# Lil Jon

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Not to be confused with [Little John](/source/Little_John).

**Jonathan H. Smith**[1] (born January 17, 1971),[2] better known by his stage name **Lil Jon**, is an American rapper and record producer. Regarded as a progenitor of the club-oriented [hip-hop](/source/Hip-hop) subgenre [crunk](/source/Crunk), his production and voice presence were instrumental in the genre's commercial breakthrough in the early 2000s.[3] He was also the frontman of the group Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz, with whom he has released five albums.[4][5][6]

Having been credited on most crunk releases throughout the 2000s, Lil Jon produced several of the genre's [*Billboard* Hot 100](/source/Billboard_Hot_100) hits including "[Salt Shaker](/source/Salt_Shaker_(song))" by [Ying Yang Twins](/source/Ying_Yang_Twins), "[Cyclone](/source/Cyclone_(song))" by [Baby Bash](/source/Baby_Bash), "[Damn!](/source/Damn!_(song))" by [YoungBloodZ](/source/YoungBloodZ), "[Freek-a-Leek](/source/Freek-a-Leek)" by [Petey Pablo](/source/Petey_Pablo), "[Goodies](/source/Goodies_(song))" by [Ciara](/source/Ciara), and "[Yeah!](/source/Yeah!_(Usher_song))" by [Usher](/source/Usher_(musician)).[7] The latter won Lil Jon a [Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Performance](/source/Grammy_Award_for_Best_Melodic_Rap_Performance) as part of his five [Grammy Award](/source/Grammy_Awards) nominations.[8] As a lead artist, three of his own singles—"[Lovers and Friends](/source/Lovers_and_Friends_(song))" (with the East Side Boyz featuring Usher and [Ludacris](/source/Ludacris)), "[Get Low](/source/Get_Low_(Lil_Jon_%26_the_East_Side_Boyz_song))" (with the East Side Boyz featuring Ying Yang Twins), and "[Snap Yo Fingers](/source/Snap_Yo_Fingers)" (featuring [E-40](/source/E-40) and [Sean P](/source/YoungBloodZ))—peaked within the chart's top ten. His debut studio album, *[Crunk Rock](/source/Crunk_Rock)* (2010), was met with lukewarm critical and commercial response.

In 2013, Lil Jon released "[Turn Down for What](/source/Turn_Down_for_What)" (with [DJ Snake](/source/DJ_Snake)), an [EDM](/source/Electronic_dance_music) single that has been certified [8× platinum](/source/RIAA_certification) by the [Recording Industry Association of America](/source/Recording_Industry_Association_of_America) (RIAA).[9] The song went on to win the [*Billboard* Music Award for Top Dance/Electronic Song](/source/Billboard_Music_Award_for_Top_Dance/Electronic_Song).[10] Its accompanying music video was nominated for [Best Music Video](/source/Grammy_Award_for_Best_Music_Video) at the [57th Annual Grammy Awards](/source/57th_Annual_Grammy_Awards), and passed the milestone of 1 billion views on [YouTube](/source/YouTube) in 2020.[11] Listed as one of the Top *Billboard* Music Award Winners of All Time in 2016,[12] Lil Jon has amassed his eight number one singles on *Billboard'*s [Rhythmic](/source/Rhythmic_(chart)) chart.[13]

## Early life

Smith was born in [Atlanta](/source/Atlanta), Georgia, and raised in the city's [Southwest Atlanta](/source/Southwest_Atlanta) region. He is the oldest of five children born to his father, an aerospace engineer with former military service, and his mother, with a medical career within the military. Three of his siblings would later follow their parents' lead and also serve in the United States military.[3]

Smith attended Beecher Hills Elementary School and Southwest Middle School, both located within the [Atlanta Public Schools](/source/Atlanta_Public_Schools) district.[14] His mother described him as a high achiever early on in addition to being independent and a passionate reader.[14] While in middle school, Smith became lifelong friends with Robert McDowell, Dwayne "Emperor" Searcy (future DJ and radio personality for [Radio One](/source/Urban_One)'s [WHTA](/source/WHTA)),[15] and Vince Phillips (named as one of *Billboard*'s Top Music Lawyers since 2020),[16][17][18][19] who would become business partners. The foursome quickly became immersed in the [skateboarding](/source/Skateboarding) culture and would later work at Skate Escape, a popular skate and bicycle shop near the city's iconic [Piedmont Park](/source/Piedmont_Park). While his best friends attended [Benjamin E. Mays High School](/source/Benjamin_Elijah_Mays_High_School), Smith attended [Frederick Douglass High School](/source/Douglass_High_School_(Atlanta)) for their [magnet program](/source/Magnet_school) and was a member of the marching band.[3] They also began to frequently attend concerts at [the Masquerade](/source/The_Masquerade_(Atlanta)), to see their favorite bands, including [Agent Orange](/source/Agent_Orange_(band)) and [Red Hot Chili Peppers](/source/Red_Hot_Chili_Peppers).[14]

At the age of 15, Smith taught himself how to [DJ](/source/Disc_jockey),[3] and although his parents were strict, they gave him a chance to work on his DJ skills by allowing him to have house parties in the basement of the family home, citing that they would rather have him under their watch than for him to "be in the street somewhere wilding out".[20] The parties, hosted by Smith and Searcy, "[Old Eng](/source/Olde_English_800) and Chicken Wing" became popular with local teens. In addition to working at the skate shop, Smith also began spinning at house parties and working in local [dance clubs](/source/Nightclub) as a DJ.[3] Eventually, Smith became an in-house DJ at Phoenix, a popular Atlanta nightclub at the time. It was there he would meet established music artists such as [Jermaine Dupri](/source/Jermaine_Dupri), [TLC](/source/TLC_(group)), [the Notorious B.I.G.](/source/The_Notorious_B.I.G.), [Craig Mack](/source/Craig_Mack), and [Mary J. Blige](/source/Mary_J._Blige).[21]

## Career

### 1991–2000: So So Def Recordings

After graduating from high school, Lil Jon continued to work as a DJ in popular downtown Atlanta clubs;[3] it was there he met [Jermaine Dupri](/source/Jermaine_Dupri). When it came to hiring an [A&R](/source/Artists_and_repertoire) to lead his Atlanta-based record label [So So Def Recordings](/source/So_So_Def_Recordings), Dupri stated that "All I could think about was Lil Jon, because he was the person in the clubs. He knew people, DJs knew him. I had to hire him."

After he was promoted to Executive Vice President of A&R, Lil Jon recruited [DJ Smurf](/source/Mr._Collipark), [Shawty Redd](/source/Shawty_Redd), [Raheem the Dream](/source/Raheem_the_Dream), and Playa Poncho with others to create the compilation album series, *[So So Def Bass All-Stars](/source/So_So_Def_Bass_All-Stars)* as his first project.[22] Released on May 12, 1996, the album was a success, selling over 500,000 units and was certified gold by the [RIAA](/source/RIAA_certification) on September 19, 1996, four months after its initial release.[23] The album, executive produced by Lil Jon, included the hit single "[My Boo](/source/My_Boo_(Ghost_Town_DJ's_song))" by [Ghost Town DJ's](/source/Ghost_Town_DJ's).[24] It was sampled by [Ciara](/source/Ciara) in her 2013 hit single "[Body Party](/source/Body_Party)".[25] In 2016, 20 years after its initial release, the song re-entered the [*Billboard* Hot 100](/source/Billboard_Hot_100) chart at number 29 due to a viral dance video.[26] Lil Jon completed the series, releasing *So So Def Bass All-Stars Vol. II* (1997)[27] and *So So Def Bass All-Stars Vol. III* (1998).[28]

Apart from his label commitments, Lil Jon was a radio personality and DJ on Atlanta radio station, [V-103](/source/WVEE),[29] continued to produce music for outside music artists, and was still working as a DJ at popular clubs around the city.[3]

### 1995–2005: Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz

In 1995, Lil Jon collaborated with Big Sam and Lil' Bo to form a rap group: Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz.[30]

