Heartbreak has hit the music world after Lil Jon’s son, DJ Young Slade, was found dead just two days after being reported missing. The rapper confirmed the tragic news in a statement released on Thursday, admitting the family has been left shattered.
DJ Young Slade, whose birth name was Nathan Smith, was 27. Lil Jon told TMZ: “I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith. His mother, Nicole Smith, and I are devastated.”
The devastating update comes just days after concerns were raised over Nathan’s whereabouts, sparking an urgent search. Further details surrounding his death have not yet been made public.
“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.”
He continued, adding that his son was "amazingly talented and loved": “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’s son was reported missing on February 3 in Georgia after officers determined he had “left his residence under unusual circumstances.”
According to police, Nathan was last seen at around 6am that morning before he “ran out of his house,” prompting serious concern from loved ones.
Officials warned at the time that he “may be disoriented and in need of assistance,” adding that family and friends were “concerned for his safety” as the search widened.
On Friday, the Milton Police Department confirmed that a body had been recovered from a pond near his home.
In a statement, officers said: “After being unable to locate Mr. Smith during that time, teams expanded the search to include a pond in Mayfield Park near Smith’s Milton residence.”
Police stressed that the investigation remains “open and active,” but added there is currently “no indication of foul play.” No further details will be released until the official cause and manner of death are confirmed.
The department also said: “We extend our deepest condolences to the Smith family during this difficult time,” while asking for privacy as they grieve.
Nathan was the son Lil Jon shares with his estranged wife Nicole Smith. The 27-year-old had begun carving out his own path in music, releasing his latest single Feels in March 2025.
Speaking proudly about his son’s talent in 2023, