From 'Bling Bling' to 'Back That Azz Up': Juvenile Rocks NPR's Black Music Month with Timeless Hits

NPR's celebration of Black Music Month culminated not in a bang, but in a symphony of soul, rhythm, blues, and rap, uniquely born in the vibrant streets of New Orleans.

Big Easy native Juvenile took the Tiny Desk stage by storm, supported by a full band that included fellow New Orleans music giants Trombone Shorty and Jon Batiste, along with the wizardry of Mannie Fresh, the legendary producer behind Cash Money Records' hits. Together, they orchestrated a Tiny Desk performance that defied all expectations.

As Juvenile shared insights and reflected on his recording history, he effortlessly traded laughs and verses, delivering his and the label's biggest hits. From "400 Degreez" to "Bling Bling" and even the Hot Boys classic "I Need a Hot Girl," Juvenile playfully reminded the audience of his presence in the iconic music video, despite not being featured on the track itself.

"Y'all don't even know, that's my favorite part right there," Juvenile chuckled, exchanging verses with the animated Mannie Fresh. "I ain't even on the song, but I'm in the video. That part resonates with me so much, especially when Turk jumps in. Now, I know Turk might have a bone to pick with me, but he's still my lil bro. Trust me, that's the absolute pinnacle of the song when he enters."

However, it was the grand finale that truly captivated the audience. With the assistance of a cellist and a violinist from the Louisiana Philharmonic Orchestra, Juvenile crafted a spellbinding rendition of his timeless anthem to the posterior, "Back That Azz Up."

To experience the full concert, watch the video above.

SET LIST
"Intro (feat. Mannie Fresh)"
"400 Degreez (feat. Mannie Fresh)"
"Bling Bling (feat. Mannie Fresh)"
"Ha"
"Set It Off"
"Slow Motion"
"Rodeo (feat. The Amours)"
"I Need A Hot Girl (feat. Mannie Fresh)"
"Project Bitch (feat. Mannie Fresh)"
"Back That Azz Up (feat. Mannie Fresh)"

MUSICIANS
Juvenile: vocals
Mannie Fresh: vocals, effects, keys
Alvin Ford: music director/drums
Josh Connelly: guitar
DJ Raymond: bass
Brandon Butler: keys
BK Jackson: saxophone
Trombone Shorty: trombone
Kevin Woods: trumpet
Jon Batiste: melodica
Jakiya Ayanna: vocals
Shaina Aisha: vocals
Hannah Yim: violin
Jake Fowler: cello

Grand Jury Determines Travis Scott Not Criminally Responsible for Deadly Astroworld Incident

Frank Schwichtenberg, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Travis Scott, the rapper and producer behind the ill-fated 2021 Astroworld Festival, will not face charges related to the deadly crowd crush that claimed 10 lives and injured hundreds, announced District Attorney Kim Ogg on Thursday.

A grand jury also declined to indict others involved in the festival, including chief of security John Junnell and festival director Brett Silberstein, as part of the police investigation.

The grand jury from the 228th District Court of Harris County determined that no crime had occurred and that no individual could be held criminally responsible, according to Ogg. While recognizing the tragedy of the 10 innocent lives lost, Ogg clarified that not every tragedy constitutes a crime and that the grand jury's decision would not affect the ongoing civil lawsuits filed against Scott and other organizers, including Live Nation.

The victims, whose deaths were attributed to "compression asphyxia" by the Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences, included a nine-year-old.

Multiple lawsuits have been filed, alleging negligence in the festival's planning and promotion. Scott's spokesperson, Ted Anastasiou, stated that Scott had halted the show three times and was unaware of the unfolding events. Scott's attorney, Kent Schaffer, conveyed the news of the grand jury's decision to the rapper, who is currently overseas for a concert, expressing Scott's relief and eagerness to return home.

“He is ecstatic. It’s a huge weight that has been removed from his shoulders. He’s looking forward to getting back home after being cleared by the grand jury,” Schaffer told CNN.

From Hot Boys to Icon: Lil Wayne's Remarkable Journey Celebrated With BMI Award

Photo Credit R. Rosales / Courtesy of Republic Records

"He's a beast, he's a dog... he's an icon."

Lil Wayne, a longtime veteran in the rap game at the age of 40, will be honored with the prestigious BMI Icon Award at the upcoming 2023 R&B/Hip-Hop Awards on September 6.

The private ceremony, hosted by BMI President & CEO Mike O'Neill and BMI Vice President, Creative, Atlanta, Catherine Brewton, will take place at Miami Beach's LIV Nightclub, recognizing Lil Wayne's influential career spanning over 20 years.

"As a legend and superstar of Hip-Hop, Lil Wayne is synonymous with the genre. He's been part of the BMI family since 2002, and we're proud to name him a BMI Icon, acknowledging his status as one of the most influential artists of all time," said Brewton in a statement released by BMI, expressing excitement about celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Hip-Hop and its enduring impact on various cultural spheres.

Born Dwayne Michael Carter Jr., Lil Wayne emerged from the vibrant New Orleans music scene in the 1990s, rapidly gaining recognition for his exceptional lyrical skills and distinctive voice. After being signed by legendary Louisiana label Cash Money Records at the age of 12, he showcased his potential as a member of the hit-making group, the Hot Boys, before embarking on a remarkable solo career. Throughout his journey, he has amassed five Grammy Awards and exceeded 100 million records sold worldwide.

Beyond music, Lil Wayne's influence extends to fashion, pop culture and entrepreneurship. Through his label, Young Money Entertainment, he has nurtured emerging talent and produced chart-topping hits. Notably, his mentorship and collaborations with industry heavyweights like Drake and Nicki Minaj have propelled their careers to great heights, solidifying Wayne's impact on an entire generation of artists.

The BMI Icon Award, previously bestowed upon esteemed figures such as Janet Jackson, Patti LaBelle, Snoop Dogg, and Busta Rhymes, honors songwriters, composers or producers who have profoundly shaped the music industry.

Throughout his career, Wayne has received 52 BMI Awards and has been recognized multiple times as the R&B/Hip Hop Songwriter of the Year. In 2009, his track "Down" was honored as the College Song of the Year at the BMI London Awards.