Famed American rapper Lil Jon converts to Islam

Renowned American rapper, DJ, and record producer Jonathan H. Smith, widely recognised by his stage name Lil Jon, embraced Islam on Friday at the King Fahad Mosque in Los Angeles.

Jon publicly announced his conversion to Islam in front of a large congregation at the mosque.

A video shared on social media showed the American rapper reciting the shahada, a testament of faith, in Arabic and then in English, under the guidance of the mosque's imam.

Born in Atlanta, Georgia, in 1972, and known by his real name Jonathan H. Smith, the rapper gained fame for his pioneering role in promoting the hip-hop subgenre in the early 2000s.

Lil Jon (@LilJon) just accepted islam at king Fahad mosque in LA before jummah prayer. Welcome to Islam brother! 🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/J26MwGNYJx

— Rahim Siddiq (@rahvsid) March 15, 2024

Jon, renowned for his dynamic persona and trademark catchphrases such as "Yeah!" and "Okay," rose to prominence with chart-topping hits like "Get Low" and "Turn Down for What."

Jon becomes the second notable American to embrace Islam during the first week of Ramadan this year, following in the footsteps of US writer and activist Shaun King.

By adopting Islam, Jon joins a cohort of celebrities who have converted to the faith, including well-known figures such as Clarence Seedorf, Andrew Tate, Kevin Lee, Gervonta Davis, and Thomas Partey.