Lil Jon's Son DJ Young Slade Dies at 27

Young artist shared photos with music legends before tragic passing

Feb. 6, 2026 at 4:55pm

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Lil Jon's son, DJ Young Slade, whose real name was Nathan Smith, was found dead in a pond in Milton, Georgia on February 6th after being reported missing days earlier. The 27-year-old artist had recently shared photos and videos with music legends like Cee Lo Green and Killer Mike in the months before his untimely passing.

Why it matters

The death of Lil Jon's son at such a young age is a tragic loss for the music community. DJ Young Slade showed immense promise as an up-and-coming artist, and his connection to his famous father highlighted the challenges young musicians can face in the industry.

The details

DJ Young Slade, also known as Nathan Smith, went missing from his Georgia home on February 3rd. His body was later recovered from a pond, though authorities have not yet confirmed the remains are his. In the months before his death, Young Slade had shared photos and videos with other music stars like Cee Lo Green and Killer Mike, suggesting he was actively pursuing his own music career.

  • On February 3rd, DJ Young Slade went missing from his home in Georgia.
  • On February 6th, authorities recovered a body from a pond believed to be Young Slade's.

The players

Lil Jon

A famous rapper and producer, and the father of DJ Young Slade.

DJ Young Slade

Also known as Nathan Smith, he was Lil Jon's 27-year-old son who passed away.

Cee Lo Green

A Grammy-winning musician who DJ Young Slade was photographed with in the months before his death.

Killer Mike

A rapper who DJ Young Slade shared behind-the-scenes footage with at a music festival.

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What they’re saying

“We are devastated by the untimely passing of our beloved son Nathan. He was a loving son, brother, and friend. We will miss his kind spirit, his sharp mind, and his beautiful smile. This is a tragic loss, and we ask that you respect our privacy during this difficult time.”

— Lil Jon

The takeaway

The death of DJ Young Slade at just 27 years old is a heartbreaking reminder of the challenges and pressures young artists can face in the music industry. His connection to his famous father Lil Jon highlighted the potential he had, making this loss all the more tragic for the music community.