GREATEST HITS (EX)

Personnel: Juvenile (rap vocals); Lil Wayne, Mannie Fresh, Soulja Slim, Ying Yang Twins (rap vocals). Juvenile helped put New Orleans on the hip-hop map even before he became part of the Cash Money crew or a member of the Hot Boys. Beginning in the early 1990s, Juvenile honed his rough-edged, brash, accent-flaunting style. After a couple of regionally successful records, he exploded with one of the Dirty South's first legitimate classics, 400 DEGREEZ, which spawned a flurry of hits, including the fierce "Back That Azz Up" (with frequent collaborator Mannie Fresh). After seven records, most notably 2003's excellent JUVE THE GREAT (which offered up the sultry jam "Slow Motion"), Juvenile had recorded more than enough to warrant a retrospective. This collection opens with what might be a first--an intro snatched from a previous record, "Intro - Big Tymers" from 400 DEGREEZ. The aforementioned hits are present, along with many other great moments from the Magnolia State rapper's career. "In My Life" changes its pace a few times, boasting both a powerfully catchy beat and deft, introspective lyrics. Elsewhere, "U Understand" struts in with a classic Dirty South bass line, while "Bounce Back" lays down a more laid-back groove, illustrating the oft-overlooked depth of Juvenile's game.