Lil Jon's Late Son Nathan Smith Praised Rapper for Being 'Always There' Before His Death at 27

An interview with Nathan Smith resurfaced after his tragic passing, where he spoke highly of his father's presence in his life.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Nathan Smith, the 27-year-old son of rapper Lil Jon, was found dead on February 6, 2026. In a resurfaced interview from March 2025, Smith had praised his father for 'always being there' for him throughout his life, even if Lil Jon had to cancel work commitments to attend important events. Lil Jon expressed heartbreak over the 'tragic loss' of his son, who was following in his footsteps as a music producer and artist.

Why it matters

The resurfaced interview provides a poignant look at the close relationship between Lil Jon and his late son, highlighting the rapper's dedication as a father despite his busy career. Nathan Smith's passing at a young age is a tragic loss, and the interview offers a glimpse into the love and support he felt from his father.

The details

In the March 2025 interview with nonprofit organization 360 Baseline, Nathan Smith spoke about how his father Lil Jon was 'always there' for him, even if it meant the rapper had to turn down work commitments to attend important events in his son's life. Smith said Lil Jon was the 'type who never made me, or put me in a place where I had to think about any of that, because he was always there.' The 27-year-old was following in his father's footsteps as a music producer and artist, and was a graduate of New York University.

  • Nathan Smith was found dead on Friday, February 6, 2026.
  • Smith was reported missing from his home in Milton, Georgia on February 3, 2026.
  • The interview with Smith praising his father's presence was conducted in March 2025.

The players

Lil Jon

An American rapper, producer, and DJ who is the father of Nathan Smith.

Nathan Smith

Lil Jon's 27-year-old son, who was found dead in February 2026 after being reported missing. He was a music producer and artist following in his father's footsteps.

Nicole Smith

The estranged wife of Lil Jon and the mother of Nathan Smith.

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What they’re saying

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

— Lil Jon (PEOPLE)

“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 (PEOPLE)

“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 (PEOPLE)

The takeaway

The resurfaced interview highlighting Lil Jon's close relationship with his late son Nathan provides a poignant look at the rapper's dedication as a father, even amidst his busy career. Nathan's tragic passing at a young age is a heartbreaking loss, but the interview offers comfort in knowing the deep love and support he felt from his father.