Lil Jon's Son Nathan Smith Found Dead at 27

The musician's son was reported missing earlier this week before his body was discovered in a pond.

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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Lil Jon's 27-year-old son, Nathan Smith, has been found dead after going missing in Milton, Georgia earlier this week. Police say there is no indication of foul play, and Lil Jon has released a statement expressing his devastation over the tragic loss of his "amazingly talented" son.

Why it matters

The unexpected death of a young person, especially the child of a celebrity, is always a tragic event that resonates with the broader community. This story highlights the pain and grief that Lil Jon and his family are experiencing, and raises awareness around the issue of missing persons cases.

The details

Nathan Smith's body was discovered in a pond near his home on Friday morning, two days after he was reported missing. Police say there are no signs of foul play in his death. Smith, who performed professionally as DJ Young Slade, had recently graduated from NYU and released his debut single "Move Thru Fire" in 2020.

  • On Tuesday, February 3, Nathan Smith was reported missing after running out of his home on foot.
  • On Friday, February 6, Cherokee County fire department divers found a body in a pond near Smith's residence.

The players

Lil Jon

A Grammy-winning rapper, producer, and DJ who is the father of Nathan Smith.

Nathan Smith

Lil Jon's 27-year-old son, who performed professionally as DJ Young Slade and recently graduated from NYU.

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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 (miamimusicbuzz.com)

“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 (miamimusicbuzz.com)

What’s next

The Milton Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division will continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding Nathan Smith's death, though they have said there is no indication of foul play.

The takeaway

This tragic loss highlights the pain and grief that can come with the unexpected death of a young person. It serves as a reminder to cherish the time we have with our loved ones and to provide support to those dealing with such profound loss.