TORONTO — Lil Jon is a successful rapper, DJ and producer of hits like “Yeah!” by Usher — but these days he’s enjoying being a primetime reality TV star.
“I can’t walk through the airport without grandmothers and daughters and little kids saying, ‘I watch you on Celebrity Apprentice,'” he says. “That’s a good feeling.”
Lil Jon is one of four remaining competitors on All-Star Celebrity Apprentice, which airs Sunday nights on Global. Actress Lisa Rinna, country singer Trace Adkins and magician Penn Jillette are the others.
Donald Trump will pick a winner on the May 19 finale.
Lil Jon, who finished in fourth place on the show’s 11th season, says he’s already a winner.
Appearing on Global’s The Morning Show, Lil Jon said his experiences in business and entertainment come in handy on Celebrity Apprentice.
“I use everything that I’ve been doing my entire career on the show. Most of the tasks are easy for me because I’m always marketing ideas,” he says. “The hardest part is the fundraising. Black people don’t like to give you money. I gotta work extra hard.”
The 42-year-old, who was born Jonathan Smith, is currently the resident DJ at Wynn resort in Las Vegas — where icons like Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra and Elvis Presley performed.
“I never thought I would have my own residency and I’m in Vegas like those guys,” he says.
Lil Jon says he loves interacting with the crowds who come to see and hear him spin.
“The songs that I’ve done represent partying, so when people come see me in Vegas they know that they’re going to have a good time.”
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