Lil Jon's Biography

Lil Jon, born Jonathan Henry Smith on January 17, 1971, in Atlanta, Georgia, is a world-renowned American rapper, DJ, and record producer. Rising to fame as the frontman of Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz, Lil Jon is widely credited as a pioneer of the crunk genre, a high-energy style of Southern hip hop. His infectious catchphrases—'Yeah!', 'Okay!', and 'What!'—became cultural staples, propelling him to mainstream success. He gained international acclaim with chart-topping hits like 'Get Low' and the Grammy-winning 'Yeah!' featuring Usher and Ludacris. Beyond music, Lil Jon is an accomplished entrepreneur, owning ventures such as Crunk!!! Energy Drink and Little Jonathan Winery. His signature sound and energetic performances have made him a sought-after collaborator, working with artists across genres. Known for his larger-than-life personality, Lil Jon balances his career with philanthropy and family life. An avid hockey fan and wine collector, he continues to influence both the music industry and pop culture. With a net worth estimated at $30 million in 2024, Lil Jon’s legacy as a crunk icon and business mogul remains strong.