Juvenile Tells the Story: How Jay-Z
A Verse Almost Lost
A pivotal Jay-Z verse on the remix of Juvenile’s 1998 hit “Ha” was nearly cut,
according to artists speaking on the Still 400 Degrees podcast.
At the time, Cash Money founders were hesitant, with Birdman reportedly asking, “Who is this?”
Artists Step In
Jay-Z had offered the verse for free, but Juvenile and Mannie Fresh immediately saw its value.
Juvenile recalled insisting, “He just threw us a pass… Put that s out.”** Their push ensured the verse stayed.
Rewriting the Timeline
The discussion challenges the idea that “Big Pimping” first introduced Jay-Z to Southern audiences.
Bun B argued earlier tracks—especially the “Ha” remix—helped build that bridge.
Lasting Impact
Mannie Fresh later admitted they were “locked in. Maybe a little too locked in.”
The decision paid off, helping redefine regional boundaries in hip-hop history.
