Lil Jon Pays Tribute to Son Nathan After His Death at 27

The rapper asks for prayers as he lays his only son to rest two weeks after his passing.

Published on Mar. 1, 2026

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Lil Jon is mourning the loss of his 27-year-old son, Nathan Smith, who died on February 6. The rapper shared a memorial video and asked for prayers as he laid his only son to rest on the first day of Ramadan. Lil Jon described Nathan as a talented music producer, artist, and engineer who graduated from NYU. The cause of Nathan's death has not been disclosed, but police said there were no signs of foul play.

Why it matters

The death of a child is always a tragic event, and Lil Jon's public tribute highlights the personal grief and loss that celebrities also experience. Nathan's passing at a young age is particularly heartbreaking, and Lil Jon's request for prayers and privacy underscores the difficulty of navigating such a profound loss in the public eye.

The details

Nathan Smith, also known as DJ Young Slade, was first reported missing in Georgia on February 3 before his body was recovered from a pond near his home two days later. Police said there were no signs of foul play, but the investigation remains open. Lil Jon, whose real name is Jonathan Smith, welcomed Nathan with his ex-wife Nicole in 1998, six years before they married. Nathan was a rising music producer and artist who had recently released a single called "Feels".

  • Nathan Smith was last seen on February 3 at 6 a.m. local time.
  • Nathan Smith's body was recovered from a pond on February 6.
  • Lil Jon laid his son to rest on the first day of Ramadan on February 19.

The players

Lil Jon

A 55-year-old rapper, also known as Jonathan Smith, who is mourning the loss of his 27-year-old son, Nathan Smith.

Nathan Smith

Lil Jon's 27-year-old son, also known as DJ Young Slade, who was a talented music producer, artist, and engineer.

Nicole Smith

Nathan Smith's mother and Lil Jon's ex-wife.

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What they’re saying

“On the first day of Ramadan yesterday, We laid my only son to rest. In this holy month, I'm asking for extra du'a for him and for our family.”

— Lil Jon (Instagram)

“I love you, son. Life will never be the same without you. Allah, give me strength.”

— Lil Jon (Instagram)

“I will make sure the world knows your talent and never forgets your name. Nathan Murray Smith.”

— Lil Jon (Instagram)

The takeaway

The tragic loss of Lil Jon's son Nathan at just 27 years old serves as a somber reminder of the profound grief and heartbreak that can accompany the death of a child, even for public figures. Lil Jon's heartfelt tribute and request for prayers highlight the universality of such profound loss and the importance of honoring the memory of those taken too soon.