NFL football on Thanksgiving Day always draws massive audiences, and there is no better way to keep fans locked in at halftime than bringing out a headlining rapper. When the Cincinnati Bengals face the Baltimore Ravens in the final game of the league’s Thanksgiving triple-header, a superstar rapper will take the stage, ready to make the crowd “Get Low”.
Who Will Headline Halftime of the Ravens-Bengals Thanksgiving Game?
As hosts of this AFC North rivalry, the Ravens announced that rapper Lil Jon will take the stage at M&T Bank Stadium for Thursday night’s halftime show. Lil Jon is a 54-year-old rapper from Atlanta, Georgia, known for hits like “Snap Yo Fingers,” “Get Low,” “Yeah,” and “Turn Down for What.”
Lil Jon is no stranger to performing at NFL games, and now he gets another chance to have a packed NFL stadium jumping, an experience like no other. Earlier in 2025, he performed in Las Vegas during a game between the Chargers and Raiders, followed by another performance in Arizona when the Cardinals hosted the Seahawks, both shows taking place in September 2025.
Before this Thanksgiving spotlight, Lil Jon’s most notable appearance came back in 2024, when he joined Usher and others on stage for the Super Bowl LVIII halftime show in Las Vegas.
Lil Jon began his music career in 1991 as a DJ, but he rose to fame as a rap artist during the 2000s. “Yeah”, his collaboration track with rap and R&B artist Usher, won a Grammy Award for Best Rap/Sung Collaboration in 2005.
With that track record, fans can expect a high-energy performance, one that will have the city of Baltimore rocking, given the significant presence of rap in the state of Maryland.
Ravens Host Bengals in Pivotal AFC North Matchup
For Lil Jon, the good news is that it is unlikely he will be handed the task of waking up the crowd at halftime, as fans could be in for a doozy of a game. The Ravens are in search of a sixth consecutive win, which would turn their record to 7-5, good for first in the AFC North. On the other side of the field, star quarterback Joe Burrow is expected to make his first start since he suffered a turf toe injury back in Week 2.
At 3-8, the Bengals’ chances at the postseason are almost entirely behind them, but Burrow returns, hoping to slow the bleeding after four consecutive losses at least.
Quarterback Lamar Jackson has been entrusted with keeping this Ravens team rolling into the playoffs, and after a slow start, they need every victory they can get. For Ravens fans, it helps that Jackson is an impressive 10-2 against the Bengals in his eight-year career.
In a game that both teams need to have, maybe one more than the other, fans should be in for an entertaining night. With Lil Jon taking the stage at halftime, there should be fireworks throughout, including what should be an electric halftime show.
Is Lil Jon a Fan of the Ravens?
Growing up in Atlanta, Lil Jon has supported all of Atlanta’s sports teams. Lil Jon has been spotted at Mercedes-Benz Stadium numerous times over the years supporting the Falcons.
The 54-year-old has also supported teams in Las Vegas. Lil Jon has had several residencies at various spots in Vegas and thus has called the city his “second home.” The rapper performed at a halftime show for the Raiders back in September.
While Lil Jon may not be a specific fan of the Ravens, he is a fan of sports and is known worldwide. With his energetic live performances and upbeat songs, any crowd would likely appreciate the performance, fan or not.
Thanksgiving Day will be busy for Lil Jon, who is also slated to appear at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