In 1996, the group released their debut single, "Who U Wit?". The song is credited as bringing the term "[crunk](/source/Crunk)" into hip-hop currency.[3] In 1997, the group released their debut album *[Get Crunk, Who U Wit: Da Album](/source/Get_Crunk,_Who_U_Wit:_Da_Album)*. The singles, "Who U Wit" and "Shawty Freak a Lil Sumtin'", charted on the [Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs](/source/Hot_R%26B/Hip-Hop_Songs) chart at number 70 and number 62, respectively.[31]

In 2000, through the newly created label Black Market, the group released their breakthrough album *[We Still Crunk!!](/source/We_Still_Crunk!!)*, which featured the single "I Like Dem Girlz", which reached number 55 on the *Billboard* R&B chart and number 3 on the *Billboard* [Hot Rap Tracks](/source/Hot_Rap_Songs) chart.[31]

Bryan Leach, formerly an A&R executive at the now defunct New York-based label [TVT Records](/source/TVT_Records), heard about the group and attended their Atlanta show. He was blown away by the group's immense energy. Leach told [HitQuarters](/source/HitQuarters): "It was like early [Beastie Boys](/source/Beastie_Boys), when they had the energy of a [rock](/source/Rock_music) group but they were rapping and it was just so different. Jon and I even referred to Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz as the black Beastie Boys because that energy is what crunk music is all about."[32] By 2002, Leach signed Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz to TVT Records with Black Market delivering the albums to the label. The group released the album *[Put Yo Hood Up](/source/Put_Yo_Hood_Up)*, which combined previously released tracks with new ones. "[Bia' Bia'](/source/Bia'_Bia')" (featuring [Ludacris](/source/Ludacris), [Too Short](/source/Too_Short), [Big Kap](/source/Big_Kap), and [Chyna Whyte](/source/Chyna_Whyte)) was the group's first single to be played nationally.[2] "Bia' Bia'" peaked at number 97 on the *Billboard* Hot 100 and number 47 on the *Billboard* R&B chart.[31] The album was certified gold by the RIAA in June 2002.[33]

In 2002, the group released their sophomore studio album under the label *[Kings of Crunk](/source/Kings_of_Crunk)* with the song "I Don't Give a Fuck" (featuring [Mystikal](/source/Mystikal) and [Krayzie Bone](/source/Krayzie_Bone)) as the first single. It peaked at number 50 on the *Billboard* R&B chart.[31] The group's next single, "[Get Low](/source/Get_Low_(Lil_Jon_%26_the_East_Side_Boyz_song))" (featuring [Ying Yang Twins](/source/Ying_Yang_Twins)), became popular in nightclubs nationwide; it reached the top ten on the *Billboard* Hot 100.[31] The album was certified multi-platinum by the RIAA in August 2004.[33] The song was also featured in *[Need for Speed: Underground](/source/Need_for_Speed:_Underground)*, which plays in the main menu as well as gameplay. In 2003, the group released *[Part II](/source/Part_II_(Lil_Jon_%26_the_East_Side_Boyz_album))*, a remix album of previously released singles with two new songs.

In 2004, Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz released what would be the group's last studio album, *[Crunk Juice](/source/Crunk_Juice)*. The lead single "[What U Gon' Do](/source/What_U_Gon'_Do)" (featuring [Lil Scrappy](/source/Lil_Scrappy)) peaked at number 22 on the *Billboard* Hot 100, number 13 on the *Billboard* R&B chart, and number 5 on the *Billboard* Rap chart. The second single, "[Lovers and Friends](/source/Lovers_and_Friends_(song))" (featuring [Usher](/source/Usher_(musician)) and Ludacris), peaked at number 3 on the *Billboard* Hot 100, number 2 on the *Billboard* R&B Chart, and number 1 on the *Billboard* Rap chart.[31] The album was certified multi-platinum in January 2005, two months after it was released.[33] In 2005, after releasing six studio albums together and amidst ongoing creative and financial conflicts with TVT, the group disbanded.

### 2006–present: Solo career

In 2006, Lil Jon, in an attempt to fulfill his obligations to TVT, released the single "[Snap Yo Fingers](/source/Snap_Yo_Fingers)" (featuring [E-40](/source/E-40) and [Sean P](/source/YoungBloodZ)). The song peaked at number 7 on the *Billboard* Hot 100 and was certified platinum on November 22, 2006.[4] After the song was released, Lil Jon vowed to never record for TVT Records again.[34] In 2008, TVT Records, embroiled in legal battles, filed for [Chapter 11 bankruptcy](/source/Chapter_11,_Title_11,_United_States_Code).[35]

In 2009, Lil Jon was featured alongside [Sean Paul](/source/Sean_Paul) on [Jay Sean](/source/Jay_Sean)'s double platinum[36] single "[Do You Remember](/source/Do_You_Remember_(Jay_Sean_song))" that was featured in the 2010 remake of *[The Karate Kid](/source/The_Karate_Kid_(2010_film))*. On February 16, 2010, Lil Jon released a song with Jamie Drastik called "How Many Girls" which is as a track to Drastik's mixtape, *The Magnet*. On June 8, 2010, Lil Jon release his first solo album, *[Crunk Rock](/source/Crunk_Rock)*, through [Universal Republic Records](/source/Universal_Republic_Records). It featured artists such as [LMFAO](/source/LMFAO), Ying Yang Twins, [Pitbull](/source/Pitbull_(rapper)), [3OH!3](/source/3OH!3), [Ice Cube](/source/Ice_Cube), [Waka Flocka Flame](/source/Waka_Flocka_Flame), [Stephen Marley](/source/Stephen_Marley), and [Damian Marley](/source/Damian_Marley) among others.[37] The album peaked at number 8 on the *Billboard* [Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums](/source/Top_R%26B/Hip-Hop_Albums) chart and reached number 5 on the *Billboard* [Top Rap Albums](/source/Top_Rap_Albums) chart. The single, "[Hey](/source/Hey_(Lil_Jon_song))" (featuring 3OH!3), was also featured on the soundtrack for [MTV](/source/MTV)'s *[Jersey Shore](/source/Jersey_Shore_(TV_series))* with the entire cast appearing in the music video.[38] The second single, "Outta Your Mind" (featuring LMFAO), was featured in the film [*Project X*](/source/Project_X_(2012_film)) and used by [Alex & Twitch](/source/Stephen_%22tWitch%22_Boss) on the [Fox](/source/Fox_Broadcasting_Company) television series, *[So You Think You Can Dance](/source/So_You_Think_You_Can_Dance_(American_TV_series))*, which is considered to be the finest hip-hop routine ever performed on the series.[39]

Lil Jon said that "after the crunk era, I was fried from producing so much," eventually rediscovering a passion for performing as a DJ after discovering DJ Spider. This led to him meeting [Steve Aoki](/source/Steve_Aoki), with whom he teamed up alongside [Laidback Luke](/source/Laidback_Luke) to record the song "[Turbulence](/source/Turbulence_(song))", released on May 14, 2011,[40] as a [digital download](/source/Music_download) in the United Kingdom and was released on July 17, 2011, as an EP. The [radio edit](/source/Radio_edit) version of the song was included on the [bonus track version](/source/Special_edition) of Aoki's debut album *[Wonderland](/source/Wonderland_(Steve_Aoki_album))*. The song is also the current official goal song for the [Toronto Maple Leafs](/source/Toronto_Maple_Leafs).

In July 2011, he released a song with LMFAO called "Drink" through [Ultra Records](/source/Ultra_Records). It was used in the trailer for the film *[The World's End](/source/The_World's_End_(film))*. In 2012, he appeared on three songs featured in the film *[Step Up Revolution](/source/Step_Up_Revolution)* and on [the film's soundtrack](/source/Step_Up_Revolution:_Music_from_the_Motion_Picture). He would go on to perform one of the songs from the film, "[Goin' In](/source/Goin'_In)" by [Jennifer Lopez](/source/Jennifer_Lopez) on the season finale of television series *[American Idol](/source/American_Idol)*.

