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Lil Jon's Son, DJ Young Slade, Confirmed Deceased After Going Missing
Authorities recovered the body of the 27-year-old music producer and artist in a Georgia pond days after he was reported missing.
Published on Feb. 7, 2026
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Authorities in Georgia have confirmed that the son of rapper Lil Jon, 27-year-old Nathan Smith who performed as DJ Young Slade, has died. Smith was reported missing earlier this week after being seen running out of his home in Milton, Georgia. After a multi-day search, his body was recovered from a pond near his residence. Police said there is currently no evidence of foul play, but the investigation remains open. Lil Jon and Smith's mother have expressed devastation over the tragic loss of the talented young music producer and artist.
Why it matters
The death of Lil Jon's son has sent shockwaves through the music community and the local Georgia area, as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding this tragic loss of a young life. The case has raised questions about the details leading up to Smith's disappearance and the ongoing investigation into the cause of his death.
The details
According to reports, Nathan Smith, also known as DJ Young Slade, was last seen on Tuesday morning running out of his home in Milton, Georgia. Authorities launched a search operation that expanded over the following days. On Friday, emergency crews recovered Smith's body from a pond near his residence. Police have stated that there is currently no evidence of foul play, but the investigation remains active as the medical examiner determines the official cause and manner of death.
- On Tuesday morning, Nathan Smith was last seen running out of his home in Milton, Georgia.
- On Friday, emergency crews recovered Smith's body from a pond near his residence.
The players
Lil Jon
A rapper and producer, and the father of Nathan Smith.
Nathan Smith
Also known as DJ Young Slade, he was a 27-year-old music producer and artist, and the son of Lil Jon.
Nicole Smith
The mother of Nathan Smith.
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 [a] graduate of NYU. We loved Nathan with all of our hearts and are incredibly proud of him.”
— Lil Jon (Instagram)
What’s next
The investigation into Nathan Smith's death remains ongoing, as authorities continue to work to determine the official cause and manner of death.
The takeaway
The tragic loss of Lil Jon's son, Nathan Smith, has deeply impacted the music community and the local Georgia area. As the investigation continues, the focus remains on honoring Nathan's memory and supporting the Lil Jon family during this unimaginably difficult time.
