Juvenile - The Greatest Hits

Genre hip hop Publisher Cash Money Records / Universal Records External Links Cash Money Records Universal Records

At the close of the previous millennium, there simply was no bigger movement in hip-hop than the creative works of the collective at New Orleans' Cash Money Records. A truly collaborative and integrative assembly of artists, from 1999 until 2001 the label churned out monstrously successful Mannie Fresh-produced singles and Pen and Pixel swathed albums by the month. Although he was not a head honcho at Cash Money by any means, (label co-owner Baby and in house producer Mannie Fresh also found much success through the group The Big Tymers) during their creative and commercial peak, Juvenile was undeniably the label's greatest star and unofficial leader.

Ironically, it is impossible to highlight the artist's career without giving shine to the other members of the Cash Money Millionaires, as they referred to themselves. Although he was the group's greatest star, I always found him to be the least interesting member of the collective. The personalities in the Millionaires ran the gamut; there was a member with true talent (Lil Wayne), a drug addict (BG), and a delightfully absurdist duo who loved nothing more than being 'hood rich (the aforementioned Big Tymers). Juvie boasted little more than an instantly recognizable southern drawl (but not as recognizable and unique as that of Lil Wayne) and the single "Back That Azz Up," which essentially put Cash Money on the map. Perhaps this is why some of my favorite moments in Cash Money lore revolve around the Hot Boys, the supergroup composed of Juvenile, BG, Lil Wayne and Young Turk; as well as the Cash Money Millionaires (Hot Boys + Big Tymers), responsible for such great singles as "Baller Blockin," "We On Fire," "I Need A Hot Girl," and "Project Chick."

In late 2001 Juvenile had a falling out with the rest of the Cash Money Millionaires and left the label. After a lengthy hiatus, miraculously, without the help of Mannie Fresh, Juvenile delivered one of his most successful singles ever in the summer of 2004 with the inescapable comeback "Slow Motion." Its inclusion on this compilation is bizarre. While I wasn't a huge fan of the song upon release, here it serves as a solid testament to the artist's versatility. "Slow Motion" was a strong departure from typical Cash Money fare, boasting a much more organic, country track reminiscent of Organized Noize circa 1994, and a less aggressive flow than that which he adopted in his heyday with the label.

However, with only two other post-Cash Money tracks on the 18 track compilation, The Greatest Hits is clearly a tribute to Juvenile's glory days with the Hot Boys and the rest of the Cash Money Millionaires. As great as singles like "Set It Off," "U Understand," and "Mama Got Ass" are, in the true collective spirit of Cash Money, they would sound so much better on a compilation that put them beside other great Cash Money singles like BG's "Bling Bling," and Big Tymers "#1 Stunna" (my all-time favorite Cash Money song). Save your money and get Cash Money Millionaires' Platinum Hits instead.