Socialites, let’s take a moment to send love and prayers to Lil Jon and his family as the hip-hop icon confirmed today the heartbreaking death of his 27-year-old son, DJ Young Slade, born Nathan Smith.
The devastating news comes after days of uncertainty following Nathan’s disappearance in Milton, Georgia. Earlier today, the Milton Police Department announced that a body had been recovered from a pond near Mayfield Park, not far from Smith’s residence. Authorities stated they believed the body to be Nathan.
Nathan, the son of Lil Jon, whose real name is Jonathan Smith, was reported missing on February 3 after officers determined he “had left his residence under unusual circumstances.” At the time, police warned that he “may be disoriented and in need of assistant,” noting that his family and friends were “concerned for his safety.”
“After being unable to locate Mr. Smith during that time, teams expanded the search to include a pond in Mayfield Park near Smith’s Milton residence,” the department said in a statement.
Later today, Lil Jon confirmed the tragic news himself in a statement to TMZ, revealing that his son had passed away at just 27 years old.
“I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith. His mother, Nicole Smith, and I are devastated,” the rap star told TMZ.
In his emotional statement, Lil Jon reflected on the kind of person Nathan was beyond the music and the headlines.
“Nathan was the kindest human being you would ever meet. He was immensely caring, thoughtful, polite, passionate, and warmhearted – he loved his family and the friends in his life to the fullest.”
Known professionally as DJ Young Slade, Nathan was more than just the son of a rap legend. He was a graduate of NYU and a multifaceted creative—working as a music producer, artist, and engineer, steadily building his own legacy.
“He was an amazingly talented young man; a music producer, an artist and engineer, and graduate of NYU. We loved Nathan with all of our hearts and are incredibly proud of him.
“He was loved and appreciated, and in our last times together we’re comforted in knowing that we expressed that very sentiment to him.”
Police say Nathan was last seen around 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, when he “ran out of his house.” Lil Jon shares Nathan with his estranged wife, Nicole Smith. The couple has been separated for several years.
Following in his father’s musical footsteps while still carving out his own sound, Nathan released his latest single, Feels, in March 2025.
As tributes continue to pour in, today’s confirmation lands heavy.
This is not just the loss of a rising artist, it’s the loss of a son, a friend, and a young man remembered by those closest to him as loving, gifted, and deeply cherished.
Hollywood Unlocked sends our deepest condolences to Lil Jon and his family during this difficult time.