Lil Jon Pays Tribute to Late Son Nathan Smith

The musician vows to ensure his son's talent is remembered.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 10:41am

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Rapper Lil Jon has shared a moving tribute to his late son, Nathan Smith, who passed away earlier this month at the age of 27. Smith, a music producer and artist who performed as DJ Young Slade, was found dead in a pond near his home in Milton, Georgia. Lil Jon expressed his devastation over the loss and promised to make sure the world knows of his son's talent.

Why it matters

The death of a child is always a tragic event, and Lil Jon's public tribute highlights the immense grief and loss felt by the family. As a prominent musician, Lil Jon's words also shine a spotlight on the challenges young artists can face, and the importance of supporting and nurturing creative talent.

The details

According to reports, Smith went missing on February 3 and his body was discovered in a pond near his home a few days later. The Milton Police Department said there was no indication of foul play, but the investigation remains ongoing. Lil Jon described his son as a 'kindest human being' who was 'immensely caring, thoughtful, polite, passionate, and warmhearted.' Smith had recently graduated from NYU and released his debut single 'Move Thru Fire' in 2020.

  • Nathan Smith went missing on February 3, 2026.
  • Smith's body was found in a pond near his home on February 6, 2026.
  • Lil Jon laid his son to rest and shared a tribute on February 19, 2026, the first day of Ramadan.

The players

Lil Jon

A Grammy-winning rapper, producer, and DJ, also known as Jonathan Smith, who is the father of the late Nathan Smith.

Nathan Smith

Lil Jon's 27-year-old son, who performed professionally as DJ Young Slade and recently released his debut single 'Move Thru Fire'.

Nicole Smith

The mother of Nathan Smith and Lil Jon's former partner.

Milton Police Department

The law enforcement agency investigating the circumstances surrounding Nathan Smith's death.

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What they’re saying

“I will make sure the world knows your talent and never forgets your name.”

— Lil Jon, Musician

“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, Musician

What’s next

The Milton Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding Nathan Smith's death, though there is no indication of foul play.

The takeaway

Lil Jon's heartfelt tribute to his late son highlights the devastating impact of losing a child, and the importance of supporting young artists and nurturing creative talent. This tragedy serves as a reminder of the fragility of life and the need for empathy and compassion in the face of unimaginable grief.