Juvenile. Photo by Marissa Altazan

New Orleans Celebrates “Back That Azz Up” Day as Juvenile Launches Tour

Hip-hop legend Juvenile celebrates the 25th anniversary of his iconic hit “Back That Azz Up.” In honor of this milestone, the City of New Orleans declared June 11, 2024, as “Back That Azz Up Day,” celebrating the song that has become a cultural phenomenon and a staple of the city’s vibrant musical heritage. Citizens of New Orleans and fans worldwide are invited to play or request the song, share their favorite memories, and create new ones using the hashtag #BackThatAzzUpDay.

Mayor LaToya Cantrell of New Orleans has issued a proclamation recognizing the significant impact of “Back That Azz Up,” produced by the legendary Mannie Fresh and featuring Lil Wayne. Released on June 11, 1999, as the second single from Juvenile’s 1998 quadruple Platinum album 400 Degreez, the song transcended its New Orleans roots to become a beloved worldwide anthem. It topped the Billboard Hot 100 charts and dominated the summer of 1999. In 2021, it was listed as one of Rolling Stone’s “Top 500 Best Songs of All Time.”

Proclamation Excerpt:

“WHEREAS, the City of New Orleans proudly recognizes the 25th anniversary of the iconic music video ‘Back That Azz Up’ by our very own Juvenile, which was released in 1999 and has since become a defining anthem worldwide and our city’s vibrant musical heritage; and

WHEREAS, ‘Back That Azz Up,’ produced by the legendary Mannie Fresh and featuring the esteemed Lil Wayne, has transcended its roots to become a cultural phenomenon, celebrated for its infectious beat and memorable lyrics that continue to resonate with generations; and

WHEREAS, this legendary song has remarkably become the most played wedding song in America, uniting people across the nation in joy and celebration, and exemplifying the unifying power of music. Over one billion people have been ‘backing it up’ since the 99s and the 2000s; and

WHEREAS, to commemorate this milestone and the enduring legacy of ‘Back That Azz Up,’ Juvenile is launching a nationwide tour, to celebrate 25 years of this groundbreaking music video and its impact on music and culture; and

WHEREAS, the City of New Orleans wishes to honor this historic occasion and the contributions of Juvenile, Mannie Fresh, and Lil Wayne to the music industry and our community.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, LaToya Cantrell, Mayor of New Orleans, do hereby proclaim June 11, 2024, as ‘Back That Azz Up Day’ in the City of New Orleans, in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the music video, and urge all citizens to join in the celebration of this monumental achievement and the artists who have made a lasting impact on our city’s musical legacy.”

“I am beyond excited to celebrate 25 years of ‘Back That Azz Up’ with my fans, “ says Juvenile, “This song has been a huge part of my musical journey, and it’s amazing to see it still resonate with people today and I can’t wait for the moment each night of the tour when the song drops.”

Juvenile’s recent NPR Music Tiny Desk concert, where he performed a 10-song set including hits like “Set It Off,” “Slow Motion,” and “Back That Azz Up,” has reignited enthusiasm among fans. The 23-minute set, featuring a full backing band and Cash Money Records producer Mannie Fresh, highlighted Juvenile’s timeless talent and enduring appeal, with special guests like Trombone Shorty and Jon Batiste adding to the performance.

Juvenile is also marking the anniversary by announcing an exciting nationwide tour.

Tour Dates:

07/07 – New Orleans, LA – Essence/Donna Color Explosion
07/20 – San Francisco, CA – Midway
07/27 – Oklahoma City, OK – Criterion
08/03 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory (Chesterfield)
08/09 – New York, NY – Brooklyn Bowl
08/10 – Washington, DC – Howard Theatre
08/11 – Harrisburg, PA – Reverb
08/13 – Columbia, SC – The Senate
08/14 – Birmingham, AL – Iron City
08/15 – Memphis, TN – Minglewood Hall
08/16 – Houston, TX – White Oak Lawn
08/17 – Chicago, IL – Radius
08/18 – Grand Rapids, MI – 20 Monroe
08/22 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren
08/23 – Las Vegas, NV – Brooklyn Bowl Vegas
08/30 – Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues
08/31 – Asheville, NC – Rabbit Rabbit
09/01 – Norfolk, VA – The Norva
09/05 – Columbus, OH – Temple Live
09/06 – Indianapolis, IN – Murat Theater
09/07 – Detroit, MI – The Fisher
09/19 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades
09/22 – Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom
09/23 – Seattle, WA – The Crocodile
09/24 – Vancouver, BC – Commodore
09/25 – Edmonton, AB – Midway Music Hall
09/27 – Louisville, KY – Palace Theatre
09/28 – Huntsville, AL – John Hunt Park
09/29 – Little Rock, AR – The Hall
10/03 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave
10/04 – Waukee, IA – Vibrant Music Hall
10/05 – Charleston, SC – Firefly Distillery
10/06 – Fort Smith, AR – Temple Live
10/08 – Wichita, KS – Temple Live
10/10 – Denver, CO – The Fillmore
10/12 – Reno, NV – Grand Theatre at the Grand Sierra Resort
10/13 – Boise, ID- Treefort Music Hall
10/16 – San Diego, CA – House of Blues
10/17 – Los Angeles, CA – The Novo
10/20 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues
10/31 – Oakland, CA – Fox Theatre
11/09 – San Antonio, TX – The Espee
11/10 – Austin, TX – Stubb’s
11/14 – St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live
11/15 – Miami, FL – Fillmore Miami Beach
11/20 – Atlanta, GA – The Eastern
11/22 – Charlotte, NC – The Fillmore
12/01 – Fort Worth, TX – Tannahill’s Tavern & Music Hall
12/04 – Montclair, NJ – Wellmont Theatre
12/05 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore
12/06 – Brooklyn, NY – Kings Theatre
12/07 – New Haven, CT – College Street Music Hall
12/08 – Boston, MA – House of Blues
12/09 – Portland, ME – State Theatre
12/10 – Montreal, QC – Beanfield Theatre
12/11 – Toronto, ON – Danforth Music Hall
12/12 – Rochester, NY – Water Street Music Hall
12/14 – Cleveland, OH – Temple Live
12/15 – Cincinnati, OH – Bogarts
12/19 – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works
12/20 – Chattanooga, TN – The Signal
12/21 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore
12/31 – New Orleans, LA – Saenger Theatre

Juvenile, born Teruis Gray, is a prominent figure in hip-hop. Known for his classic records, he played a key role in the legacy of the Cash Money era and has maintained appeal across generations, partly through social media. His entrepreneurial efforts include ventures like Juvie Juice spiked iced tea, Cheewee’s snacks, a mobile game, a cognac brand, ‘Haa! Sauce’ hot sauce, a CBD/THC drink called ‘Slo Motion,’ and a cookbook. These products will be featured alongside the tour and available at the merch booth.

Tickets for the “Back That Azz Up” 25th Anniversary Tour will go on presale starting today and be available to the general public on June 15, 2024, at 10 a.m. local time. Fans can find links to buy tickets and meet and greets through JuvenileOfficial.com/Tour.