Mannie Fresh says that “Back That Azz Up,” from Juvenile’s 400 Degreez album is “the greatest love song of all time.” He made his selection during an interview with HipHopDX at the 2023 Lovers and Friends Festival. Mannie was joined by Pimpin’ and Parlae of Dem Franchize Boyz at the event.
Fresh argued that Dem Franchize Boyz are one of the last artists that made dance music and liked to have fun. Nowadays, Mannie says artists are too focused on who is the most gangster. “Like wait, y’all ain’t dancing no more? Y’all that gangsta?” he asked. “I love when people smile and have fun, ain’t nothing wrong with that."
Mannie Fresh At Lovers & Friends
From there, Pimpin’ and Parlae chimed in to reveal some of his favorite artists who are making music right now. He noted Lil Uzi Vert and his hit song, "Just Wanna Rock." An accompanying dance popularized by Drew Jeeezy went viral on TikTok. “It ain’t a diss but you probably not gonna hear none of the new shit played at a wedding reception five years from now,” Mannie said of current songs.
Mannie Fresh On “Back That Azz Up”
This isn't the first time that Mannie has expressed uncertainty about the current state of hip-hop. Back in 2022, he discussed where hip-hop will be in 50 years during an interview with Vibe. “This is not to hurt any feelings, but if your feelings hurt, so be it," he began at the time. "I think in order for it to keep growing and be bigger and better, this generation got to pay attention to the last generation. You got to know where it came from. You can’t just keep going forward, going, ‘I don’t give a shit. I’m about the money.’ We going to destroy hip-hop. Do I want you to get paid? Of course. If you did the job, and you showed up or whatever, do that. But if you don’t know nothing about it, then that’s kind of corny.”
[Via]