DNC Surprises: Lil Jon Performs, Kendrick Lamar’s Drake Diss Gets Played, and More

An instrumental version of "Get Low" also made it into DNC proceedings on Tuesday.

August 21, 2024

Lil Jon performs at DNC — Image via Getty/Chip Somodevilla

The second day of the Democratic National Convention in Chicago included everything from an apparent presidential dick joke to several surprise music moments, including a celebratory run-through of "Turn Down for What."

Indeed, crunk innovator Lil Jon, whose 2024 has included the release of two guided meditation albums, performed his and DJ Snake’s 2013 hit as part of the Georgia delegation during Ceremonial Roll Call of States proceedings on Tuesday.

"Georgia, how do you cast your votes?" representatives of the state were asked, prompting a surprise appearance from Jon, who fittingly opened with a shouted "Yeah!" before underscoring the intention of the moment.

"Ladies and gentlemen, we are here tonight to officially nominate Kamala Harris for president," he said, later leading attendees in a chant of "We’re not going back!"

Nikema Williams, chair of the Georgia Democratic Party, then spoke while the instrumental for Lil Jon and the East Side Boyz’ "Get Low" could be heard playing in the background. Williams had the honor of formally announcing to the DNC crowd that the state was casting "123 votes for the next president of the United States, Kamala Harris."

The Ceremonial Roll Call of States also saw other familiar faces taking part on behalf of their own home states including Sean Astin, Wendell Pierce, Spike Lee, Eva Longoria, and more.

Even "Not Like Us," Kendrick Lamar’s ubiquitous Drake diss, got some airtime on Tuesday when it was played during California’s Roll Call presentation. The state also made time for Dr. Dre’s "The Next Episode" and 2Pac’s "California Love," not to mention another Kendrick cut, "Alright."

Texas, naturally, included elements of Beyoncé’s "Texas Hold ‘Em" in their Roll Call.

Tuesday also included live performances from Common and Patti LaBelle following a first-day lineup that boasted Mickey Guyton and Alabama’s own Jason Isbell.