Lil Jon is turning his life around and focusing on health. After a friend’s serious medical emergency, the “King of Crunk” felt the need to take wellness seriously. In a chat with Jade Curtis from BlackDoctor.org, he shared his journey and the importance of raising awareness about health issues facing the Black community.
“One of my friends had a triple bypass surgery in his 40s,” he revealed. “That really shook me. It made me realize that my past partying and unhealthy habits could catch up to me.”
Recently, Lil Jon surprised fans by competing in the Muscle Beach championship in Venice Beach, California, proudly taking home a third-place medal in the Men’s Physique Master’s Over 45 category. His transformation is clear.
Since that wake-up call, Lil Jon has embraced a range of wellness practices. He’s not just working out—he’s also incorporating meditation, chiropractic care, and infrared saunas into his routine. The Grammy-winning rapper is even creating meditation albums with composer Kabir Sehgal.
“It’s about more than just working out or eating right,” he emphasized. “Mental health is a big part of that, too.”
Growing up as Jonathan Smith, he acknowledges that discussions about health were rare in his childhood. “We didn’t talk about these topics enough,” he noted. But he believes that with knowledge comes responsibility. “Once you know better, you have to do better,” he added. Hiring a trainer and learning about nutrition have been major steps for him.
His focus isn’t just on his own health. Lil Jon is passionate about encouraging others in the Black community to take their health seriously, especially given the high prevalence of chronic illnesses like high blood pressure and diabetes. “These diseases hit our community hard,” he said. “Education and access are key. If we have open conversations and make small changes, we can save lives.”
Recent statistics highlight the urgency of this message. According to the CDC, Black adults are 40% more likely to suffer from high blood pressure than white adults. Awareness and action can lead to healthier futures.
By sharing his story, Lil Jon aims to inspire others to prioritize their well-being. Through conversations and community efforts, he hopes to drive real change and promote healthier lifestyles across the board.
