Being Myself
Year Released: 1995
Certification: Uncertified
Label: Warlock
Guest Stars: N/A
Solja Rags
Year Released: 1997
Certification: Uncertified
Label: Cash Money
Guest Stars: Big Moe, B.G., Big Tymers, The Hot Boys, Magnolia Shorty
400 Degreez
Year Released: 1998
Certification: 4x Platinum
Label: Cash Money
Guest Stars: Big Tymers, B.G., Turk, Hot Boyz, Lil Wayne, Paparue, Manny Fresh
Year Released: 1999
Certification: Platinum
Label: Cash Money
Guest Stars: Big Tymers, Lil' Wayne, Hot Boys
Playa of Da Game
Year Released: 2000
Certification: Uncertified
Label: Cash Money
Guest Stars: N/A
Project English
Year Released: 2001
Certification: Gold
Label: Cash Money
Guest Stars: Big Tymers, Lil' Wayne, Baby, Turk, TQ, Hot Boys
Biography
Most people would take being called juvenile as less than complimentary. But Cash Money/Universal Records’ superstar Juvenile doesn’t mind. "Juvenile is a name I got when I was young and thugging," he explains. These days, the 24-year-old New Orleans native, born Terius Gray, is experiencing very grown-up success. His CD 400 Degreez has sold over a million copies and is quickly approaching double-platinum status.
400 Degreez began its ascent in late 1998, with one simple word – "Ha." In this last year, the world has engraved Juvenile and "Ha" into its memory banks. Juvenile’s bounce rhyme style has made major hip-hop purists chant the lyrics to the undeniable hit. "‘Ha’ is both a question and an answer," explains Juvenile. "You can ask someone a question with Ha, which is like New Orleans slang for, ‘Huh?’ But it’s also an affirmation, like asking for an amen."
Now, don’t let the name or his new found national awareness fool you, Juvenile has been ripping shows with his unique flow, and laying it down for "Uptown" New Orleans for over ten years. Rapping since the age of ten, Juve hails from New Orleans’ infamous Magnolia project. Like some others, the Magnolia project has a reputation for being rowdy and wild. It’s a place where few children survive unscathed by the horrendous poverty that grips many of the residents there. But not Juve. He kept his eyes on the prize - his dream of being a rap star. "I had my struggles and I had peer pressure, but I didn’t let things get to me. I always stayed focused on what I was trying to do," says the determined Juvenile.
As a youngster, Juvenile formed a group called the UPT, a name that he has tattooed on his stomach in honor of his old Uptown crew, many of whom are either dead or locked up. Through his rap activity, Juvenile became instrumental in helping shape New Orleans’ hip-hop scene. All the while resisting the lure of fast money and cars, he took on a series of odd jobs in between writing and doing shows whenever he could. One day on the way to work, he met Ronald "Suga Slim" Williams and his brother Bryan "Baby" Williams, owners of Cash Money Records and auditioned for them on the spot. Although the brothers liked what they heard, at the time, they didn’t have a spot on their roster for new artists. They gave him a card and told him to check back with them. Juvenile showed up to their studio the next day, the day after, and the day after that. When the Williams brothers finally re-adjusted their roster, they gave Juve a shot and released his debut album, Solja Rag. Instantly, Solja Rag became an underground smash, selling close to 200,000 copies in the Southern region alone. It also helped to set the stage for Juvenile’s new group, Hot Boys, whose debut LP Get It How U Live sold nearly 400,000 copies and landed in the #25 spot on the Billboard charts.
Juvenile’s 400 Degreez CD was one of the first releases under Cash Money’s distribution deal with Universal Records in 1998. A diverse collection of true-to-life stories, 400 Degreez is full of infectious, Mannie Fresh-produced tracks and Juve’s one-of-a-kind rhyme style. Juvenile teaches and entertains throughout 400 Degreez, from the salsa-inspired "Follow Me Now" and the hypnotic "Back That Thang Up" to the amazing "Ha" remixes featuring Jay-Z and the Hot Boys. Those looking for a good time are sure to get caught up in the high energy of "Welcome 2 The Nolia" with it’s tight rhythms built around a 70’s rim shot. Meanwhile, the street-wise intelligence of the title track; the captivating story of "Ghetto Children;" and the truthful tales of "Run For It" all showcase Juvenile’s intelligence and versatility.
Since the release of 400 Degreez, Juvenile has graced the covers of hip-hop’s most sought after publications like XXL, Rap Pages and Blaze, while garnering critical acclaim from music bibles such as Rolling Stone, Spin, The Source and Vibe magazines. Additionally, he has performed on Soul Train and The Conan O’Brien Show.
After recently completing a successful national tour with his label-mates, Juvenile is readying himself for the next wave of success. He is a two-time nominee for this years 1999 Source Awards in the categories of "Best New Artist" and "Single of the Year" for "Ha." The Hot Boys, comprised of Juvenile and fellow Cash Money artists BG, Lil Wayne, and Turk, will release their new CD Guerrilla Warfare in late July. Juvenile can also be heard on several of the year’s most anticipated albums. He has guest appearances on the latest CDs by Missy Elliott, Ruff Ryders, Foxy Brown, and Three 6 Mafia. He’ll be included on upcoming soundtracks for the motion pictures The Wood and Blue Streak, as well as albums from Mack 10 and E-40.
1999 obviously has been a whirlwind year for Juvenile. Hip-hop has a new voice to take with it into the new millennium. Juvenile is ready. He’s already conquered the hard-nosed hip-hop elite without compromise. Bring on the year 2000!