Rapper Juvenile: 50 Years Wiser, Healthier, and Better Than Ever
ATLANTA, GEORGIA - MAY 19: Rapper Juvenile performs onstage at 2023 Black Music Honors at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on May 19, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Nykieria Chaney/Getty Images)
“Cash Money Records taking over for the 9-9 into 2000”
In 1999, New Orleans rapper Terius “Juvenile” Gray released the rap classic “Back That Thang Up.” Now, over 25 years later, the song has blossomed into a cultural anthem known to jumpstart any party–whether corporate or blue collar. At just about any social function, special event, and even the classiest of events, you would find women of all ages “backing that thang up.”
The man behind the song, Juvenile, is now 50 years old. He’s older, wiser, and even though he’s encouraging the world to “Back that Thang Up” he’s still a father, husband, businessman, and one who has learned from his share of mistakes over the years.
His Hit Song Wasn’t Even Supposed to be a Hit
Juvenile originally came up with “Back That Thang Up” in 1997. He started reciting the lyrics at block parties in New Orleans and the song become an underground hit, yet it took time for him to be convinced it was worth recording and releasing to listeners outside his hometown.
“I made that song for New Orleans. I just ran with it but didn’t think the song was going to be as big as it was,” Juvenile said to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
Dave Meyers, who directed “Back That Thang Up’s” music video, cast dancers from Juvenile’s live performances in New Orleans. He said Ronald “Slim” Williams, co-founder of Cash Money Records, convinced the director to immerse himself in the city’s culture to give the video authenticity.
“He called, told me to come down to see how the girls do when the song comes on and encouraged me to go into various parts of his neighborhood. It was a wild, fun time,” Meyers remembered.
“Back That Thang Up” peaked at No. 19 on the Billboard pop charts and helped “400 Degreez” sell over 4 million copies. Despite Cash Money Records’ growing popularity, Fresh said he and his labelmates were nervous to perform “Back That Thang Up” outside of the South.
We had butterflies and jitters going to the East and West Coasts, because they made us feel like they’d never accept our music,” Fresh said. “But when we did the song and saw them rock to it, we knew we’d arrived.”
“The biggest record is the song I wouldn’t want to be one of my singles, but you really got to let the fans choose,” he said. “It’s hard for the fans to put their hands up when they’re bent over instead. If you want to get the party started and nothing else works, you’ll win if you play that song.”
Sean Falyon, a popular Atlanta deejay who organizes the monthly dance party Sum’n Good, regularly plays “Back That Thang Up” during his sets. He told The AJC the song is a unifier.
“It’s a legendary record and a party staple that brings all types of people together on the floor,” Falyon said. “It brings the high-energy vibes that are nostalgic, build community and celebrate our culture.”
Family Life: Juvenile As a Dad and Husband
When he was 16, Demetrius Gray, the son of multi-platinum rapper Juvenile, had a very clear birthday wish: he wanted his father to buy him a 1971 “Glass House” Chevy Caprice. Instead, the New Orleans superstar gave his son—now better known as Young Juve—a new Apple laptop, Pro Tools, and a few pieces of recording equipment. At the time, the teenager was disappointed, but that decision wound up changing not only his life, but also his relationship with his father.
“I was mad as hell,” Young Juve says. “I wanted what I wanted, [in the end] I got what I wanted, but I ended up getting it on my own.”
Juvenile and Young Juve are just two of a growing niche in hip-hop: the father-son rapper tandem. With the genre celebrating its 50th anniversary last year, we’re now in a place where chart-topping MCs from the ‘90s and ‘00s are in their late 40s and 50s, and have raised young men who’ve continued their musical legacy. And in the cases of Juvenile and Young Juve, E-40 and Droop-E, Big Hit and Hit-Boy, and Mac Phipps and Bandana Kin, they’re not just working in the same field but actively working together. It’s certainly different from the usual familial footstep-following, but the artists GQ spoke to approach these situations like any caring, thoughtful parent would.
“I put that extra push behind him once I realized he was serious. And that’s what I think all parents [should do],” Juvenile says. “I wasn’t behind him the whole while [saying], ‘Man, you need to rap.’ But once he showed me he was seriously rapping, that’s when I got really behind him.”
In 2023, Young Juve had an encounter with danger after he was shot in the face while inside a vehicle. A video capturing the presumed aftermath depicted Juve’s vehicle with multiple bullet holes and at least two shattered windows.
“When asked if he was going to make a song about his encounter with gun violence or retaliation, he had this to say. “Hell now. I’m not even bout to play wit the universe like that Imma just appreciate the blessed and keep steppin.”
Juvenile’s family has experienced previous instances of being targeted by assailants. In 2008, the rap legend’s daughter, Jelani, along with her mother, Gwinnett County sheriff’s deputy Joy Deleston, and half-sister, Micaiah, tragically fell victim to gun violence when they were fatally shot. Jelani was only four years old at the time of the devastating incident.
Juvenile and his wife celebrated 20 years of marriage in September of 2024 and the two seem to be still be going strong. “20 years of marriage but we have been together forever,” posts Juvenile on Instagram. “What a wonderful ride. I loved you. I love you now, and i will always love you @therealmrsjuvenile you are truly the love of my life.”
What Juvenlile is Planning for the Next 50 Years
“For me, with rap, you should be where your feet are,” explains Juvie. “You know what I’m saying? Make a song about where your life’s at right now. You don’t have to be where you were at when you first came out. I’m pretty sure most of the rappers that rapped about the streets and gangster lifestyle, and stayed doing music for 20-plus years, are gonna change the subject. There are a lot of things to rap about. That’s something I don’t ever want to hear from anybody. Man, just say you’re tired and your skills are running low.”
My city is poverty stricken, and one of the main reasons is because people that have opportunities and big situations with these big companies put us last on the list. I’m not mad at them, but we feel like sometimes we get overlooked, and it takes people like me, Crown Royal and Starter getting together to make things happen. We bring awareness, and maybe these other big companies will follow suit.. The money from all of the proceeds will be donated to the Foundation for Louisiana’s Freedom Forward Fund. I’ve never been a participant of something as big as this.
And there’s only big thing planned for Mr. Juvenile