In 2013, Lil Jon collaborated with [DJ Snake](/source/DJ_Snake) and released "[Turn Down for What](/source/Turn_Down_for_What)" on [Columbia Records](/source/Columbia_Records). The song reached number 1 on *Billboard'*s [Rhythmic](/source/Rhythmic_Airplay) and [Hot Dance/Electronic Songs](/source/Hot_Dance/Electronic_Songs) charts, number 2 on the [Dance/Mix Show Airplay](/source/Dance/Mix_Show_Airplay) chart, number 4 on the Hot 100, and number 5 on the [Mainstream Top 40](/source/Pop_Airplay). The song has had significant use in media and was certified 6× platinum by the RIAA.[41] Lil Jon also partnered with [Zumba Fitness](/source/Zumba) to create a new nightclub tour titled "Zumba Nightclub Series" and for the Zumba Fitness series, he released a new song called "Work".

On July 22, 2014, Lil Jon released the single "[Bend Ova](/source/Bend_Ova)" (featuring [Tyga](/source/Tyga)) on [Epic Records](/source/Epic_Records).[42][43] The song was featured in the two-part series finale of the [NBC](/source/NBC) television series *[Parks and Recreation](/source/Parks_and_Recreation)*. "[Take It Off](/source/Take_It_Off_(Lil_Jon_song))" (featuring [Yandel](/source/Yandel) and [Becky G](/source/Becky_G)) was released on July 22, 2016, and the single "Alive" (featuring [Offset](/source/Offset_(rapper)) and [2 Chainz](/source/2_Chainz)) was released in 2018 on [Geffen Records](/source/Geffen_Records).[44] In December 2018, Lil Jon released the [Christmas](/source/Christmas_music) single "All I Really Want for Christmas" (featuring [Kool-Aid Man](/source/Kool-Aid_Man)) in cooperation with the [Kool-Aid](/source/Kool-Aid) brand of soft drinks.[45]

In 2018, Lil Jon appeared in volume two of the [Future](/source/Future_(rapper))-led soundtrack for the film *[Superfly](/source/Superfly_(2018_film))*.[46] The following year, he appeared in the soundtrack for *[Spies in Disguise](/source/Spies_in_Disguise)*, curated by [Mark Ronson](/source/Mark_Ronson).[47]

Lil Jon made a cameo in Usher's [Super Bowl LVIII halftime show](/source/Super_Bowl_LVIII_halftime_show), performing "Turn Down for What" and his portion of "Yeah!".

Lil Jon appeared at the [2024 Democratic National Convention](/source/2024_Democratic_National_Convention) and introduced the [Georgia](/source/Georgia_(U.S._state)) delegation during the ceremonial roll call. He performed "Turn Down for What" and "Get Low", and instead of rapping "To the window ... to the wall!", he rapped "[VP Harris](/source/Kamala_Harris) ... [Governor Walz](/source/Tim_Walz)".[48][49]

## Other ventures

### BME Recordings

In 2004, Lil Jon, Robert McDowell, Vince Phillips, and Dwayne "Emperor" Searcy launched BME Recordings in a joint venture with [Warner Bros. Records](/source/Warner_Records) and released *[The King of Crunk & BME Recordings Present: Trillville & Lil Scrappy](/source/The_King_of_Crunk_%26_BME_Recordings_Present:_Trillville_%26_Lil_Scrappy)* (2004), with Lil Jon producing most of the album.[50] The single "[Some Cut](/source/Some_Cut)" has been a favorite of samplers over the years.[51] The label entered the [San Francisco Bay Area](/source/San_Francisco_Bay_Area) [hyphy](/source/Hyphy) music scene with Bay Area rapper [E-40](/source/E-40), releasing the album, *[My Ghetto Report Card](/source/My_Ghetto_Report_Card)* (2006) with the Lil Jon-produced single "[Tell Me When to Go](/source/Tell_Me_When_to_Go)". The label released the album *[Bred 2 Die, Born 2 Live](/source/Bred_2_Die,_Born_2_Live)* (2006) by Lil Scrappy.

### Acting career

In 2003, Lil Jon was the voice of Jang Ryang in the American remake of the South Korean film *[Volcano High](/source/Volcano_High)*, broadcast on MTV. After he was famously parodied by comedian [Dave Chappelle](/source/Dave_Chappelle), he would go on to make numerous appearances on the [Comedy Central](/source/Comedy_Central) series *[Chappelle's Show](/source/Chappelle's_Show)*.[52] He has since appeared on various television shows including [André 3000](/source/Andr%C3%A9_3000)'s animated series *[Class of 3000](/source/Class_of_3000)*, *[Crank Yankers](/source/Crank_Yankers)*, *[Robotomy](/source/Robotomy)*, *[Hell's Kitchen](/source/Hell's_Kitchen_(American_TV_series))*, *[Tiny House Nation](/source/Tiny_House_Nation)*, *Hollywood Puppet Show*, *[American Idol](/source/American_Idol)*, *[About a Boy](/source/About_a_Boy_(TV_series))*, *[The Celebrity Apprentice](/source/The_Celebrity_Apprentice)*, and *[All-Star Celebrity Apprentice](/source/The_Apprentice_(American_TV_series)_season_13)*, *[Bar Rescue](/source/Bar_Rescue)*, *[The Bachelorette](/source/The_Bachelorette_(American_TV_series))*, *[Hip Hop Squares](/source/Hip_Hop_Squares)*, and a commercial for [Bud Light](/source/Bud_Light).[53][54] Lil Jon is a fan of the television series *[The Walking Dead](/source/The_Walking_Dead_(TV_series))* and has made multiple appearances as a guest on *[Talking Dead](/source/Talking_Dead)*.[55] On January 29, 2019, a [Pepsi](/source/Pepsi) [Super Bowl commercial](/source/Super_Bowl_commercials) featuring Lil Jon, rapper [Cardi B](/source/Cardi_B), and actor [Steve Carell](/source/Steve_Carell) was released.[56] In 2022, Lil Jon teamed up with interior designer Anitra Mecadon for the [HGTV](/source/HGTV) series*Lil Jon Wants to Do What?*, centered around home renovations.[57]

### Guided meditation

Lil Jon released two albums of [guided meditation](/source/Guided_meditation) in 2024. His first album of guided meditations, *Total Meditation*, was released on February 16, 2024.[58] His second album of guided meditations, *Manifest Abundance: Affirmations of Personal Growth*, was released on May 10.[59] Lil Jon's goal with these guided meditations is to help people find peace and worry less by developing a new way of thinking through meditation. Lil Jon meditates daily with affirmations.[59]

### Soul Chakra

Lil Jon founded wellness brand Soul Chakra in 2024. The brand offers a range of products and services aimed at promoting holistic well-being, including crystals, apparel, and guided meditation albums.[60]

## Musical style and influences

Jason Birchmeier of [AllMusic](/source/AllMusic) has described Lil Jon's production as "bass-heavy", and his album *[Put Yo Hood Up](/source/Put_Yo_Hood_Up)* as having "a long and varied list of guest rappers to accompany the beats". Describing that album with guest performers, Birchmeier remarked: "The end result is an album that resembles a street-level mixtape rather than a traditional artist-oriented album".[61]

Lil Jon was specifically influenced by [2 Live Crew](/source/2_Live_Crew), [8Ball & MJG](/source/8Ball_%26_MJG), [Three 6 Mafia](/source/Three_6_Mafia), [Outkast](/source/Outkast), [Geto Boys](/source/Geto_Boys), [UGK](/source/UGK), [N.W.A](/source/N.W.A), [DJ Toomp](/source/DJ_Toomp), [Dr. Dre](/source/Dr._Dre), and [Sir Mix-a-Lot](/source/Sir_Mix-a-Lot). Alex Henderson, also of AllMusic, contrasted Lil Jon's style of "rowdy, in-your-face, profanity-filled party music" with other Southern rappers, those who "have a gangsta/thug life agenda" and those who convey "serious sociopolitical messages".[62] Lil Jon has also found influence in rock music, having worked with [Rick Rubin](/source/Rick_Rubin) and [Korn](/source/Korn).[63] He expresses this influence in his aggressive delivery and 'yelling' style of rap. He was seen on [VH1](/source/VH1)'s 100 Greatest Artists of All-Time program wearing a [Bad Brains](/source/Bad_Brains) T-shirt, and he used to listen to [Lynyrd Skynyrd](/source/Lynyrd_Skynyrd) while growing up in the South in the 1970s.

