Jonathan Smith (born January 27, 1972) , better known by his stage name Lil' Jon, is an American rapper, hype man, and producer. He is best known as a pioneer of the sub-genre of hip hop known as "crunk" (a combination of elements of Bounce Music, Disco music, Southern hip hop and bass music). His group, The Eastside Boyz, which includes Big Sam and Lil Bo, is one of crunk's most notable acts. He is also a prolific producer for other groups, and frequently makes guest appearances. His eyes are recessed, which is the reason why he is never seen in public without his sunglasses on.

Atlanta and the surrounding area had always been a hotbed for party rap and bass music throughout the ’90s, and more than anyone else, Lil Jon and the Eastside Boyz took these styles to the masses with a cutting-edge Dirty South attitude perfect for the burgeoning club scene of the time. The Atlanta-based rapper/producer began as a club DJ before Jermaine Dupri invited him in 1993 to come work for So So Def Records, where Jon served as the executive vice president of AR. In the meantime, Jon h