New Orleans-based rapper Juvenile’s “Back That Thang Up” might have been released in 1999, but the legendary song is enjoying a new life as a revamped, pro-vaccine track, “Vax That Thang Up.”
“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,” Juvenile said in a statement, according to Rolling Stone.
Mannie Fresh, who was on the original 1999 version of the song, helped remake the vaccine hit, along with Mia X.
The video for “Vax That Thang Up” was released Tuesday on the BLK Dating YouTube account. BLK is one of the largest dating apps geared toward connecting Black singles.
The music is mostly the same as the original track but features catchy new lyrics. In the song’s second verse, Mannie Fresh says, “Girl, you can be the queen, aftеr quarantine / We can meet up at the spot and we can do the thing.” Mia X adds, “If you wanna get sticky and hot / Go, go, go, go get the shot.”
BLK said in a statement that it hopes “Vax That Thang Up” will help ease vaccine hesitancy, according to Yahoo.
“Black adults under the age of 40 are the most likely group to avoid the Covid-19 vaccination, according to the U.S. Census Bureau,” the statement said. “Distrust of doctors and government, less access to vaccination centers, and online misinformation each play a role. We hope this video is both entertaining and actionable.”
The track is a collaboration between the artists, Atlanta-based creative agency Majority and BLK.
Shaquille O’Neal co-founded Majority earlier this year as a way to bring more diversity to the advertising world.
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