By Han Sang-hee

American hip hop singer and producer Lil Jon is coming to Korea for the first time as part of his Asian tour.

The 39-year-old Atlanta native made his official debut in 1997 in a group called Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz with the album “Get Crunk, Who U Wit: Da Album.” Along with Soulja Boy and T.I., the singer is known as one of the representatives of the south and also as the creator of hip-hop genre “crunk.”

Crunk is a fusion genre of hip hop and electro. The word was first contained in Lil Jon’s song “Who U Wit” and finally received national recognition through his band and the Ying Yang Twins through the song “Get Low” in 2003.
His music and producing has earned him fame and also numerous awards, including BET Awards, Billboard Music Awards and BMI Urban Awards.

Singing on stage with the band has only been a part of Lil Jon’s career, for he has also worked as a producer for some of the most famous singers in the U.S., including Usher on the hit number “Yeah!” and Ciara’s “Goodies.”
His first solo album “Crunk Rock” was released in June this year, which includes collaborations with fellow artists, such as Ice Cube, LMFAO, the Ying Yang Twins and R. Kelly.

Aside from his music career, Lil Jon has also worked in the movie and beverage industry.

He has his own energy drink called “CRUNK!!!,” which was launched in 2002 and also has his own brand of wine “Little Jonothan Winery.” The brand offers a merlot, a chardonnay and a cabernet sauvignon.

From 2004, Lil Jon has appeared in numerous movies as well, including “Soul Plane” (2004), “Date Movie” (2006) and “Scary Movie 4” (2006).

“Lil Jon is expected to show the true essence of hip hop and we were told that he is looking forward to meeting Korean fans this week,” an organizer for the concert said.

For his performance, local artists have also prepared something special as well.
Outsider, who is famous for his bullet-fast rap, will show off his skills, while hip hop duo Supreme Team plan to wow fans with their hit songs and beats.

Lil Jon will meet local fans on Sept. 18 at the Ol Park in Olympic Park, southern Seoul. Tickets cost from 77,000 to 121,000 won. All visitors will get a free drink ticket. For more information, visit www.interpark.co.kr or call (02) 543-0816.