums, collaborations, performances, and business ventures. His 2023 NPR Tiny Desk appearance with Mannie Fresh and other New Orleans musicians introduced his music to another generation, while later Hot Boys appearances reinforced the group's lasting cultural importance.
His influence extends beyond individual hits, through his music, he helped move New Orleans bounce from a local tradition into the broader vocabulary of mainstream hip-hop.