History of Lil Jon in Timeline
"Lil Jon" is the stage name of Jonathan H. Smith, an American rapper and record producer known for his contributions to the hip hop subgenre "crunk" in the early 2000s. He led the group Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz, releasing five albums, and produced for major artists who popularized the genre, including Pitbull, Too Short, E-40, Ludacris, Ciara, and Usher.
January 17, 1972: Birth of Lil Jon
Jonathan H. Smith, widely recognized as Lil Jon, was born on January 17, 1972.
1973: American Music Awards Establishment
The American Music Awards, which Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz have been nominated for and won awards at, was created in 1973.
1995: Formation of Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz
Lil Jon, Big Sam, and Lil' Bo came together to form the musical group Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz in 1995.
May 12, 1996: Release of "So So Def Bass All Stars"
On May 12, 1996, Lil Jon released the compilation album "So So Def Bass All Stars".
September 19, 1996: "So So Def Bass All Stars" Certified Gold
The album "So So Def Bass All Stars" was certified gold by the RIAA on September 19, 1996.
1996: Release of "Who U Wit?"
The group released their debut single, "Who U Wit?" in 1996.
1997: Release of Debut Album "Get Crunk, Who U Wit: Da Album"
Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz released their debut album, "Get Crunk, Who U Wit: Da Album," in 1997.
1997: Release of "So So Def Bass All-Stars Vol. II"
Lil Jon released "So So Def Bass All-Stars Vol. II" in 1997.
1998: Release of "So So Def Bass All-Stars Vol. III"
Lil Jon released "So So Def Bass All-Stars Vol. III" in 1998.
2000: Release of Breakthrough Album "We Still Crunk!!"
The group released their breakthrough album, "We Still Crunk!!," in 2000.
June 2002: "Put Yo Hood Up" Certified Gold
The album "Put Yo Hood Up" by Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz was certified gold by the RIAA in June 2002.
2002: Release of "Kings of Crunk"
Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz released their sophomore studio album, "Kings of Crunk," in 2002.
2003: Release of "Part II" Remix Album
The group released "Part II," a remix album featuring previous hits and two new songs, in 2003.
2003: Voice Acting Debut in "Volcano High"
In 2003, Lil Jon took on the role of Jang Ryang in the American adaptation of the South Korean action-comedy film "Volcano High." His voice acting debut was featured in the MTV broadcast of the movie.
August 2004: "Kings of Crunk" Certified Multi-Platinum
The album "Kings of Crunk" by Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz achieves multi-platinum status from the RIAA in August 2004.
2004: Marriage to Nicole
In 2004, Lil Jon married his wife, Nicole.
2004: Launch of BME Recordings and Release of "Trillville & Lil Scrappy" Album
In a strategic move to further solidify his influence on the music industry, Lil Jon, along with Smith, McDowell, Phillips, and Searcy, launched BME Recordings in 2004. This joint venture with Warner Bros. Records marked a new chapter in Lil Jon's career, providing a platform to nurture and promote emerging talent. The label's debut release was "The King of Crunk & BME Recordings Present: Trillville & Lil Scrappy," with Lil Jon lending his production expertise to a significant portion of the album.
2004: Release of Final Studio Album "Crunk Juice"
Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz released their final studio album together, "Crunk Juice," in 2004.
January 2005: "Crunk Juice" Certified Multi-Platinum
The album "Crunk Juice" by Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz achieved multi-platinum certification from the RIAA in January 2005.
2005: Disbandment of Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz
Facing creative differences and financial disagreements with TVT, Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz decided to part ways in 2005 after a successful run of six studio albums.
November 22, 2006: "Snap Yo Fingers" Certified Platinum
The single "Snap Yo Fingers" by Lil Jon, featuring E-40 and Sean P, was certified platinum on November 22, 2006.
2006: Releases "My Ghetto Report Card" and "Bred 2 Die, Born 2 Live"
Continuing their foray into diverse musical landscapes, BME Recordings entered the San Francisco Bay Area's hyphy music scene in 2006. This strategic move led to the release of Bay Area rapper E-40's album, "My Ghetto Report Card." The album's standout single, "Tell Me When to Go," bore the hallmark production style of Lil Jon. BME Recordings also released "Bred 2 Die, Born 2 Live" by Lil Scrappy in the same year, further solidifying their presence in the hip-hop scene.
