Description
Juvenile – 400 Degreez – Double 180 Gram Yellow Vinyl Records
Repress of 2019 edition
– First official vinyl reissue
– Exclusive heavyweight foil jacket
– Limited 180g 2LP color vinyl
– Exclusive Cash Money stencil
Brand new, never played and still in the factory plastic
400 Degreez is the third studio album by American rapper Juvenile, released on November 3, 1998, through Cash Money Records and Universal Records. The album became a pivotal release for both Juvenile and Cash Money, marking the label’s breakthrough into mainstream success and cementing Juvenile’s status as one of the key figures in Southern hip-hop. 400 Degreez is celebrated for its signature bounce music sound, a subgenre of hip-hop that originated in New Orleans, characterized by its infectious, high-energy beats and repetitive, call-and-response style.
Produced by the legendary Mannie Fresh, the album introduced Juvenile’s gritty, streetwise lyrics to a wider audience, and its massive commercial success helped launch the careers of other Cash Money artists like Lil Wayne, B.G., and Turk.
Juvenile (born Terius Gray) was already a well-known figure in the New Orleans hip-hop scene, having released two albums before “400 Degreez”, but this project catapulted him into the national spotlight. His distinctive Southern drawl and raw, street-oriented lyricism resonated with listeners, while Mannie Fresh’s production gave the album a fresh, energetic bounce sound that was irresistible.
The success of 400 Degreez also played a major role in putting Cash Money Records on the map, establishing it as a dominant force in Southern hip-hop. The album came at a time when Southern rap was beginning to gain national attention, following the success of artists like OutKast, Master P, and Scarface.
400 Degreez is packed with classic tracks that helped define the late 1990s Southern rap sound. Juvenile’s combination of street stories, swagger, and catchy hooks, paired with Mannie Fresh’s innovative production, made this album a standout in both hip-hop and mainstream music.
“Ha” – This track is one of the album’s most iconic songs, notable for its unique, conversational flow, where Juvenile ends nearly every line with the word “Ha.” The track’s repetitive, hypnotic beat and Juvenile’s distinct delivery made it a breakout hit. The song’s video, set in the Magnolia Projects, added to its authenticity and impact.
“Back That Azz Up” – Arguably the most famous song from the album and a defining track of late 1990s hip-hop, “Back That Azz Up” became a massive club anthem. Featuring Lil Wayne, the song’s infectious bounce beat and catchy, party-centric lyrics helped it cross over into mainstream success. To this day, it’s considered one of the greatest hip-hop songs for its high-energy production and wide appeal.
“400 Degreez” – The title track features Juvenile in top form, rapping over a smooth, bass-heavy beat about street life, hustling, and his rise to success. The track encapsulates the album’s blend of raw street narratives and slick production.
“Follow Me Now” – This track shows off Mannie Fresh’s creativity as a producer, with a funky, futuristic beat that complements Juvenile’s braggadocious flow. It’s another example of how well the album balances party tracks with hard-hitting street anthems.
“Flossin’ Season” – A braggadocious track where Juvenile boasts about his success, riches, and lifestyle. Mannie Fresh delivers an upbeat, head-nodding beat that makes the song both catchy and hard-hitting.
“Ghetto Children” – This track takes a more reflective tone, with Juvenile offering advice to young people growing up in difficult circumstances. The smooth, laid-back beat adds to the track’s contemplative mood.
“Rich Niaz”** – Another classic track from the album, with Juvenile rapping about wealth, success, and the ups and downs of street life. The song is propelled by one of Mannie Fresh’s signature bounce beats, blending heavy bass with infectious melodies.
“Juvenile on Fire” – A high-energy track that highlights Juvenile’s confident delivery and his ability to craft catchy hooks. It’s a quintessential bounce track, with fast-paced production and plenty of attitude.
The themes of 400 Degreez revolve around street life, success, struggle, and resilience, reflecting Juvenile’s experiences growing up in the tough neighborhoods of New Orleans. His lyrics are often raw and unfiltered, touching on subjects like hustling, loyalty, survival, and the allure of wealth. Despite the heavy subject matter, the album is also filled with party anthems and tracks celebrating success, typical of the bounce music style.
Mannie Fresh’s production is a crucial element of the album, with his signature sound characterized by heavy basslines, sharp snare drums, and quirky, funk-inspired melodies. The combination of Juvenile’s gritty, authentic storytelling and Mannie Fresh’s innovative beats created a perfect balance of street credibility and mainstream appeal.
400 Degreez was both a commercial and critical success. It peaked at No. 9 on the Billboard 200 and was eventually certified 4x platinum by the RIAA, making it one of the best-selling albums in the history of Cash Money Records. It helped establish Juvenile as a major player in the rap game and was instrumental in bringing Southern hip-hop into the national spotlight.
Critically, the album was praised for its production, Juvenile’s delivery, and its ability to represent the New Orleans bounce scene on a larger stage. “Back That Azz Up” and “Ha” became cultural touchstones, with the former still a fixture in clubs and parties decades later.
400 Degreez is considered a landmark album in Southern hip-hop and is often cited as one of the best rap albums of the late 1990s. It helped elevate both Juvenile’s career and Cash Money Records to new heights, setting the stage for the label’s dominance in the early 2000s with artists like Lil Wayne, B.G., and Hot Boys.
The album’s influence can still be felt in hip-hop today, particularly in the way Southern rap has become a dominant force in the genre. “Back That Azz Up” remains one of the most recognizable and beloved party tracks in hip-hop history, while “Ha” is frequently referenced for its innovative flow and production.
For fans of Southern rap, bounce music, and hip-hop in general, “400 Degreez” stands as a crucial release that helped shape the sound of the South and influenced an entire generation of rappers.
Track Listing
Intro (Big Tymers) Featuring – Mannie Fresh
Ha
Gone Ride With Me
Flossin’ Season Featuring – B.G., Big Tymers, Lil Wayne
Ghetto Children
Follow Me Now
Cash Money Concert
Welcome 2 Tha Nolia Featuring – Turk
U.P.T. Featuring – Baby (2), Hot Boys
Run For It Featuring – Lil Wayne
Ha – Remix Version (Hot Boys) Featuring – Hot Boys
Rich Niggaz Featuring – Lil Wayne, Mannie Fresh, Papa Reu, Turk
Back That Azz Up Featuring – Lil Wayne, Mannie Fresh
Off Top Featuring – Big Tymers
After Cash Money Concert
400 Degreez
Juvenile On Fire
Ha – Remix Version (Jay-Z) Featuring – Jay-Z