Lil Jon, the excitable rapper who pioneered the crunk style of hip-hop, will tell the story of his life and career in a memoir coming later this year.
Black Privilege Publishing announced in a news release that it will publish Lil Jon’s I Only Shout So You Can Hear Me, co-written with Paul Cantor, in the fall. The press calls the book “a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and authenticity, delivering an inspiring message to aspiring artists, entrepreneurs, and anyone who dares to defy expectations, embrace change, and find success on their own terms.”
Lil Jon, an Atlanta native, started his career as a DJ in the city’s nightclubs, then worked as an A&R vice president for So So Def Recordings before making his recording debut in 1997 with the album Get Crunk, Who U Wit: Da Album, released with his group, the East Side Boyz. He went on to release several singles, including the 2013 chart-topper “Turn Down for What,” recorded with DJ Snake.
In his book, Black Privilege says, Lil Jon “opens up about the personal struggles that accompanied his fame, including creative burnout and the search for meaning beyond the stage. He explores his rediscovery of his passion for DJing and reinvents himself as a multifaceted artist and entrepreneur, only to face a heartbreak no parent should ever have to endure.”
In a statement, Lil Jon said, “Y’all have heard my voice for over three decades, but here's a chance to read what I really have to say about it all, and catch a glimpse into the innermost circles of both my professional and personal worlds. I’ve been blessed to amass enormous wins, but with that I’ve also had to endure immense hardships and painful losses privately and publicly…and I’m finally ready to share that with you all.”
I Only Shout So You Can Hear Me is slated for publication on Oct. 20.
Michael Schaub is a contributing writer.