## Personal life

In 1998, with then-girlfriend Nicole, his son, Nathan (known as DJ Young Slade), was born.[64] In 2004, he and Nicole married in Puerto Rico;[65] they amicably separated in 2022. Lil Jon has stated that one of his greatest joys was seeing everything come full circle with his son, who had been DJing since the age of 11.[66] On February 3, 2026, Nathan was reported missing. Three days later, his body was recovered from a pond at Mayfield Park in [Milton, Georgia](/source/Milton,_Georgia). He was 27.[67]

He is an avid fan of all of Atlanta's sports teams which included the [NHL](/source/National_Hockey_League)'s [Atlanta Thrashers](/source/Atlanta_Thrashers) until they relocated to [Winnipeg](/source/Winnipeg) in 2011.[68] He also follows the [Las Vegas](/source/Las_Vegas) teams, claiming that being in the city during the [2017 Las Vegas shooting](/source/2017_Las_Vegas_shooting) and seeing the community response made him want to support what he calls his second home.[40] His support for the [Vegas Golden Knights](/source/Vegas_Golden_Knights) led to him appearing in the team 2019 documentary *Valiant*,[69] and being given a [Stanley Cup ring](/source/Stanley_Cup_ring) after their [2023 title](/source/2023_Stanley_Cup_Final), which he wore during the [Super Bowl LVIII halftime show](/source/Super_Bowl_LVIII_halftime_show).[70] He is also a fan of the [University of Tennessee Volunteers](/source/University_of_Tennessee) and DJ Sterl the Pearl, who adopted his hit song "Turn Down for What" on third downs, changing it to "Third Down for What". On October 4, 2014, Lil Jon made an appearance via [Jumbotron](/source/Jumbotron) encouraging the Volunteers to beat the [University of Florida Gators](/source/Florida_Gators); and also visited the Volunteers, giving them a pep talk.[citation needed]

Lil Jon is a notable Atlanta resident and appears on advertisements in [Hartsfield-Jackson Airport](/source/Hartsfield%E2%80%93Jackson_Atlanta_International_Airport) welcoming new arrivals to the city. He also appears on the Jumbotron at [Mercedes-Benz Stadium](/source/Mercedes-Benz_Stadium) during [Atlanta Falcons](/source/Atlanta_Falcons) and [Atlanta United](/source/Atlanta_United_FC) games.[71] During [Super Bowl LIII](/source/Super_Bowl_LIII) held in Atlanta in 2019, Lil Jon appeared in the [NFL](/source/National_Football_League)'s "This Is Atlanta" promotional video to welcome incoming visitors to the city, alongside fellow Atlanta residents, former [Atlanta Hawks](/source/Atlanta_Hawks) basketball player [Dominique Wilkins](/source/Dominique_Wilkins), former [Atlanta Braves](/source/Atlanta_Braves) baseball player [Chipper Jones](/source/Chipper_Jones), civil right icons Congressman [John Lewis](/source/John_Lewis) and former congressman, [Ambassador to the United Nations](/source/Permanent_representative_to_the_United_Nations) and [Mayor of Atlanta](/source/List_of_mayors_of_Atlanta) [Andrew Young](/source/Andrew_Young), rappers [Big Boi](/source/Big_Boi) and [Killer Mike](/source/Killer_Mike), singer [Rozonda "Chilli" Thomas](/source/Rozonda_Thomas) of [TLC](/source/TLC_(group)), comedian [Jeff Foxworthy](/source/Jeff_Foxworthy), and television personality [Ryan Seacrest](/source/Ryan_Seacrest). Organized by Jermaine Dupri, a host of Atlanta area high school drummers, local brass musicians and the [Atlanta Symphony Orchestra](/source/Atlanta_Symphony_Orchestra) also appeared and supplied the underlying music.[72] Lil Jon also appeared in [CBS Sports](/source/CBS_Sports)' official open of the network's coverage of the game.[73]

Sometime in 2024, Lil Jon began dating Jamila Sozahdah, who gave birth to his second child.[74] Later that year, he converted to [Islam](/source/Islam).[75]

## Philanthropy

Lil Jon has worked to help children in underdeveloped countries gain access to a proper education. He has helped to fund two schools in the village of Mafi Atitekpo in [Ghana](/source/Ghana), in partnership with the charity [Pencils of Promise](/source/Pencils_of_Promise). The first, Abomayaw D.A. Kindergarten, opened in October 2017. The second school, Mafi Atitekpo DA Primary School, broke ground in January 2018 and will enroll 313 children.[76] In 2019, Pencils of Promise honored both Lil Jon and [Trevor Noah](/source/Trevor_Noah) in recognition of their charitable efforts at the charity's annual gala.[77]

In 2018, a 16-year-old student of Douglass High School reached out to rapper and alumnus [Killer Mike](/source/Killer_Mike) via [Instagram](/source/Instagram) in a last-chance attempt to raise money to cover expenses for the school marching band to travel to [New Orleans](/source/New_Orleans) to march in the annual [Mardi Gras](/source/Mardi_Gras) parade. To his surprise, Killer Mike not only responded positively, but also enlisted the help of fellow alumni Lil Jon and [T.I.](/source/T.I.) They and donors covered the trip for the students.[78]

## Discography

Main articles: [Lil Jon discography](/source/Lil_Jon_discography) and [Lil Jon production discography](/source/Lil_Jon_production_discography)

### Solo album

- *[Crunk Rock](/source/Crunk_Rock)* (2010)

### Collaboration albums

**With the East Side Boyz**

- *[Get Crunk, Who U Wit: Da Album](/source/Get_Crunk,_Who_U_Wit:_Da_Album)* (1997)
- *[We Still Crunk!!](/source/We_Still_Crunk!!)* (2000)
- *[Put Yo Hood Up](/source/Put_Yo_Hood_Up)* (2001)
- *[Kings of Crunk](/source/Kings_of_Crunk)* (2002)
- *[Crunk Juice](/source/Crunk_Juice)* (2004)

**With Kabir Sehgal**

- *Total Meditation* (2024)
- *Manifest Abundance: Affirmations for Personal Growth* (2024)

## Awards and nominations

### American Music Awards

The [American Music Awards](/source/American_Music_Awards) is an annual awards ceremony created by [Dick Clark](/source/Dick_Clark) in 1973. Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz has received two nominations, winning one for [Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Band/Duo/Group](/source/American_Music_Award_for_Favorite_Rap/Hip_Hop_Band/Duo/Group).[79][80]

|- | [2003](/source/American_Music_Awards_of_2003_(November)) || Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz || [Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Band/Duo/Group](/source/American_Music_Award_for_Favorite_Rap/Hip_Hop_Band/Duo/Group) || |- | || Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz || Favorite Rap/Hip Hop Band/Duo/Group ||

### BMI London Awards

[Broadcast Music, Inc.](/source/Broadcast_Music,_Inc.) awards held in [London](/source/London) to honor songwriters for their accomplishments in Europe.[81][82]

|- |rowspan="1"| 2009 || rowspan="1"|"[The Anthem](/source/The_Anthem_(Pitbull_song))"|| Pop Award || |- |rowspan="1"| 2011 || rowspan="1"| "[Do You Remember](/source/Do_You_Remember_(Jay_Sean_song))" || Pop Award || |}

### BMI Pop Awards

Broadcast Music, Inc. awards honor songwriters for their accomplishments in [pop music](/source/Pop_music).[83][84][85][86]

|- |rowspan="1"| 2005 || rowspan="1"| "[Damn!](/source/Damn!_(song))" || Most Performed Songs || |- |rowspan="1"| 2005 || rowspan="1"| "[Get Low](/source/Get_Low_(Lil_Jon_%26_the_East_Side_Boyz_song))" || Most Performed Songs || |- |rowspan="1"| 2005 || rowspan="1"| "[Freek-a-Leek](/source/Freek-a-Leek)" || Most Performed Songs || |- |rowspan="1"| 2005 || rowspan="1"| "[Yeah!](/source/Yeah!_(Usher_song))" || Most Performed Songs || |- |rowspan="1"| 2005 || rowspan="1"| Himself || Songwriter of the Year || |- |rowspan="1"| 2006 || rowspan="1"| Himself || Songwriter of the Year || |- |rowspan="1"| 2006 || rowspan="1"| "[Goodies](/source/Goodies_(song))" || Most Performed Songs || |- |rowspan="1"| 2006 || rowspan="1"| "[Lovers and Friends](/source/Lovers_and_Friends_(song))" || Most Performed Songs || |- |rowspan="1"| 2006 || rowspan="1"| "[Salt Shaker](/source/Salt_Shaker_(song))" || Most Performed Songs || |- |rowspan="1"| 2011 || rowspan="1"| "[Do You Remember](/source/Do_You_Remember_(Jay_Sean_song))" || Most Performed Songs|| |- |rowspan="1"| 2015 || rowspan="1"| "[Turn Down for What](/source/Turn_Down_for_What)"|| Most Performed Songs|| |- |}

