Juvenile has revamped his classic from ‘tha ’99 and tha 2000’ for the present-day, but after hearing the COVID-vaccine friendly “Vax That Thang Up,” fans had mixed reactions to the “Back That Thang Up” update.
The Cash Money staple linked up with fellow rap vets Mannie Fresh, who appeared on the original 1999 track, and No Limit Records artist Mia X to put a new spin on the iconic song, using the same beat that inspires instant twerking to drive home a different message: “Dating is better in all the ways once you’re vaccinated.” The video, which was released on Tuesday, July 6, features callbacks to the original, like Juvenile in his white tee with a matching head wrap.
“I just wanted to do something positive for my people and to stand in the front to show that I’m willing to sacrifice my life not just for me but also for my family,” said Juvenile in a statement. “We don’t know what we’re facing right now but we really do all need to be vaccinated so we can continue to do our thing and survive.”
The accompanying website VaxThatThangUp.com that was created to provide more information about COVID-19 vaccinations states that “Black adults under age 40 are the most likely group to avoid the COVID-19 vaccination, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.” The remix’s aim is to change the stats by encouraging singles to get their shots before getting back to in-person dating.
Fans’ opinions of the track were divided between whether the pro-vaccination overhaul of the song was a great move or a move toward selling out.
One fan said, “Juvenile turning “Back That Azz Up” into a pro vax anthem is….I truly don’t even know I’m speechless.”
“The U.S Government DEFINITELY cut the check for this remix. I like the message though. I’m vaccinated and you should get it too, IF you want to.”
Another person tweeted, “When “Vax That Thang Up” by Juvenile comes on in the club,” which shows Prince Harry running to his plane.
“Has any white artist made a song to make white people take the vaccine, but they got Juvenile out here telling black people to #vaxthatthingup”
The PSA was created in partnership with Majority, the creative marketing agency that was co-founded by Shaquille O’Neal, and BLK, the singles dating app for Black people. In addition to the video, BLK launched its “Vaxified” badge on its app, allowing singles to let prospective matches know their vaccination status.
