For two decades, Lil Jon has been one of music’s most recognizable voices. He’s been the voice behind a soundtrack that defined the early-2000s nightlife. From clubs and festivals to college campuses nationwide, his signature “OKAY!” and “YEAH!” have become staples while solidifying the crunk era’s place in pop culture.
But now, the entertainer is bringing that same vibrant energy to Hyundai’s new “I See You” campaign for the 2026 Palisade Hybrid, a sleek hybrid designed to feel like the perfect mix of comfort and capability. It’s like a luxury SUV without the hefty price tag or gas guzzling.
Directed by Ghanaian American filmmaker Joshua Kissi. Lil Jon takes center stage in the new commercial, lounging at an outdoor patio, enjoying brunch as the Palisade Hybrid rolls by. He flashes a big smile and hits his stamp of approval: “Okay, Hyundai!” His classic reaction mirrors the campaign’s theme: seeing and celebrating yourself.
The ad perfectly captures the rhythm of black culture, from HBCU homecomings and Sunday brunches to block parties and playing double dutch outside. And it’s all set to Lil Jon’s unmistakable sound.
“I See You” continues Hyundai’s award-winning “OKAY Hyundai” series, known for spotlighting real cultural moments and stylish, community-driven storytelling.
Ironically, the Hip-Hop legend had never been inside a Hyundai before this campaign. “It’s crazy because I’ve never been in a Hyundai. I never really even seen a Hyundai up close,” he says. “But when we did the commercial, I literally said, OK, Hyundai…. It’s comfort. It’s a really big screen in the car. It’s all of the bells and whistles that you would have in any luxury SUV.”
Photo by Joshua Kissi
Photo by Joshua Kissi
Photo by Joshua Kissi
Photo by Lebo Lukewarm
Photo by Lebo Lukewarm
It’s almost hard to picture Lil Jon sliding into the driver’s seat of a hybrid. But outside of music and commercials, he’s now a dad to a 10-month-old baby girl. So, the family-friendly SUV may be the perfect ride to embark on his new journey of fatherhood.
The Atlanta native has spent the past few years transforming himself completely. While he still radiates the same chaotic energy that turned him into a household name, but this time, it’s now grounded in growth.
In September, he shocked fans by taking home third place in the Muscle Beach Venice, a well-known bodybuilding competition open to all amateur athletes. His new, sculpted body can be seen in a now viral video. The decision to compete came soon after his surprise appearance alongside Usher and Ludacris during the Super Bowl LVIII Halftime show in 2024. After teaming up with celebrity trainer Jay Galvin to get ready for the biggest sports event in the country, he jumped straight into training for Muscle Beach.
But for Lil Jon, the motivation behind his lifestyle change went much deeper.
“I have a daughter. She’s 10 months now,” he says. “I want to be here for her first day of school. I want to be here for the high school graduation. I want to be here to walk her down the aisle, and I can only do that if I take care of myself.”
This new sense of purpose goes far beyond the gym. In addition to his physical transformation, Lil Jon has been on a journey toward mindfulness. Soon, he’ll share that journey with the world through his upcoming meditation album, out this October. Though it may surprise some that this is his third meditation album, the upcoming release could be an opportunity to reintroduce his OG fans to the new him.
Lil Jon says this project will be a reimagining of some of his classic songs, but through a new, peaceful lens. “The thing about this project is I took a bunch of songs that I produced that are my songs,” he explains. “I’m an artist on the original songs. And we remixed them and changed them into meditations. So, the music is redone in meditation style, more Zen-style music.”
Remixing those classic songs required a different approach from his typical studio sessions. “When I started recording the meditations, I had to find that right character for my meditation voice,” he says. “It’s really just a calm me. But you have to find the right tone and so on and so forth and the right vibe.”
The project is an unexpected but deeply personal view of his evolution. The man we’ve known to bring the most eccentric energies to the function now finds joy in stillness. But his enthusiasm for connecting with people remains unchanged.
“I know I’ve inspired a lot of people because people come up to me all the time,” Lil Jon says. “It’s like, yo, you inspired me to get back in the gym. You inspired me to do this. You inspired me to become more healthy. So that’s also a blessing, too, to inspire because that’s what we’re here to do. We’re here to inspire others, uplift others.”
Between brand campaigns, studio sessions, and a busy tour schedule that includes upcoming dates in Australia with Mariah Carey, Wiz Khalifa, and Pitbull for Fridayz Live 2025, it’s clear that Lil Jon isn’t slowing down. He’s just becoming more intentional in health, happiness, and gratitude.
Watch our full interview with Lil Jon here.