### BMI Urban R&B/Hip-Hop Awards

Broadcast Music Inc. awards honor songwriters and publishers for their accomplishments in [R&B](/source/Contemporary_R%26B) and [hip-hop](/source/Hip-hop). The award was previously named BMI Urban Award.[87][88][89][90][91][92][93][94][95]

|- |rowspan="1"| 2003 || rowspan="1"| "[Move Bitch](/source/Move_Bitch)" || Most Performed Songs || |- |rowspan="1"| 2004 || rowspan="1"| "[Damn!](/source/Damn!_(song))" || Most Performed Songs || |- |rowspan="1"| 2004 || rowspan="1"| "[Get Low](/source/Get_Low_(Lil_Jon_%26_the_East_Side_Boyz_song))" || Most Performed Songs || |- |rowspan="1"| 2004 || rowspan="1"| "[Goodies](/source/Goodies_(song))" || Most Performed Songs || |- |rowspan="2"| 2005 || rowspan="2"| Himself || Songwriter of the Year || |- |Top Urban Producers || |- |rowspan="2"| 2005 || rowspan="2"| "[Freek-a-Leek](/source/Freek-a-Leek)" || Ringtone of the Year || |- |Most Performed Songs || |- |rowspan="1"| 2005 || rowspan="1"| "[Salt Shaker](/source/Salt_Shaker_(song))" || Most Performed Songs || |- |rowspan="2"| 2005 || rowspan="2"| "[Yeah!](/source/Yeah!_(Usher_song))" || Song of The Year || |- |Most Performed Songs || |- |rowspan="1"| 2006 || rowspan="1"| "[Lovers and Friends](/source/Lovers_and_Friends_(song))" || Most Performed Songs || |- |rowspan="1"| 2007 || rowspan="1"| "[Snap Yo Fingers](/source/Snap_Yo_Fingers)"|| Most Performed Songs || |- |rowspan="1"| 2007 || rowspan="1"| "[U and Dat](/source/U_and_Dat)" || Most Performed Songs || |- |rowspan="1"| 2008 || rowspan="1"| "[Buy U a Drank (Shawty Snappin')](/source/Buy_U_a_Drank_(Shawty_Snappin'))" || Most Performed Songs || |- |rowspan="1"| 2008 || rowspan="1"| "[Cyclone](/source/Cyclone_(song))" || Most Performed Songs || |- |rowspan="1"| 2008 || rowspan="1"| "[This Is Why I'm Hot](/source/This_Is_Why_I'm_Hot)" || Most Performed Songs || |- |rowspan="1"| 2017 || rowspan="1"| "[For Free](/source/For_Free)" || Most Performed Songs || |- |rowspan="1"| 2020 || rowspan="1"| "[My Type](/source/My_Type_(Saweetie_song))" || Most Performed Songs || |- |rowspan="1"| 2021 || rowspan="1"| "[Best on Earth](/source/Best_on_Earth)" || Most Performed Songs || |- |rowspan="1"| 2021 || rowspan="1"| "[Tap In](/source/Tap_In)" || Most Performed Songs || |}

### Grammy Awards

A [Grammy Award](/source/Grammy_Awards) (stylized as GRAMMY) is an award presented by the Recording Academy to recognize achievement in the music industry.

Year Recipient Category Result 2005 "Yeah!" (with Usher and Ludacris) Record of the Year Best Rap/Sung Collaboration Best R&B Song Confessions (with Usher) Album of the Year 2015 "Turn Down for What" (with DJ Snake) Best Music Video

### MTV Video Music Awards

An [MTV Video Music Award](/source/MTV_Video_Music_Awards) (abbreviated as a VMA) is an award presented by the cable channel MTV to honor the best in the music video medium.

|- |rowspan="1"| [2004](/source/2004_MTV_Video_Music_Awards) || rowspan="1"| "[Get Low](/source/Get_Low_(Lil_Jon_%26_the_East_Side_Boyz_song))" (with the East Side Boyz and [Ying Yang Twins](/source/Ying_Yang_Twins)) || [Best Rap Video](/source/MTV_Video_Music_Award_for_Best_Rap_Video)||

|- |rowspan="4"| [2004](/source/2004_MTV_Video_Music_Awards) || rowspan="4"| "[Yeah!](/source/Yeah!_(Usher_song))" (with [Usher](/source/Usher_(musician)) and [Ludacris](/source/Ludacris)) || [Video of the Year](/source/MTV_Video_Music_Award_for_Video_of_the_Year)|| |- |[Best Male Video](/source/MTV_Video_Music_Award_for_Best_Male_Video) || |- |[Best Dance Video](/source/MTV_Video_Music_Award_for_Best_Dance_Video) || |- |[Best Choreography](/source/MTV_Video_Music_Award_for_Best_Choreography) ||

|- |rowspan="4"| [2014](/source/2014_MTV_Video_Music_Awards) || rowspan="4"| "[Turn Down for What](/source/Turn_Down_for_What)" (with [DJ Snake](/source/DJ_Snake)) || [MTV Clubland Award](/source/MTV_Video_Music_Award_for_Best_Dance_Video) || |- |[Best Direction](/source/MTV_Video_Music_Award_for_Best_Direction) || |- |[Best Visual Effects](/source/MTV_Video_Music_Award_for_Best_Visual_Effects) || |- |[Best Art Direction](/source/MTV_Video_Music_Award_for_Best_Art_Direction) || |}

### MTV Video Music Awards Japan

|- |rowspan="1"| [2005](/source/2005_MTV_Video_Music_Awards_Japan) || rowspan="1"| "[Yeah!](/source/Yeah!_(Usher_song))" (with [Usher](/source/Usher_(musician)) and [Ludacris](/source/Ludacris)) || Video of the Year || |}

### MTV Europe Music Awards

|- | [2004](/source/2004_MTV_Europe_Music_Awards) || "[Yeah!](/source/Yeah!_(Usher_song))" (with [Usher](/source/Usher_(musician)) and [Ludacris](/source/Ludacris)) || [Best Song](/source/MTV_Europe_Music_Award_for_Best_Song) || |}

## Filmography

### Film

- *[Soul Plane](/source/Soul_Plane)* (2004)
- *[Boss'n Up](/source/Boss'n_Up)* (2005)
- *[Date Movie](/source/Date_Movie)* (2006)
- *[Scary Movie 4](/source/Scary_Movie_4)* (2006)

