Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz
Biography
Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz was an American hip hop group from Atlanta, Georgia. The group was formed in 1995 and was instrumental in the emergence and popularization of the crunk subgenre of hip hop. The members of the group were Lil Jon (Jonathan Smith), Big Sam (Sammie Norris), and Lil' Bo (Wendell Neal). Lil Jon was the frontman of the group, providing the charismatic and high-energy vocals that became a signature of their sound. Big Sam and Lil' Bo were also rappers in the group.
Formation and Early Years
Before forming the group, Lil Jon worked as an A&R executive at So So Def Recordings from 1993 to 2000. In 1995, he joined with Big Sam and Lil' Bo to form Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz. The group released their debut album, "Get Crunk, Who U Wit: Da Album," in 1997. The album featured the single "Who U Wit?," which is credited with introducing the term "crunk" to a wider audience. Another single from the album, "Shawty Freak a Lil Sumthin'," was released in 1998. Both singles charted on the Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart.
Rise to Prominence and Mainstream Success
The group's breakthrough came with their 2001 album "Put Yo Hood Up," which was certified Gold. This album featured the single "Bia' Bia'," which included guest appearances from Ludacris and Too $hort, and received national airplay. Their next album, "Kings of Crunk" (2002), achieved even greater success, eventually being certified double platinum. This album included the massive hit "Get Low," featuring the Ying Yang Twins, which reached the top ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The success of these albums solidified Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz as the "Kings of Crunk".
Key Albums:
- Get Crunk, Who U Wit: Da Album (1997)
- We Still Crunk!! (2000)
- Put Yo Hood Up (2001)
- Kings of Crunk (2002)
- Crunk Juice (2004)
Disbandment and Later Years
Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz released their final album, "Crunk Juice," in 2004. The album featured the hit single "Lovers & Friends," with Usher and Ludacris, which was a major international success. The group disbanded in 2005, reportedly due to financial and creative differences. After the split, Lil Jon went on to have a successful solo career, becoming a highly sought-after producer and artist. The East Side Boyz have continued to perform and record music together.