Lil Jon'S Heartbreak: Son'S Tragic End In Georgia Pond

Heartbreaking Discovery in Georgia

Rapper Lil Jon is reeling from the devastating news that his son, Nathan Smith, was found dead after Georgia police recovered a body from a pond. Nathan, known to the music world as DJ Young Slade, was only 27 years old. On February 6, 2026, Lil Jon confirmed the tragic news, expressing profound grief alongside Nathan's mother, Nicole Smith.

Lil Jon shared a heartfelt statement with USA TODAY, describing Nathan as "the kindest human being you would ever meet." He went on to say, "Nathan was immensely caring, thoughtful, polite, passionate, and warmhearted. He loved his family and friends to the fullest."

"This hurts so bad. I love you son," Lil Jon poignantly wrote on Instagram as he mourned his loss.

The Search and Discovery

Nathan was reported missing by the Milton Police Department on February 3, after he left his home on foot without his phone. The police expanded their search, with divers from the Cherokee County Fire Department eventually finding a body in the water near Nathan's home on February 6.

The Milton Police stated that the individual is believed to be Nathan Smith, with official confirmation pending from the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office. They noted that there is no indication of foul play, but the investigation remains open and active.

Remembering DJ Young Slade

Nathan Smith was not just Lil Jon's son – he was a DJ and musician following in his father's footsteps. Known as DJ Young Slade, Nathan had a promising career, having started DJing at age 11 and graduating from the Scratch DJ Academy in Los Angeles at 12. He had performed at various LA clubs and released his own music.

In an interview with The Quintessential Gentleman, Nathan expressed his pride in his work and the legacy he was building: "It's dope to appreciate my dad, show respect, and just look at all the things he's done, and it's nice to get the torch passed down and do my own thing."

Lil Jon, whose real name is Jonathan Smith, is a renowned rapper and record producer from Atlanta. Known for hits like "Snap Yo Fingers" and "Turn Down For What," he's credited as a pioneer of modern club hip-hop. Despite the heartbreak, his legacy continues through his music and his children.

Family's Request for Privacy

In this time of grief, the family has requested privacy as they navigate this tragedy. The Milton Police Department has echoed this sentiment, urging the community and media to respect the family's wishes.

Nathan's last Instagram post, shared in January, showed him with manager Lil Will and rapper Bow Wow, highlighting the legacy he was part of. As Lil Jon and his family mourn, they hold onto the memories of Nathan's warmth, talent, and the love he shared with those around him.