Which rapper is known as the 'King of Crunk'?

Lil Jon is known as the “King of Crunk.” The nickname reflects his central role in popularizing crunk, the high-energy Southern hip-hop style that emerged from Atlanta clubs and regional rap scenes in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Born Jonathan Smith, Lil Jon became widely known through his work with Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz. The group’s loud production, shouted call-and-response hooks, and party-focused songs helped define crunk’s sound. Their 2002 hit “Get Low” became one of the movement’s signature tracks.

Lil Jon’s 2004 album Kings of Crunk further connected his name with the genre. He was both a performer and producer, helping shape the aggressive synths, booming bass, and crowd-hyping chants associated with crunk.

A common mix-up is to confuse crunk with Southern rap more generally. Artists such as T.I., Ludacris, and Three 6 Mafia also influenced Southern hip-hop, but “King of Crunk” is the established nickname most directly associated with Lil Jon.