2024-08-21 23:20:02
Lil Jon had the Democratic National Convention dancing from the window to the Walz when he turned up to lead an energetic roll call for his home state on Tuesday night.
The Atlanta rapper walked through the crowd at Chicago’s United Center performing his hit song “Turn Down for What” to help introduce the Georgia delegation on Aug. 20.
His performance was part of a ceremonial roll call in which each state verbally pledged its delegates to nominating Vice President Kamala Harris for president and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate.
Harris had already been confirmed as the Democratic Party’s presidential nominee during a virtual roll call vote in early August. That made the roll call votes on Aug. 20 a ceremonial affair, so the DNC amped it up with a DJ playing songs particular to each state and celebrities helping introduce their state’s delegation.
Georgia went all out with their roll call, tapping the illustrious Lil Jon, who was there to perform in person.
“Yeaaaaahhhhhhh!” Lil Jon said in one of his signature yells. “Ladies and gentlemen, we are here tonight to officially nominate Kamala Harris for president! DNC, turn down for what!”
He then launched into his hit song before chanting, “We’re not goin’ back!” in reference to one of Harris’ campaign slogans. The rapper later sang “VP Harris … gimme the Walz!” in the cadence of his line “To the window, to the wall,” from his hit “Get Low” ft. the East Side Boys.
Lil Jon then stepped aside for Georgia Rep. Nikema Williams, the chairwoman of the state’s Democratic Party, to take the microphone.
“In the spirit of good trouble, Georgia casts 123 votes for the next president of the United States, Kamala Harris!” she said in reference to the term “good trouble” made famous by civil rights legend and late Georgia congressman John Lewis.
Lil Jon wasn’t the only famous face at the front of a delegation on Aug. 20. Actor Sean Astin, who played the Notre Dame football hero in the classic film “Rudy,” spoke for the Indiana delegation. Actor Wendell Pierce repped his home state of Louisiana, quintessential New Yorker Spike Lee joined his state’s delegation, and actor Eva Longoria spoke for her home state of Texas.
The DJ also played music tied to each state as its delegation was introduced.
New Jersey legend Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” heralded the Garden State contingent, Eminem’s “Lose Yourself” represented Michigan, and Massachusetts cast their votes to the Dropkick Murphys’ “Shipping Up to Boston.” Wisconsin used House of Pain’s “Jump Around,” which is played between the third and fourth quarters to raucous scenes at University of Wisconsin’s home football games.