### Television

- *[Volcano High](/source/Volcano_High)* (2003)
- *[The Sharon Osbourne Show](/source/The_Sharon_Osbourne_Show)* (2003)
- *[Mad TV](/source/Mad_TV)* (2003, 2005)
- *[All of Us](/source/All_of_Us)* (2004)
- *[Like Family](/source/Like_Family)* (2004)
- *[Chappelle's Show](/source/Chappelle's_Show)* (2004)
- *How I'm Living* (2004)
- *[The Andy Milonakis Show](/source/The_Andy_Milonakis_Show)* (2005)
- *[MTV Cribs](/source/MTV_Cribs)* (2005)
- *[Wild 'n Out](/source/Wild_'n_Out)* (2006)
- *[Criss Angel Mindfreak](/source/Criss_Angel_Mindfreak)* (2006)
- *[Pimp My Ride UK](/source/Pimp_My_Ride_UK)* (2006)
- *[Crank Yankers](/source/Crank_Yankers)* (2007)
- *[Class of 3000](/source/Class_of_3000)* (2007)
- *[Robotomy](/source/Robotomy)* (2010)
- *[Freaknik: The Musical](/source/Freaknik:_The_Musical)* (2010)
- *[Ridiculousness](/source/Ridiculousness_(TV_series))* (2012)
- *[The Celebrity Apprentice](/source/The_Celebrity_Apprentice)* (2011, 2013)
- *[The Jenny McCarthy Show](/source/The_Jenny_McCarthy_Show_(2013_talk_show))* (2013)
- *[Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen](/source/Watch_What_Happens_Live_with_Andy_Cohen)* (2013)
- *[Master of the Mix](/source/Master_of_the_Mix)* (2013)
- *[The Eric Andre Show](/source/The_Eric_Andre_Show)* (2014)
- *[About a Boy](/source/About_a_Boy_(TV_series))* (2014)
- *[Saturday Night Live](/source/Saturday_Night_Live)* (2014)
- *[Comedy Bang! Bang!](/source/Comedy_Bang!_Bang!_(TV_series))* (2015)
- *[Hell's Kitchen](/source/Hell's_Kitchen_(American_TV_series))* (2016)
- *Hollywood Medium with Tyler Henry* (2016)
- *[Talking Dead](/source/Talking_Dead)* (2017)
- *[Tiny House Nation](/source/Tiny_House_Nation)* (2017)
- *[The Bachelorette](/source/The_Bachelorette_(American_TV_series))* (2018)
- *[Bar Rescue](/source/Bar_Rescue)* (2018)
- *Hollywood Puppet Show* (2018)
- *[The Rap Game](/source/The_Rap_Game)* (2019)
- *Lil Jon Wants to Do What?* (2022)[96]

### Video games

- *[Tony Hawk's American Wasteland](/source/Tony_Hawk's_American_Wasteland)* (2005)
- *[Def Jam: Icon](/source/Def_Jam:_Icon)* (2007)

## See also

- [List of celebrities who own wineries and vineyards](/source/List_of_celebrities_who_own_wineries_and_vineyards)
- [List of artists who reached number one in the United States](/source/List_of_artists_who_reached_number_one_in_the_United_States)
- [Honorific nicknames in popular music](/source/Honorific_nicknames_in_popular_music)
- [List of best-selling singles](/source/List_of_best-selling_singles)
- [List of *Billboard* Hot 100 chart achievements and milestones](/source/List_of_Billboard_Hot_100_chart_achievements_and_milestones)

## References

1. ["Credits | off and Running | POV"](http://archive.pov.org/offandrunning/credits/). *POV | American Documentary Inc.*. PBS. January 10, 2010.

1. Birchmeier, Jason (2006). "Lil Jon – Biography". [AllMusic](/source/AllMusic). Retrieved April 11, 2008.

1. Sarig, Roni. ["Lil Jon heralds a new Southern music movement"](https://creativeloafing.com/content-184728-Cover-Story:-All-Hail-the-King-Crunk). *Creative Loafing*. Retrieved January 26, 2019.

1. ["Gold and Platinum Certifications"](https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Lil+Jon&ti=&lab=&genre=&format=&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section). [RIAA](/source/RIAA). Retrieved January 5, 2019.

1. ["Lil Jon:Artist Page"](https://www.grammy.com/artists/lil-jon/4036). [Recording Academy](/source/Recording_Academy). Retrieved January 5, 2019.

1. Lavin, Will (April 10, 2020). ["Usher, Lil Jon and Ludacris share new song 'SexBeat'"](https://www.nme.com/news/music/lil-jon-premiere-new-usher-collaboration-featuring-ludacris-2641145). *NME*. BandLad Technologies. Retrieved January 13, 2022.

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1. Ho, Rodney. ["Exclusive: Emperor Searcy gone from Hot 107.9 after 20 years"](https://www.ajc.com/blog/radiotvtalk/exclusive-emperor-searcy-gone-from-hot-107-after-years/FWs9yTmewgIKAlWXwfY38L/). *The Atlanta Journal-Constitution*. Retrieved January 13, 2022.

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1. ["Billboard's 2023 Top Music Lawyers Revealed"](https://www.billboard.com/pro/billboard-top-music-lawyers-2023-list/). *Billboard*. Retrieved 16 May 2023.

1. Presno, Caroline (May 28, 2014). ["Lil Jon Talks Fatherhood, Marriage, and His Hit Party Anthem "Turn Down For What""](https://www.huffingtonpost.com/caroline-presno/lil-jon-talks-fatherhood-_b_5398293.html). *HuffPost*. Retrieved January 26, 2019.

1. ["Still, The King of Crunk"](https://web.archive.org/web/20220113020319/https://www.lofficielarabia.com/digital-co-lab/still-the-king-of-crunk). *L'Officiel*. Chalk Media FZ LLC under license from Jalou Media Group. Archived from [the original](https://www.lofficielarabia.com/digital-co-lab/still-the-king-of-crunk) on January 13, 2022. Retrieved January 13, 2022.

1. ["So So Def at 20: How it all began"](https://creativeloafing.com/content-161076-So-So-Def-at-20:-How-it-all-began). *[Creative Loafing](/source/Creative_Loafing)*. February 21, 2013. Retrieved July 20, 2016.

1. ["Gold & Platinum"](https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/). RIAA. Retrieved January 27, 2019.

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1. ["Heard and Unseen: The Oral History of Ghost Town DJ's 'My Boo'"](https://www.spin.com/2016/05/ghost-town-djs-my-boo-oral-history/). *Spin*. May 26, 2016. Retrieved January 27, 2019.

1. ["Ghost Town DJ's' 1996 Hit 'My Boo' Reaches New Hot 100 High Thanks to Viral Dance Video"](https://www.billboard.com/pro/ghost-town-djs-my-boo-viral-dance-hot-100/). *Billboard*. Retrieved January 27, 2019.

1. ["So So Def Bass All-Stars, Vol. 2 – Various Artists | Songs, Reviews, Credits"](https://www.allmusic.com/album/so-so-def-bass-all-stars-vol-2-mw0000594451). *AllMusic*. Retrieved January 27, 2019.

1. ["So So Def Bass All-Stars – Various Artists | Songs, Reviews, Credits"](https://www.allmusic.com/album/so-so-def-bass-all-stars-mw0000648040). *AllMusic*. Retrieved January 27, 2019.

1. ["Lil Jon"](http://www.thrashermagazine.com/articles/music-interviews/lil-john/). *www.thrashermagazine.com*. Retrieved January 27, 2019.

1. Reid, Shaheem (November 1, 2004). ["Lil' Jon: Big Chips (page 2)"](http://www.mtv.com/bands/l/lil_jon/news_feature_041101/index2.jhtml). MTV News. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20041112041539/http://www.mtv.com/bands/l/lil_jon/news_feature_041101/index2.jhtml) November 12, 2004 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved May 18, 2010.

1. "Lil Jon > Charts & Awards > Billboard Albums". [AllMusic](/source/AllMusic). Retrieved December 23, 2009.

1. Mean, Jean-Francois. ["Interview with Bryan Leach"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190127153000/http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview%2Fopar%2Fintrview_BryanLeachInt.html). *Hitquarters.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.hitquarters.com/index.php3?page=intrview/opar/intrview_BryanLeachInt.html) on January 27, 2019. Retrieved January 27, 2019.

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1. ["Lil Jon Readies Rock Album"](https://web.archive.org/web/20060912112226/http://www.sohh.com/articles/article.php/8400/1). *SOHH.com*. Archived from [the original](http://www.sohh.com/articles/article.php/8400/1) on September 12, 2006. Retrieved February 22, 2006.

1. ["TVT to file for bankruptcy"](https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/tvt-file-bankruptcy-105231). *The Hollywood Reporter*. February 20, 2008. Retrieved January 27, 2019.

1. ["Gold & Platinum"](https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&se=Jay+Sean#search_section). *Recording Industry of America*. Retrieved December 12, 2019.

1. ["VIBE: Lil Jon Goes to the Orchard"](https://web.archive.org/web/20080918110913/http://www.vibe.com/news/news_headlines/2008/08/lil_jon_goes_to_the_orchard/). Archived from [the original](http://www.vibe.com/news/news_headlines/2008/08/lil_jon_goes_to_the_orchard/) on September 18, 2008.