2008: TVT Records Files for Bankruptcy
TVT Records, facing numerous legal challenges, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2008.
2009: Featured on Jay Sean's "Do You Remember"
In 2009, Lil Jon was featured on Jay Sean's hit single "Do You Remember," which went on to achieve double-platinum status and was included in the soundtrack of the popular film remake, The Karate Kid.
February 16, 2010: Release of "How Many Girls" with Jamie Drastik
On February 16, 2010, Lil Jon collaborated with Jamie Drastik, an artist signed to Pitbull's label, to release the track "How Many Girls." The song was included in Jamie Drastik's mixtape titled "The Magnet."
June 8, 2010: Release of Debut Solo Album "Crunk Rock"
On June 8, 2010, Lil Jon marked a significant milestone in his career with the release of his debut solo album, "Crunk Rock," under Universal Republic Records. The album boasted an impressive lineup of collaborations, including renowned artists like LMFAO, Ying Yang Twins, Pitbull, 3OH!3, Ice Cube, Waka Flocka Flame, Stephen Marley, and Damian Marley, among others. "Crunk Rock" received critical acclaim, securing the No. 8 spot on the Billboard R&B/Hip Hop Albums chart and reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Rap Albums chart.
May 14, 2011: Release of "Turbulence" with Steve Aoki and Laidback Luke
On May 14, 2011, Lil Jon, in collaboration with Steve Aoki and Laidback Luke, released the track "Turbulence" as a digital download in the United Kingdom.
July 2011: Release of "Drink" with LMFAO
In July 2011, Lil Jon and LMFAO joined forces again to release "Drink" under Ultra Records, and the track was featured in the trailer for the movie "The World's End."
July 17, 2011: Release of "Turbulence" EP
On July 17, 2011, "Turbulence" was released as an EP. The radio edit of the song was featured on the deluxe edition of Aoki's debut album, "Wonderland." Notably, the song became the official goal song for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
2011: Atlanta Thrashers Relocate to Winnipeg
Lil Jon's loyalty to his hometown teams extended to the NHL's Atlanta Thrashers until their relocation to Winnipeg in 2011.
2012: Featured on "Step Up Revolution" Soundtrack and American Idol Performance
In 2012, Lil Jon's musical contributions were featured on three tracks in the movie "Step Up Revolution" and its accompanying soundtrack. His collaboration with Jennifer Lopez on "Goin' In," one of the songs from the film, was performed live on the season finale of "American Idol."
2013: Ciara Samples "My Boo"
Ciara sampled "My Boo" from the "So So Def Bass All Stars" album in her 2013 hit "Body Party".
2013: Release of "Turn Down for What"
In 2013, Lil Jon, in collaboration with DJ Snake, released the EDM single "Turn Down for What".
2013: Release of "Turn Down for What" with DJ Snake
Lil Jon's collaboration with DJ Snake in 2013 produced the global hit "Turn Down for What," released through Columbia Records. The song dominated the charts, reaching No. 1 on Billboard's Rhythmic and Hot Dance/Electronic Songs charts, No. 2 on the Dance/Mix Show Airplay chart, No. 4 on the Hot 100, and No. 5 on the Mainstream Top 40. "Turn Down for What" became a cultural phenomenon, enjoying extensive use in various media. It received the prestigious 6× platinum certification from the RIAA, solidifying its place as one of Lil Jon's most iconic tracks.
July 22, 2014: Release of "Bend Ova" featuring Tyga
On July 22, 2014, Lil Jon released "Bend Ova," featuring Tyga, on Epic Records. This track gained further recognition by being included in the two-part series finale of the popular NBC sitcom "Parks and Recreation."
October 4, 2014: Support for University of Tennessee Volunteers
On October 4, 2014, Lil Jon showed his support for the University of Tennessee Volunteers by appearing on the Jumbotron to encourage the team during their game against the University of Florida Gators. He also visited the Volunteers, giving them a motivational pep talk. Lil Jon's enthusiasm for the team extends to their DJ, Sterl the Pearl, who adopted Lil Jon's hit song "Turn Down for What" as the Volunteers' anthem on third downs, ingeniously changing it to "Third Down for What."
July 22, 2016: Release of "Take It Off" featuring Yandel and Becky G
On July 22, 2016, Lil Jon dropped the single "Take It Off," a collaboration with Yandel and Becky G.
