Grammy-winning rapper, music executive, and producer Lil Jon is making a surprising transition from Atlanta’s hip hop scene to leading meditation sessions in Los Angeles. He recently debuted his second album of meditation music, Manifest Abundance, which he created in just four days with rapper and author Kabir Seghal. The album features meditative drones and mind-resetters, with Lil Jon describing it as close to his heart and the perfect time for its release. The debut event at Hotel Bel-Air in Stone Canyon was a partnership between Lil Jon’s Soul Chakra company and magnesium supplement maker Natural Vitality.
The event featured sound beds, massage therapists, and a vibrational pyramid, as well as mocktails infused with Natural Vitality’s products. Attendees were seated pond-side on Soul Chakra meditation pads as Lil Jon encouraged them to detach from the Matrix and chill. A harpist and musician played singing bowls to create a relaxing sound bath experience. This event was a stark contrast to Lil Jon’s past performances at events like Super Bowl LVIII, highlighting his evolution from hip hop artist to meditation leader.
Lil Jon, born Jonathan Smith, has seen a significant transformation in recent years, especially following a divorce around his 50th birthday during the pandemic. This period of introspection led him to emphasize acceptance and stress-free living as keys to happiness and personal growth. Despite initial skepticism from event partners at Natural Vitality, Lil Jon has fully embraced meditation and inner peace as central themes in his work. The partnership with Natural Vitality also includes a $100,000 contribution to the Open Paths Counseling Center to fund mental health services for underserved communities.
Lil Jon’s journey into meditation mirrors the creative shift of other Atlanta hip hop stars, such as Andre 3000, who released an album titled New Blue Sun featuring flute instrumentals and no traditional rhymes. This departure from their previous work has surprised fans and critics alike, showcasing the artists’ willingness to explore new artistic directions. Lil Jon’s collaboration with Natural Vitality and his focus on promoting mental well-being reflects a broader trend among artists to prioritize personal growth and mindfulness in their work. This event at Hotel Bel-Air marked a significant milestone in Lil Jon’s career, showcasing his evolution from a prominent hip hop figure to a leader in the meditation music genre.