1. Anitai, Tamar. ["Video Premiere: Lil Jon Featuring 3OH!3, 'Hey'"](https://web.archive.org/web/20190129181344/http://www.mtv.com/news/2296245/video-lil-jon-3oh3-hey-jersey-shore/). *MTV News*. Archived from [the original](http://www.mtv.com/news/2296245/video-lil-jon-3oh3-hey-jersey-shore/) on January 29, 2019. Retrieved January 29, 2019.

1. ["Ellen DeGeneres to dance with tWitch on 'SYTYCD' finale"](https://ew.com/article/2010/08/12/ellen-degeneres-twitch-sytycd-finale/). *Entertainment Weekly*. Retrieved January 29, 2019.

1. Sampson, Amber (March 9, 2023). ["How crunk king Lil Jon fell in love with Las Vegas and its teams"](https://lasvegasweekly.com/news/2023/mar/09/how-crunk-king-lil-jon-fell-in-love-with-las-vegas/). *Las Vegas Weekly*

1. ["RIAA – Gold & Platinum Searchable Database – November, 2016"](https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?artist=%22Turn+Down+For+What%22). *Riaa.com*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150924145701/https://www.riaa.com/goldandplatinumdata.php?artist=%22Turn+Down+For+What%22) 2015-09-24 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved November 11, 2016.

1. ["iTunes – Music – Bend Ova (feat. Tyga) – Single by Lil Jon"](https://music.apple.com/us/album/bend-ova-feat-tyga-single/898058028). *iTunes*. July 22, 2014. Retrieved March 9, 2015.

1. Goddard, Kevin (June 17, 2014). ["Lil Jon – Bend Ova (CDQ) Feat. Tyga"](https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/558340-lil-jon-bend-ova-feat-tyga-cdq-new-song). *HotNewHipHop*. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20150913054407/http://www.hotnewhiphop.com/lil-jon-bend-ova-feat-tyga-cdq-new-song.1918500.html) 2015-09-13 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved March 9, 2015.

1. ["Take It Off (feat. Yandel & Becky G) – Single by Lil Jon"](https://music.apple.com/us/album/take-it-off-feat-yandel-becky-g-single/1136906593). *[iTunes](/source/ITunes)*. July 22, 2016. Retrieved October 17, 2018.

1. Melas, Chloe (December 18, 2018). ["Lil Jon did a Christmas song with Kool-Aid Man and the holidays will never be the same"](https://www.cnn.com/2018/12/18/entertainment/lil-jon-all-i-really-want-for-christmas/index.html). CNN. Retrieved January 29, 2019.

1. ["Stream Future, Rick Ross and More on 'Superfly' Soundtrack Vol. 2"](https://www.xxlmag.com/rap-music/new-music/2018/06/future-superfly-soundtrack-vol-2-featuring-rick-ross-g-herbo-french-montana/). *XXL*. June 16, 2018.

1. Shaffer, Claire (November 18, 2019). ["Mark Ronson Unveils 'Spies in Disguise' Soundtrack Tracklist"](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/mark-ronson-spies-in-disguise-soundtrack-914164/). *Rolling Stone*. Retrieved December 12, 2019.

1. Mier, Tomás (2024-08-21). ["Lil Jon Transforms DNC Roll Call Into a Party With 'Turn Down for What'"](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/lil-jon-dnc-roll-call-peforms-turn-down-for-what-1235084110/). *Rolling Stone*. Retrieved 2024-08-25.

1. ["Delegates 'Get Low' With Lil Jon in a Musical Roll-Call Vote for Harris"](https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/20/us/politics/lil-jon-dnc-harris.html/). *[The New York Times](/source/The_New_York_Times)*. August 20, 2024. Retrieved 20 August 2024.

1. ["Lil Jon Launches His Own Label, BME Recordings"](https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20040203005207/en/Lil-Jon-Launches-Label-BME-Recordings). *www.businesswire.com*. February 3, 2004. Retrieved January 29, 2019.

1. Leight, Elias (November 28, 2018). ["The Squeaking Bed Sample: How Hip-Hop's Horniest Sound Effect Conquered the World"](https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/hip-hop-sample-squeaking-bed-exo-karol-g-lil-jon-760286/). *Rolling Stone*. Retrieved January 29, 2019.

1. Seabrook, Robby III (February 25, 2018). ["Today in Hip-Hop: Dave Chappelle As Lil Jon on 'Chappelle's Show' – XXL"](http://www.xxlmag.com/news/2018/02/today-in-hip-hop-dave-chappelle-plays-lil-jon-on-chappelles-show/). *XXL Mag*. Retrieved January 29, 2019.

1. ["Lil Jon on Bud Light \[*sic*\], Pressures of Being the Life of the Party & New Music"](https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/lil-jon-bud-light-commerical-interview-6605751/). *Billboard*. Retrieved January 29, 2019.

1. ["Lil Jon | TV Guide"](https://www.tvguide.com/celebrities/lil-jon/credits/197774). *TV Guide*. Retrieved January 29, 2019.

1. Rodney Ho, Radio and TV Talk. ["Whaat? Yeaaahh! Okaaay! Atlanta 'Walking Dead' super fan Lil Jon shows up on "Talking Dead""](https://www.ajc.com/blog/radiotvtalk/whaat-yeaaahh-okaaay-atlanta-walking-dead-super-fan-lil-jon-shows-talking-dead/5OlAVrrDCUJEBpG3xCivxM/). *The Atlanta Journal-Constitution*. Retrieved January 29, 2019.

1. ["Cardi B, Lil Jon & Steve Carrell Are Way Better Than Just 'OK' in Pepsi Super Bowl Commercial: Watch Full Ad"](https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/super-bowl/8495287/cardi-b-lil-jon-steve-carrell-pepsi-super-bowl-commercial-full-ad). *Billboard*. Retrieved January 29, 2019.

1. Alkire, Caroline. ["Lil Jon Comes to HGTV In New Home-Renovation Series"](https://www.hgtv.com/shows/hgtv-news/lil-jon-comes-to-hgtv). HGTV.

1. Novak, Analisa (20 March 2024). ["Lil Jon swaps crunk for calm with new album "Total Meditation""](https://www.cbsnews.com/news/lil-jon-swaps-crunk-for-calm-with-new-album-total-meditation/). *CBS News*. Retrieved 15 May 2024.

1. JoVonn, Jeroslyn (10 May 2024). ["Lil Jon Manifests Abundance On New Guided Meditation Album, 'You Have To Change Your Way Of Thinking'"](https://www.blackenterprise.com/lil-jon-manifests-abundance-guided-meditation-album/). *Black Enterprise*. Retrieved 15 May 2024.

1. ["Soul Chakra™ | A Haven for Total Holistic Well-Being"](https://www.soulchakra.com/). *Soul Chakra*. Retrieved 2025-02-20.

1. Birchmeier, Jason (May 22, 2001). "Put Yo Hood Up: Review". [AllMusic](/source/AllMusic). Retrieved December 23, 2009.

1. Henderson, Alex (2002). "Kings of Crunk: Review". [AllMusic](/source/AllMusic). Retrieved December 23, 2009.

1. Reid, Shaheem (May 12, 2004). ["Lil Jon Bangs Head, Creates 'Crunk-Rock'"](https://web.archive.org/web/20040603090807/http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1486976/05122004/lil_jon_1.jhtml). MTV News. Archived from [the original](http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1486976/05122004/lil_jon_1.jhtml) on June 3, 2004. Retrieved December 23, 2009.

1. ["SPOTTED: Lil Jon & His Wife & Son Have Family Dinner At Katsuya"](https://web.archive.org/web/20230409021727/https://theybf.com/2010/09/09/spotted-lil-jon-his-wife-son-have-family-dinner-at-katsuya). The Young, Black, and Fabulous. Archived from [the original](http://theybf.com/2010/09/09/spotted-lil-jon-his-wife-son-have-family-dinner-at-katsuya) on April 9, 2023. Retrieved January 30, 2014.

