Juvenile is disappointed with Essence Festival. They have excluded him from the lineup commemorating the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop in New Orleans, his hometown. The festival shared flyers representing the performers for each day. Juvenile noticed his absence from the "The South Got Something To Say" set curated by Jermaine Dupri. Other artists like Big Boi, Gucci Mane, Lil Jon, Ludacris, and T.I. were listed. However, Juvenile questioned how Essence Fest could overlook his significant contributions to the city's hip-hop scene.
When a fan pointed out that "The South Has Something To Say" featured many Atlanta rappers, Juvenile expressed his disappointment. He then stated that the festival organizers had failed to understand the significance of his omission. In response, Juvenile took to promoting another festival called "Donna Fest." There, he and Mannie Fresh will be performing. He emphasized his deep connection to the city and its culture. He also highlighted the presence of a live band, including Rebirth, and an array of diverse food vendors. Juvenile urged his followers to attend, emphasizing the affordable ticket price of $25.
Juvenile's Legacy In New Orleans And Beyond
Juvenile is a legendary figure in New Orleans rap. The rapper rose to fame during his time with Cash Money Records in the '90s. He was involved with the Hot Boys alongside Lil Wayne, Turk, and B.G. He had a number of hugely successful hit songs. Included among those are "Back That Azz Up," "Set It Off," and "Slow Motion." With such instantly recognizable songs, he has clearly made a lasting impact on the hip-hop genre.
During an interview at the 2023 Lovers and Friends Festival, Mannie Fresh expressed his belief that Juvenile's "Back That Azz Up" is the greatest love song ever. He made this declaration while emphasizing the decline of dance music and fun in contemporary artists' focus on toughness and gangsterism. Mannie Fresh expressed his love for seeing people smile and have a good time, advocating for the importance of embracing joy and fun in music. While calling "Back That Azz Up" the greatest love song ever is debatable, it is certainly a classic. What do you think of Juvenile's exclusion from Essence Fest? Let us know in the comments!
