Celeb Alerts
Jonathan H. Smith (born January 17, 1971), professionally known as Lil Jon, is an American rapper, record producer, DJ, and entrepreneur. He is widely credited as a pioneer of the crunk music movement in the early 2000s and became internationally known for high-energy club anthems and major production collaborations.
Quick Bio
- Full Name: Jonathan H. Smith
- Stage Name: Lil Jon
- Date of Birth: January 17, 1971
- Age: 55 years (as of 2026)
- Birthplace: Atlanta, Georgia, USA
- Nationality: American
- Ethnicity: African-American
- Profession: Rapper, Record Producer, DJ, Entrepreneur
- Genres: Crunk, Hip-Hop, Southern Rap
- Years Active: 1991 – Present
- Record Labels: TVT Records, BME Recordings, Universal Republic
- Height: 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm)
- Net Worth: Estimated $30–35 million
Early Life, Family & Education
Lil Jon was born on January 17, 1971, in Atlanta, Georgia. He grew up in a middle-class household and developed an early interest in DJ culture and hip-hop music.
Parents & Siblings
His parents worked in the defense industry. Detailed public information about their names is not widely available.
Education
He attended Frederick Douglass High School in Atlanta.
During his teenage years, he formed a DJ crew and began performing at local parties, laying the groundwork for his future career in music production and performance.
Career
Early Career (1990s): Lil Jon began as a club DJ in Atlanta before working at So So Def Recordings. He later formed Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz, helping shape the crunk sound.
Mainstream Breakthrough (2002–2006): Albums such as Kings of Crunk and Crunk Juice produced hits including “Get Low,” “Lovers and Friends,” and “Yeah!” (with Usher and Ludacris). He won a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration for “Yeah!”.
Global Success (2010s): In 2013, he collaborated with DJ Snake on “Turn Down for What,” which became a global hit and earned multi-platinum certifications.
Recent Activities (2020s): Lil Jon continues touring internationally as a DJ, collaborating with artists, and engaging in entrepreneurial ventures and television appearances.
Notable Songs
- Get Low
- Yeah!
- Lovers and Friends
- Snap Yo Fingers
- Turn Down for What
Discography
- We Still Crunk!! (2000)
- Put Yo Hood Up (2001)
- Kings of Crunk (2002)
- Crunk Juice (2004)
Awards & Honors
- Grammy Award Winner
- Multiple Billboard Hot 100 chart-topping singles
- BET Award nominations
- MTV Video Music Award recognitions
Touring & Commercial Success
Lil Jon has headlined numerous tours and remains a high-demand DJ globally. His productions have earned multi-platinum certifications, and his music continues to generate significant streaming numbers worldwide.
Physical Measurements
- Height: 5 feet 6 inches (168 cm)
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: Bald
Salary & Net Worth
His estimated net worth ranges between $30 million and $35 million, earned through album sales, production credits, touring, DJ performances, endorsements, and business ventures.
Social Media
- Instagram: @liljon
- Twitter (X): @LilJon
- Facebook: @LilJon
- YouTube: Lil Jon Official
Relationship, Wife & Children
- Former Spouse: Nicole Smith
- Son: Nathan Smith (DJ Young Slade, born 1998 – died 2026)
- Daughter: Nahara (born 2024)
Lil Jon has experienced significant personal loss following the death of his son Nathan Smith in 2026. He continues to maintain a relatively private personal life.
Trivia
- Widely recognized as one of the pioneers of the crunk genre.
- Known for energetic ad-libs such as “Yeah!” and “Okay!”.
- Has appeared in television programs and entrepreneurial ventures beyond music.
FAQs
What is Lil Jon’s full name?
Jonathan H. Smith.
How old is Lil Jon?
55 years old as of 2026.
How tall is Lil Jon?
5 feet 6 inches (168 cm).
Does Lil Jon have children?
Yes. He had one son, Nathan Smith (DJ Young Slade), and has a daughter born in 2024.
