Lil Jon
Lil Jon (a real name is Jonathan Smith), an American music producer, rapper, and founder of a new music direction, made his first steps in music career a long time ago when fans of underground could see him in different clubs of native Atlanta where he performed as a DJ. In the early 90s, Jonathan made his first attempt to launch an independent work when he tried himself as a producer and began to collaborate with a label So So Def, which Lil Jon worked for during seven years.
Lil Jon tried himself as a singer in 1996 when, together with musicians Big Sam and Lil Bo, he recorded his debut album that, unfortunately, turned to be a failure. Critics met this work without enthusiasm and Lil Jon’ performance was too expressive for listeners. He was blamed for being aggressive that was not typical of rap. In general, it may be said that the album was met by a wide audience more negatively than positively.
The only successful single from this album was “Who U Wit?” It, actually, led off a new music direction called crunk, which is a combination of the southern rap and disco fit, according many experts, for clubs. The word ‘crunk’ is an American jargon and has a number of meanings, ranging from indecent ones to definitions of the superlative degree of something. They still argue if crunk is a separate direction of hip-hop or it is not more than Lil Jon’s attempt to stand out from other singers. But the fact is that both crunk and its founder have enough fans today.
Despite his failed debut as a musician, Lil Jon remained a popular producer. He successfully developed in this sphere, forged relationships, and met helpful people but he left in past the idea of becoming a singer. Finally, the experience he gained, and the clear understanding of the audience’s needs were successfully used while recording the second album Put Yo Hood Up. Avoiding the previous mistakes, this time Lil Jon was oriented at interests and tastes of club public. As a result, the album became platinum and received positive comments.
Lil Jon’s moment of glory came a year later. The third album of the singer, entitled King Of Crunk, turned to be successful and megapopular with fans of corresponding music directions. It became twice platinum, its songs were in the list of superhits, and Lil Jon himself became one of the most respected artists and producers of the world rap stage. He worked with such notable stars as Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube, won respect and recognition of both rappers and bands playing the alternative rock. Lil Jon’s videoclips stand out due to, first of all, their enormous energy, which he shares with the audience while performing on the stage. It is arguable that namely he initiated the triumphant progress of crunk throughout the world.
