Lil Jon is a new man.
The producer and rapper known for crunk says he’s taking his music in a new direction after parting ways with label TVT Records.
“I want people to say it’s [a] breath of fresh air from everything that’s out there,” Jon says in a new interview with The Associated Press. “It’s still going to be me and what they know me for, but it’s still going to be newer.”
And it sounds like he’s shooting for a bigger audience too.
“It’s not just music for the United States,” he says. “It’s world music.”
That’s a tall order for a rapper with such an established public image. RedEye has a few suggestions as to how Jon can switch up his style.
Sound
OLD L.J. … pioneered of the hip-hop sub-genre crunk.
NEW L.J. … says he wants to experiment with dance acts, soca musicians and rock stars, according to the AP.
Headquarters
OLD L.J. … set up shop in Atlanta, the epicenter of his synth-heavy style.
NEW L.J. … should try a Chicago-style sound. It worked for Kanye.
Posse
OLD L.J. … was always with the East Side Boyz.
NEW L.J. … should get in touch with the Black Eyed Peas if he wants a world audience.
Collaborators
OLD L.J. … worked with Usher on “Yeah” and Ciara on “Goodies.”
NEW L.J. … should give Katy Perry a call. The kids like her.
Accessories
OLD L.J. … never left home without a pimp chalice and outlandish jewelry.
NEW L.J. … should never leave home without that pimp chalice and outlandish jewelry. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.
Catchphrase
OLD L.J. … said: “Whaaat?! OK!”
NEW L.J. … should say: “Beg your pardon? Very well.” (This will be huge in the U.K.)
Appearances
OLD L.J. … was parodied on “Chappelle’s Show” back in the day — and did commercials.
NEW L.J. … should get some big-time movie roles, a la Ludacris in “Hustle & Flow.”
