He’s best known for his raspy voice, commanding stage presence and hype-man energy, but the rapper behind “Turn Down for What” Lil Jon He’s turning to his gentler side. In May, the 52-year-old released a new album of guided meditations, ” Manifesting abundance (After releasing his first meditation album in February, Total MeditationHe started meditating about three years ago when he was “not in a great place mentally,” says the star (whose real name is Jonathan Smith), who announced his separation from his wife of nearly 20 years in February. (The couple have a 26-year-old son, Nathan.) “I started meditating every day, and it just changed my life. My mind was clearer, my mind was elevated,” the Grammy winner said. Stay in touchWe spoke with Lindsay Hoffman about his spiritual evolution and his role as a father.
What first got you interested in meditation?
LJ: When you turn 50, you start to reflect on your life, where it’s going, and where you are. In my case, I had some health issues and problems in my marriage. I started saying affirmations while meditating and I started manifesting a better life.
What are your go-to affirmations?
LJ: The three words I said to myself every day were, “I am happy. I am healthy. I am at peace.” These are literally things that everyone wants in life.
What have you achieved?
LJ: I got the call to play in Super Bowl 53 in September. At that time, I wanted to be in the best shape of my life. So, I was in the best shape of my life at the Super Bowl. After that, I went through a divorce and faced my problems, which made me feel more calm.
How did you grow?
LJ: I have learned to accept what God and the universe give me and feel okay with whatever the situation is. I have grown so much. I am happier and more grateful.
What do you think, fans?
LJ: We’ve had a lot of people who’ve never meditated before and have started meditating because of this project. A lot of them are dealing with anxiety or sadness. [albums] It helped them deal with those issues.
What does your son think?
LJ: He’s seen his father go into a different place mentally, and I think it’s important to show kids that they can grow and evolve.
You recently partnered with wellness brand Natural Vitality to further their mission of creating a more accessible approach to mental wellness – why?
LJ: I use magnesium for stress reduction, it helps relieve tension and calms the mind, so it’s a perfect fit. We both offer things that are aimed at improving people’s mental wellbeing.
What would you say to people who are learning about meditation and affirmations?
LJ: Don’t expect it to happen overnight. Jim Carrey He would drive up to the Hollywood Hills, look out the window and say, “One day I’ll see this.” He believed it, and he did. Don’t lose hope. You’re already on your way to where you want to be.
