American rapper Jonathan H Smith, widely recognized as Lil Jon, has recently made headlines with a profound announcement that he has embraced Islam.
The news was confirmed through an Instagram post where Lil Jon expressed gratitude for the overwhelming love and support he received from his “brothers and sisters” in faith, signing off with “Alhamdulillah” (praise be to God).
The conversion was publicly revealed in an online video showing Lil Jon reciting the Shahada, the Islamic declaration of faith, in both Arabic and English at a mosque in Los Angeles. A Turkish news website reported that the rapper shared his decision with a large congregation.
Lil Jon, renowned for hits like ‘Yeah’, ‘Turn Down for What’, ‘Let’s Go’, ‘Get Low’, and ‘Act a Fool’, joins a growing list of influential figures who have embraced Islam recently. From prominent stem cell scientist Henry Larson to activist Shaun King, individuals from diverse backgrounds have undergone conversion.
Just two weeks prior, the rapper and producer had been deeply engaged in the practice of meditation, a pursuit he credits with aiding him in navigating life’s complexities. In a recent interview, Lil Jon shared insights into his recent focus and the release of his album, Total Meditation, featuring his mantras instead of music.
Reflecting on his journey towards mindfulness, Lil Jon stressed the importance of finding balance amidst life’s challenges. “You gotta turn down sometimes,” he remarked. The artist shared that this quest for balance was not solely a creative endeavor but a deeply personal one, rooted in his experiences of anxiety and stress.
“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,” Lil Jon disclosed. He added that meditation had become an integral part of his daily routine. “I found at this particular point in my life, I need to go into it a little deeper,” he elaborated.
