Turn down for Zen: Lil Jon’s new meditation album

In a recent interview with NPR, the ‘King of Crunk, Lil Jon, revealed a side of himself that many fans may find surprising. Known for his high-energy anthems that have fueled countless parties, Lil Jon has now channeled his dynamic spirit into a more serene endeavor—a guided meditation album titled “Total Meditation.”

During the interview, Lil Jon shared the personal motivations behind his pivot to meditation. Facing anxiety and stress as he turned 50, he found himself reflecting on his life, marriage, and the need to address and move through various challenges. Meditation became a daily practice for him, a way to quiet the noise and find peace. His affirmations and meditative moments offered a respite from the chaos, leading to a deeper exploration of mindfulness.

The album, which features Lil Jon’s distinctive voice guiding listeners through calming exercises, is a testament to his belief in the power of acceptance and the peace that comes with it. He described an epiphany where he felt called to help others on a large scale, and meditation became the medium for this new mission.

Lil Jon’s journey into meditation also reflects a broader commitment to health and well-being. He discussed the importance of self-care, including getting enough rest, staying hydrated, and maintaining one’s health—lessons partly inspired by witnessing others face serious health issues. His health journey began around 2010-2012 and has since included reducing alcohol consumption and embracing meditation, even amidst the high-energy environment of club DJing.

The rapper also touched on the therapeutic aspects of music and dance, emphasizing the importance of release, connection, and joy that come from these experiences. He sees his role in the club as not just about entertainment but also about spreading positive energy and creating memorable moments.

Lil Jon’s approach to creating the meditation album involved finding the right tone and voice to evoke the intended emotions, a process he likened to selecting characters for a song. Listeners have expressed surprise at how soothing his voice can be, a stark contrast to the raucous shouts he’s known for in his music.

The NPR interview also delved into the challenges of meditation, such as disconnecting from constant thoughts about the future and the benefits of pausing to clear the mind and enhance creativity.

Beyond personal growth, Lil Jon is using his platform to send a message, particularly to Black men, about the importance of caring for one’s mental and physical health. He hopes his album can help break the stigma around seeking help and encourage men to approach meditation with an open mind for a calmer perspective.

And I think releasing this album, too, is also – you know, mental health is really important to me because men, especially Black men – we suffer, and we’ve been raised to just suffer in silence. And, you know, whatever – you know, you get over it. You’ll be fine. You know, and just deal with our problems ourselves.

Lil Jon

“Total Meditation” is more than just an album; it’s a call to action for self-care and a reminder that even the most unexpected sources can lead us to tranquility. Lil Jon’s transformation from a party icon to a meditation guide is a powerful narrative of growth, resilience, and the universal search for inner peace.