Lil Jon Electrifies the 2024 DNC with a High-Energy Performance of ‘Turn Down for What’
Lil Jon Ignites the Democratic National Convention with a Show of Support for Kamala Harris and a Message of Positivity.
The Rapper Rallies Support for Kamala Harris with an Unforgettable Show at the Democratic National Convention
Lil Jon made a surprise appearance at the 2024 Democratic National Convention (DNC), bringing his signature energy and style to the stage in support of Kamala Harris and her running mate, Tim Walz. The 53-year-old rapper and producer had the entire crowd on their feet as he performed some of his biggest hits, including “Turn Down For What” and “Get Low,” in a show of solidarity for the Harris-Walz campaign.
Kicking off the performance with his famous catchphrase, “Yeahhh!” Lil Jon immediately amped up the crowd. As he transitioned into his set, he rallied the audience with the powerful chant, “We’re not going back … VP Harris!” making it clear that he was there to support Harris as the next President of the United States.
Lil Jon, whose real name is Jonathan H. Smith, is no stranger to the political stage. He previously appeared on Celebrity Apprentice, hosted by former President Donald Trump. During the show, Trump made a controversial remark, referring to Lil Jon as “Uncle Tom,” a term steeped in racial insensitivity. Lil Jon later addressed the incident, stating in a 2016 tweet, “When this ‘Uncle Tom’ incident happened on Celebrity Apprentice in the boardroom, several of my castmates and I immediately confronted Mr. Trump about it.” He added, “I can’t say if he fully understood the meaning of what he was saying, but he did stop using the term once we explained its offensiveness.”
Despite this history, Lil Jon’s performance at the DNC was all about bringing positivity and hope to the forefront. In a post-performance interview with Don Lemon, he emphasized the need for a change in the national mood. “People are tired of bad energy, tired of negativity, tired of fighting. People want hope, positivity, and the ability to depend on their neighbors again. That’s what Kamala is bringing — good energy … We need a little more hope and positivity,” he said.
As the DNC continued, anticipation built for other high-profile performances. John Legend was scheduled to take the stage on Wednesday, August 21, followed by a finale performance by Pink, all in support of Harris and Walz as they prepare to face off against Republican candidates Donald Trump and J.D. Vance in the upcoming November presidential election.
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