Lil Jon couldn’t have looked further from the world of rap music as he unveiled his latest venture.
The American musician, 54, is known for tunes including the eight-times platinum Turn Down for What and has produced some of hip-hop subgenre crunk’s most distinctive tracks, such as Usher’s Yeah!
However, the Grammy winner is now trying his hand at something else—bodybuilding.
Lil Jon, real name Jonathan H. Smith, debuted his epic muscular physique in the Muscle Beach championship in Los Angeles this week.
Posing proudly, he beamed while he showed his bulging biceps and toned abs.
Not only that, but he placed third in the Men’s Physique Master’s Over 45 category, for which he received a medal.
Speaking during the contest, Lil Jon told reporters of his prep work: ‘It’s been a lot physically, just in the gym, dedication, eating, focus.
‘I’m winning just by being here and changing my lifestyle, mentally and physically.’
He added, per ABC7 Los Angeles, that he hopes to inspire others with his image and lifestyle overhaul.
‘One of the things I hope is that I can be an inspiration to so many people who say, “Oh, I don’t have time. I can’t do it.” If I can do it, then you can do it too.’
Ahead of his triumph, Lil Jon’s personal trainer, Jay Galvin, took to Instagram to praise his hard graft, writing alongside a workout video that he’s had the ‘ultimate transformation’.
‘Determination, dedication, and discipline has paid off,’ wrote the PT.
‘At 53, being in studios, traveling weekly, family time, and charity work to still stay dialed in is beyond impressive work.’
‘I appreciate you beyond words for bringing me along on this journey and taking the guidance that Dave gave us,’ he added in tribute to late mentor Dave Crupi. ‘Saying you’re a legend is an understatement, but now you’re not just a legend, you’re a legendary unit! Let’s f go!’
Lil Jon was then congratulated by thousands of fans and celebrity pals after his victory, with Christina Milian commenting on his post: ‘Look at you 👏👏👏👏 happy for you Jon!!!’
‘A huge congratulations MY LOVE 🙌❤️ Your hard work shows in every step of this journey 💪 Your tenacity is unmatched, and your ambition inspires me and everyone around you daily’, wrote his girlfriend, Jamila Sozahdah.
Lil Jon has long been sharing an insight into his workouts, having ditched his days of constant wild partying for an intense training regimen. He now also hosts meditation sessions for his 1.1million followers.
Speaking previously about what motivated him to switch things up, the rap star said hitting 50 caused a shift as he relied on meditating to manage his anxiety and ‘get through things’, such as his split from wife Nicole Smith.
‘It was anxiety and a little stress from a lot hitting me at the same time: turning 50, looking at my life, looking at my marriage and a lot of things, and trying to move on and get through those things,’ he told NPR last year.
‘I would meditate before I go on stage, or take little breaths, or just take some time for myself. But I found, at this particular point in my life, I really need to go into it a little deeper. And so I would; I would meditate every day, and I would say my affirmations every day, and all of that would quiet me—calm those crazy thoughts and emotions that I would have and give me some peace.’
He added: ‘You have to look at the club as a release. Some people need to be in social settings around others. Some people need to be with their friends and family. Music is therapeutic as well. Dancing is therapeutic as well. It’s good for the soul, good for the mind.
‘So it works out for me, you know—I can still do it. And I’m spreading good energy to people: I’m giving them good times with the meditation and with the club.’
Lil Jon is widely regarded as a pioneer in crunk and is credited with its breakthrough in the early 2000s.
As well as his own music, he released five albums with the group Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz, of which he was the frontman.
His other producing credits include Salt Shaker by Ying Yang Twins, Damn! by YoungBloodZ, and Goodies by Ciara, while his own tunes include Snap Yo Fingers, Shots, Jumpin, and Gasolina.
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