1. ["Who Is Lil Jon's Estranged Wife? All About Nicole Smith"](https://people.com/who-is-nicole-smith-lil-jon-wife-8579237). *People.com*

1. Presno, Caroline (May 28, 2014). ["Lil Jon Talks Fatherhood, Marriage, and his Party Anthem "Turn Down For What""](https://www.huffingtonpost.com/caroline-presno/lil-jon-talks-fatherhood-_b_5398293.html). *[HuffPost](/source/HuffPost)*. Retrieved January 18, 2019.

1. ["Body believed to be Lil Jon’s missing son recovered in park pond, police say"](https://www.ctvnews.ca/entertainment/article/body-believed-to-be-lil-jons-missing-son-recovered-in-park-pond-police-say/). [CTV News](/source/CTV_News). February 6, 2026. Retrieved February 6, 2026.

1. Yerdon, Joe (February 8, 2012). ["Your moment of zen: Lil' Jon hanging with the Montreal Canadiens"](http://prohockeytalk.nbcsports.com/2012/02/08/your-moment-of-zen-lil-jon-hanging-with-the-montreal-canadiens/). NBC Sports. Retrieved January 30, 2014.

1. Lily, Caitlin (October 8, 2019). ["Golden Knights to debut 'Valiant' documentary at fan screening event"](https://www.fox5vegas.com/sports/golden-knights-to-debut-valiant-documentary-at-fan-screening-event/article_7342f76a-e9ef-11e9-a819-ff1939ad596e.html). Fox 5 Vegas. Meredith Corporation Station. [Archived](https://web.archive.org/web/20191212120119/https://www.fox5vegas.com/sports/golden-knights-to-debut-valiant-documentary-at-fan-screening-event/article_7342f76a-e9ef-11e9-a819-ff1939ad596e.html) December 12, 2019 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 12, 2019.

1. Detwiler, Christopher (February 12, 2024). ["Lil Jon wears Golden Knights Stanley Cup ring during Super Bowl halftime show"](https://www.nhl.com/news/lil-jon-golden-knights-stanley-cup-ring-super-bowl-lviii-halftime). NHL.com.

1. ["Behind the Stripes – Lil Jon"](https://web.archive.org/web/20191212120213/https://www.atlutd.com/post/2017/08/09/behind-stripes-lil-jon). *Atlanta United FC*. Archived from [the original](https://www.atlutd.com/post/2017/08/09/behind-stripes-lil-jon) on December 12, 2019. Retrieved December 12, 2019.

1. ["This is Atlanta"](http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-videos/0ap3000001014099/Atlanta-s-celebrities-welcome-Super-Bowl-LIII). *NFL.com*. Retrieved December 12, 2019.

1. ["Lil Jon gets our coverage of Super Bowl LIII started right with a special open."](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obUcs5hS28s). *CBS Sports*. February 3, 2019. [Archived](https://ghostarchive.org/varchive/youtube/20211212/obUcs5hS28s) December 12, 2021 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved December 12, 2019.

1. ["Meet Jamila Sozahdah, rapper Lil Jon's baby mama: the reality TV star is one of 10 Muslim-American sisters and their show is described as 'raw, real and rife with shocking revelations'"](https://www.scmp.com/magazines/style/entertainment/article/3285798/meet-jamila-sozahdah-rapper-lil-jons-baby-mama-reality-tv-star-one-10-muslim-american-sisters-and). Retrieved 3 November 2025.

1. ["Famed American rapper Lil Jon embraces Islam"](https://www.siasat.com/famed-american-rapper-lil-jon-embraces-islam-2993351/). March 16, 2024. Retrieved 16 March 2024.

1. Melas, Chloe (January 24, 2018). ["Rapper Lil Jon breaks ground on second school in Ghana"](https://www.cnn.com/2018/01/24/entertainment/lil-jon-school-ghana/index.html). *CNN*. Retrieved January 20, 2019.

1. ["Lil Jon, Trevor Noah Among Honorees at 2019 Pencils of Promise Gala"](https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/8530302/lil-jon-trevor-noah-honoreest-2019-pencils-of-promise-gala). *Billboard*. Retrieved December 12, 2019.

1. Poole, Sheila. ["Rappers, others to help high school band get to Mardi Gras"](https://www.ajc.com/lifestyles/killer-mike-lil-jon-and-sza-pitch-help-douglass-high-band/IKuQUkoO3VylYP1osRptWI/). *[The Atlanta Journal-Constitution](/source/The_Atlanta_Journal-Constitution)*. Retrieved January 18, 2019.

1. ["2003 AMA Nominees"](https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/69081/2003-ama-awards-nominees). *Billboard*. September 16, 2003. Retrieved June 21, 2018.

1. ["AMA Award History"](http://www.rockonthenet.com/amas/grh.htm). RockOnTheNet. Retrieved June 21, 2018.

1. ["Donovan, Danielle Brisebois, Natasha Bedingfield and More Honored at 2009 BMI London Awards"](https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/donovan_natasha_bedingfield_and_more_honored_at_2009_bmi_london_awards). *BMI*. October 6, 2009. Retrieved 22 May 2023.

1. ["BMI London Awards: Press Release and Winners List"](https://www.bmi.com/press/entry/553018). *BMI*. Retrieved 22 May 2023.

1. ["2005 BMI Pop Awards"](https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/2005_bmi_pop_awards). *BMI*. May 17, 2005. Retrieved 22 May 2023.

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1. ["2011 BMI Pop Music Award List"](https://www.bmi.com/press/entry/551489). *BMI*. Retrieved 22 May 2023.

1. ["P!nk Receives President's Award at 63rd Annual BMI Pop Awards"](https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/2015_bmi_pop_awards#:~:text=Taylor%20Swift%2C%20Tim%20Bergling%20a.k.a.,%20Wake%20Me%20Up%2C). *BMI*. May 13, 2015. Retrieved 22 May 2023.

1. ["BMI Celebrates Urban Music at 2003 Awards Ceremony"](https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/20030806_bmi_celebrates_urban_music_at_2003_awards_ceremony#:~:text=Isaac%20Hayes%20Honored%20as%20BMI%20ICON&text=Top%20honors%20went%20to%20Murder,Publisher%20of%20the%20Year%20trophy.). *BMI*. August 5, 2003. Retrieved 22 May 2023.

1. ["BMI Celebrates Urban Music at 2004 Awards with Top Writers, Producers, Publishers"](https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/20040827_bmi_celebrates_urban_music_at_2004_awards_with_top_writers_pr#:~:text=Al%20Green%20Honored%20as%20BMI%20ICON&text=Kelly%20won%20two%20of%20the,Urban%20Publisher%20of%20the%20Year.). *BMI*. August 26, 2004. Retrieved 22 May 2023.

1. ["2005 BMI Urban Awards"](https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/2005_bmi_urban_awards). *BMI*. August 26, 2005. Retrieved 22 May 2023.

1. ["2006 BMI Urban Awards"](https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/2006_bmi_urban_awards). *BMI*. August 30, 2006. Retrieved 22 May 2023.

1. ["2007 BMI Urban Awards: BMI Award Winning Songs"](https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/2007_bmi_urban_awards_bmi_award_winning_songs). *BMI*. September 8, 2007. Retrieved 22 May 2023.

1. ["BMI Honors The Jacksons, T-Pain & Many More at Urban Awards in Los Angeles"](https://www.bmi.com/press/entry/537207). *BMI*. Retrieved 22 May 2023.

1. ["Patti LaBelle Named BMI Icon at the 2017 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards"](https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/2017-rb-hip-hop-awards). *BMI*. September 2017. Retrieved 22 May 2023.

1. ["BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards"](https://www.bmi.com/award-shows/r-and-b-hip-hop-2020/). *BMI*. Retrieved 22 May 2023.

1. ["BMI Announces the Honorees of the 2021 BMI R&B/Hip-Hop Awards"](https://www.bmi.com/news/entry/2021-bmi-rb-hip-hop-awards). *BMI*. September 20, 2021. Retrieved 22 May 2023.

1. ["Lil Jon Wants to Do What?"](https://m.imdb.com/title/tt19760254/). [IMDb](/source/IMDb). Retrieved September 24, 2023.

## External links

- [Official website](http://liljon.com/)

---
Adapted from the Wikipedia article [Lil Jon](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lil_Jon) by Wikipedia contributors ([contributor history](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lil_Jon?action=history)). Available under [Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/). Changes may have been made.