Lil Jon Mourns Death of Son, DJ Young Slade, at 27

Nathan Smith, known professionally as DJ Young Slade, was found dead in a pond near his Georgia home.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The music world is mourning the tragic loss of Nathan Smith, the 27-year-old son of rapper Lil Jon. Smith, known professionally as DJ Young Slade, was found dead in a pond near his home in Milton, Georgia, on Friday, February 6, 2026, after being reported missing earlier that week. Lil Jon expressed heartbreak over the death of his "kindest human being" son, praising his talent and accomplishments as a music producer, artist, and engineer. Police say there is currently no indication of foul play, and the investigation is ongoing.

Why it matters

The death of Lil Jon's son at a young age has sent shockwaves through the music community and left his family devastated. As a rising talent in his own right, Nathan Smith's passing is a profound loss for the industry and raises questions about the challenges young artists can face.

The details

According to authorities, Smith was last seen running from his home around 6:00 a.m. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026. He left on foot without his phone, prompting a missing person search. Divers with the Cherokee County Fire Department recovered Smith's body from a pond near his home on Friday morning. Police say there is currently no indication of foul play, but the investigation remains open and active.

  • On Tuesday, February 3, 2026, Nathan Smith was last seen running from his home around 6:00 a.m.
  • On Friday, February 6, 2026, divers recovered Smith's body from a pond near his home at 11:53 a.m.

The players

Lil Jon

A rapper and producer who is the father of Nathan Smith, also known as DJ Young Slade.

Nathan Smith

Also known as DJ Young Slade, he was a 27-year-old music producer, artist, and engineer, and the son of rapper Lil Jon.

Nicole Smith

The mother of Nathan Smith, who Lil Jon said is devastated by the tragic loss of their son.

Milton Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating Smith's death, which they say currently shows no signs of foul play.

Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office

The office that will provide official confirmation of the identity of the remains recovered from the pond.

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What they’re saying

“I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith. His mother, Nicole Smith, and I are devastated. 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.”

— Lil Jon (Instagram)

“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.”

— Lil Jon (Instagram)

What’s next

The Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office will provide official confirmation of the identity of the remains recovered from the pond, and the Milton Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division will continue to treat this as an open and active investigation.

The takeaway

The tragic death of Lil Jon's son, Nathan Smith, at just 27 years old has devastated the music community and left his family grieving the loss of a talented young artist. This heartbreaking event highlights the challenges and pressures faced by young creatives, and the importance of providing support and resources to address mental health and wellness in the industry.