2016: Lil Jon Named One of the Top Billboard Music Award Winners
Lil Jon was recognized as one of the Top Billboard Music Award Winners of All Time in 2016.
2016: "My Boo" Re-enters Billboard Hot 100
The song "My Boo" re-entered the Billboard Hot 100 chart in 2016, reaching number 29.
October 2017: Abomayaw D.A. Kindergarten Opening
In October 2017, the first school Lil Jon helped fund, Abomayaw D.A. Kindergarten, opened in Mafi Atitekpo, Ghana, in partnership with Pencils of Promise.
2017: Las Vegas Shooting and Support for Vegas Golden Knights
The 2017 Las Vegas shooting deeply affected Lil Jon, who was present in the city during the tragic event. Witnessing the community's resilience and unity inspired him to embrace Las Vegas as his "second home" and extend his support to its sports teams, particularly the Vegas Golden Knights.
January 2018: Mafi Atitekpo DA Primary School Groundbreaking
In January 2018, construction began on Mafi Atitekpo DA Primary School in Ghana, the second school funded by Lil Jon in partnership with Pencils of Promise.
December 2018: Release of Christmas Single "All I Really Want for Christmas"
In December 2018, Lil Jon embraced the holiday spirit with the release of his Christmas single, "All I Really Want for Christmas," featuring the unexpected guest appearance of Kool-Aid Man. The release was a unique partnership with the beloved Kool-Aid brand.
2018: Douglass High School Marching Band Fundraiser
In 2018, Lil Jon, Killer Mike, and T.I. came together to help raise funds for their alma mater, Douglass High School's marching band, to travel to New Orleans for the Mardi Gras parade.
January 29, 2019: Pepsi Super Bowl Commercial with Cardi B and Steve Carell
On January 29, 2019, Lil Jon shared the screen with rapper Cardi B and actor Steve Carell in a memorable Pepsi Super Bowl commercial, showcasing his continued presence in mainstream media.
2019: Super Bowl LIII Appearance
In 2019, Lil Jon was featured in promotional videos for Super Bowl LIII, welcoming visitors to Atlanta alongside other notable Atlanta figures.
2019: Pencils of Promise Honoree
Lil Jon and Trevor Noah were honored at the 2019 Pencils of Promise annual gala in recognition of their contributions to the charity's mission of providing education in developing nations.
2019: Appearance in Vegas Golden Knights Documentary "Valiant"
Lil Jon's unwavering support for the Vegas Golden Knights led to his appearance in the team's 2019 documentary, "Valiant."
2020: Vince Phillips Named Top Music Lawyer
Vince Phillips, Lil Jon's longtime friend and business partner, was recognized as one of Billboard's Top Music Lawyers in 2020.
2022: "Lil Jon Wants to Do What?" HGTV Show Premiere
In 2022, Lil Jon's ventures extended to the realm of home renovation with the premiere of his HGTV show, "Lil Jon Wants to Do What?" The show paired him with interior designer Anitra Mecadon, and together they embarked on transforming homes and creating stunning living spaces.
2023: Receives Stanley Cup Ring and Wears it During Super Bowl LVIII Halftime Show
Lil Jon's dedication to the Vegas Golden Knights was further acknowledged when he received a Stanley Cup ring following their victory in 2023. Adding a touch of hockey glory to his Super Bowl appearance, he proudly wore the Stanley Cup ring during his performance at the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show.
February 16, 2024: Release of Debut Guided Meditation Album: "Total Meditation"
In a departure from his signature crunk music style, Lil Jon ventured into the world of guided meditation in 2024. His debut album in this genre, "Total Meditation," was released on February 16, 2024, marking a new chapter in his career.
May 10, 2024: Release of Second Guided Meditation Album: "Manifest Abundance: Affirmations of Personal Growth"
Continuing his exploration of mindfulness and personal growth, Lil Jon released his second guided meditation album, "Manifest Abundance: Affirmations of Personal Growth," on May 10, 2024. His goal with these albums is to guide listeners towards inner peace, reduce worry, and promote positive thinking through meditation. Lil Jon's personal practice of daily meditation with affirmations is reflected in these releases.
August 20, 2024: Democratic National Convention Performance
On August 20, 2024, Lil Jon performed at the Democratic National Convention, introducing his home state of Georgia during the state roll call.