Lil Jon energizes crowd with surprise performance at Democratic convention

(NEXSTAR) — A symbolic roll call at the Democratic National Convention Tuesday night turned into a dance party, with a DJ playing state-themed songs and Georgia’s own Lil Jon energizing the crowd with a surprise performance.

The rapper and Atlanta native joined the Georgia delegation to deliver its 123 votes for Vice President Kamala Harris during night two of the convention.

“Georgia, how do you cast your votes?” asked DNC Secretary Jason Rae.

The camera then panned to Lil Jon, who’s birth name is Jonathan H. Smith, as he screamed “Yeeeaaaaahhhhh!”

“Ladies and gentlemen, we are here to officially nominate Kamala Harris for president,” Lil Jon said before rapping the opening lyrics of his 2013 hit song “Turn Down For What.” ( Click here to watch the full performance on X. )

“We’re not going back! We’re not going back!” he chanted as another one of his hits, “Get Low,” blasted from the speakers at Chicago’s United Center.

During the electrifying performance, the rapper stood next to a group of congressional leaders from Georgia, including Rep. Nikema Williams and Sen. Raphael Warnock.

“Mr. Secretary, the South’s got something to say,” Williams said, addressing Rae. “When we send Kamala Harris to the White House, she’ll fight for our freedom to vote, our reproductive freedom and our freedom to thrive. In the spirit of good trouble, Georgia casts 123 votes for the next president of the United States, Kamala Harris.”

Under Democratic Party rules, only Harris received enough support to become the party’s nominee. She was officially nominated earlier this month in a virtual roll call of delegates. Tuesday night’s vote is based on the results from that earlier roll call.

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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