I’m am SUPER crunk (Sorry, I couldn’t help myself!) about this episode! Today’s guest is one of the most prominent figures in music and pop culture, a crossover multi-platinum selling household name, and one of the most recognized entertainers in the music industry. In case you haven’t guessed yet, I’m referring to the legendary, Grammy and Billboard award winning rapper, songwriter, front man of one of my favorite rap groups — Lil Jon and the East Side Boyz –, a fire record producer, and an insanely talented international DJ: Jonathan Smith AKA Lil Jon!!

Lil Jon began his career in the early 90s and almost 30 years later, you cannot go to a party or event today and not hear one of his smash records while getting the crowd of all demographics hype! He has crafted groundbreaking hits for a diverse array of artists including: Ice Cube, Usher, Pitbull, Ciara, Ludacris, Too $hort, Ying Yang Twins, E40, TPain, Nas, Jadakiss, Mobb Deep, and the list goes on! He’s also worked with will.i.am, Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears, Bret Michaels, Travis Barker, Jennifer Lopez, Machine Gun Kelly and many more.  His songs have also been featured in huge blockbuster movies including The Hangover, The Proposal and the Step Up franchise.

Famous for his now iconic catch phrases “Yeah,” “What” and “Okay, this hip hop icon is also a marketing genius with endorsements with Oakley, Jimmy Johns, Don Julio and more. He’s a tennis and hockey fan, and a health fanatic (sea moss is one of his favorites!) Jon has starred in the 2019 Pepsi Superbowl commercial with Cardi B and Steve Carell, he’s had regular appearances and skits on the Dave Chappelle Show in the early 2000s, was a fan favorite on Celebrity Apprentice, and has gone back to his DJ’ing roots securing a wildly successful residency at The Wynn/Encore in Las Vegas. An impressive and robust career is an understatement!!

Stay tuned as we discuss what motivates Jon to keep going in this cut throat business, how the industry has changed in light of COVID-19,  what it’s like DJ’ing online, his Verzuz battle with hip hop start T-Pain, the true origination of crunk music, his philanthropic work in the community, stock market investing, upcoming projects with Ludacris and Usher, and he even helps me pick out my very first diamond encrusted grill!! LOL

I have met a lot of people throughout my life — high profile politicians, celebrities, business execs, hall of fame professional athletes —  and Jon was one of the most humble, kind, and genuinely down to earth people I’ve come across. I SO much enjoyed our conversation, learned a lot, and hope you do too!! LET’S GOOOO!!!!