Beneath the hum of fluorescent lights, legendary rapper Juvenile recently found himself at a car dealership in Louisiana, sharing a moment of fatherly pride. At 50, he was in the midst of purchasing a vehicle for his son, Young Juve. “Let me show you where I’m at. I’m at the car dealership buying your nephew a fucking car,” he told fellow rapper Mannie Fresh, who was on the other end of the line, leading to a hearty laugh from the esteemed producer.
Juvenile, a product of New Orleans’ Magnolia Projects, reflects on the realities of fatherhood, stating, “It’s his world.” He explained that he made his son give up his new car for his younger brother, emphasizing the importance of starting small and moving up in life.
Meanwhile, in Houston, Mannie Fresh joined the conversation from his home studio—now also the headquarters for their podcast, Still 400: The Mannie & Juvie Show. The title pays homage to Juvenile’s iconic 1998 album, 400 Degreez, which Mannie produced and which played a crucial role in establishing Cash Money Records as a major player in the music industry.
As the duo embarks on this new venture, they are keen to avoid the drama often associated with former Hot Boys members and label controversies. Instead, they are focused on building something new and exciting. “We don’t have a network yet,” Juvenile stated, emphasizing their intention to grow their platform organically. Mannie reiterated this sentiment, saying, “We started the way we always started.”
Upcoming Projects and Musical Endeavors
Despite launching their podcast, both artists are not stepping back from music. Juvenile is set to release his highly anticipated album, Boiling Point, on March 25, 2026, coinciding with his 51st birthday. Mannie Fresh is also busy with a variety of collaborative projects, including function with artists like TI and Lil Wayne. He mentioned his new project called Reckless Weekend, which involves recording songs over just three days, showcasing their dynamic approach to music-making.
Advice for Aspiring Podcasters
In discussing their podcasting journey, both Juvenile and Mannie Fresh shared invaluable advice for those looking to start their own shows. Mannie emphasized maintaining authenticity, originality, and understanding your audience. He highlighted the importance of feedback and the need for a professional team to help create a polished product.
Juvenile suggested that aspiring podcasters focus on the business side, embrace creativity, and ensure that their content offers value to listeners. “It’s always great when it’s not about you,” he added, noting the importance of guest relevance and the value of family involvement in their projects.
Building Connections Through Podcasting
The inspiration behind launching Still 400 stemmed from their experiences on tour, where they connected intimately with their audience. Mannie stated, “We don’t even consider them fans now, we consider them family,” reflecting their desire to engage with listeners on a deeper level. The show aims to provide insight into the music industry while allowing guests to request questions, creating a two-way dialogue that fosters community.
They are also keen to feature up-and-coming artists, allowing them to perform on the show, thereby expanding the platform beyond traditional interviews. Juvenile expressed excitement about having a live band on set, making the experience more dynamic for both guests and listeners.
Challenges and Growth Potential
Despite their enthusiasm, both artists acknowledge the logistical challenges of balancing their podcast with their busy careers and family commitments. “Nothing’s perfect, but we’re going to make it look quality on the screen,” Juvenile stated, highlighting their commitment to quality.
Mannie added that they will continue to evolve, taking each episode as a learning opportunity. They are currently measuring their podcast’s success by growing endorsement deals and increasing subscriber numbers, with both artists expressing excitement about the future.
Looking ahead, both Juvenile and Mannie Fresh envision branching out into live shows, further connecting with their audience. They believe that Still 400 has the potential to grow into something much larger, possibly even a television show, as they continue to blend their musical talents with engaging content.
As they navigate this new chapter, Juvenile and Mannie Fresh are determined to keep the spirit of collaboration and positivity alive in their podcast and their music. Their journey is a testament to the power of reinvention in the ever-changing landscape of the entertainment industry.
For fans eager to follow their growth and new projects, engaging with their podcast and sharing feedback will be essential. As they continue to build their legacy, there’s no doubt that the future holds exciting developments for these two icons of hip-hop.