When you hear the name Lil Jon, you likely think of iconic party anthems, infectious energy, and unforgettable catchphrases like Yeah!, Okay!, and What?!. But these days, the Grammy-winning artist and producer is channeling his voice toward a new mission: improving health outcomes for Black and Brown communities.
Lil Jon has become a vocal advocate for health awareness, drawing from his personal journey to prioritize wellness after a series of wake-up calls. In a heartfelt conversation with BDO’s executive Editor, Jade Curtis, he opened up about the changes he’s made to his lifestyle and why he feels a responsibility to use his platform to educate others about health disparities in the Black community.
“I Had to Start Taking My Health Seriously”
Lil Jon’s path to prioritizing health started about a decade ago, spurred by a frightening incident involving a close friend. “One of my boys had a triple bypass surgery in his 40s,” he recalled. “That really woke me up. It made me think about how all the partying, eating, and drinking I was doing in my younger years could catch up to me.”
From that moment, he began making changes. Over the years, Lil Jon committed to fitness, sought out holistic wellness practices, and focused on both physical and mental health.
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“I didn’t grow up with a lot of conversations about health,” he admitted. “But once you know better, you have to do better. I hired a trainer, started juicing, and learned how to take care of my body in ways I’d never thought about before.”
In recent years, he’s added practices like meditation, chiropractic care, and infrared saunas to his self-care routine. Lil Jon even created meditation albums with composer Kabir Sehgal to encourage others to explore mindfulness. “It’s not just about working out or eating better—it’s about taking care of yourself as a whole,” he said. “Mental health is a big part of that.”
And while health is his focus these days, he’s still connected to his musical roots. In fact, Lil Jon recently released a remix of his hit anthem, “Get Low #2,” proving that you can balance both a thriving career and a commitment to wellness.
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Why Black Health Matters to Lil Jon
Lil Jon’s health advocacy goes beyond personal growth; it’s rooted in a deep desire to address the health inequities that disproportionately affect Black communities.
“We don’t talk about these things enough,” he said. “High blood pressure, diabetes, and cancer—these diseases hit our community hard, and a lot of it comes down to education and access. If we can have conversations and make small changes, we can save lives.”
The statistics back him up: Black Americans face higher rates of chronic diseases like hypertension and diabetes, and they are often diagnosed with serious illnesses, like cancer, at later stages. Structural barriers, mistrust of the healthcare system, and lack of access to preventative care all play a role.
Lil Jon believes that representation is key to changing the narrative. “We’re influenced by what we see and hear,” he explained. “If someone like me—who’s been in the clubs, living that wild lifestyle—can show people it’s never too late to get healthy, then maybe I can inspire someone else to make a change.”
Watch: Lil Jon shares his wellness journey and advocacy for the Black community
Making Wellness a Lifestyle
At 52, Lil Jon is in the best shape of his life, but he stresses that his transformation didn’t happen overnight. “It’s about balance,” he said. “I still enjoy myself, but I’m intentional about what I put in my body and how I take care of it.”
Some of his favorite practices include juicing fresh fruits and vegetables, drinking ginger shots, and incorporating meditation into his daily routine. “Meditation is life-changing,” he shared. “Sometimes we get so caught up in the hustle that we don’t realize how much stress we’re carrying. Meditation helps you slow down and reset.”
Lil Jon also emphasized the importance of community. “When you have a support system, it’s easier to stay consistent. Find a workout buddy, share healthy recipes with your family, or just check in on each other,” he advised.
A Message for the Culture
Lil Jon’s wellness journey is about more than self-improvement—it’s about creating a ripple effect. “Our parents and grandparents didn’t have access to the information and resources we have now,” he said. “It’s on us to take that knowledge and share it with the next generation.”
For Lil Jon, this mission is deeply personal. “I think about my son and his future,” he said. “I want him to grow up in a culture where talking about health is normal, where we take care of ourselves and each other.”
Whether it’s through music, meditation, or simply sharing his story, Lil Jon is determined to make a difference. “At the end of the day, I just want to see my people win,” he said. “And winning starts with your health.”
“If I Can Do It, So Can You”
Lil Jon’s advice to anyone considering a lifestyle change is simple: start small. “You don’t have to overhaul everything at once,” he said. “Take baby steps. Drink more water, walk more, cut back on sugar—whatever works for you. Just start.”
And his message to skeptics? “If I can go from partying every night to prioritizing my health, anyone can,” he said with a laugh. “It’s not about being perfect—it’s about doing better for yourself and the people who love you.”
By sharing his journey and speaking out about the health disparities in the Black community, Lil Jon is proving that he’s more than just the life of the party—he’s a champion for wellness and a voice for change.
