It’s been a long time since we’ve heard from the ATLien native but he’s back with a brand new studio album entitled “Crunk Rock”. In a listening session for his new album, he sits down and discusses what he’s been doing since we last heard him scream “YEAAAAH!” on a track and what part he’s taking in changing the music game.
The walls at the Digiwaxx Headquarters in Harlem were vibrating and rocking Friday night all thanks to the “Crunk Aint Dead” chain wearing man himself, Lil Jon. After TVT went under last year, the King of Crunk has found a new home over at Universal Republic where his new album is set to drop. In the last couple of months he’s already been causing a stir with his club friendly hit song “Shots” with group LMFAO; who also has a feature on his album on a title track called “Get Outta Your Mind”. Don’t think he’s forgotten about his crunk origins, He stays true to his Dirty South folk on his new album with a follow up to “Throw It Up” with “Throw It up Part 2” featuring Pastor Troy. What exactly has he been doing since he’s been on hiatus? “Touring and DJ’ing all around the world”, he says. He’s been gathering sounds and looking for a new appeal to help bring in a different audience, which can be strongly noticed on a track called, “Machuka”. “Bali funk–The track is already big in Brazil”, he adds (which is a personal fav. of mine). He was also excited to discuss about a collabo with R. Kelly and Mario that he claims will be, “an anthem for the chocolate girls”. “Old cats and new cats together”, was his objective for this new album. Features include, The Game and guest production from Drumma Boy as well, who he credits for bringing crunk back to him.
All in all, the best way to describe Lil Jon’s “Crunk Rock” album is: rhythmic, drum inspired, futuristic crunk with a whole lotta booty shaking, lol. The King of Crunk is back with a whole new twist and I think it’s safe to say, he’s crunker than ever.
–Ruthie G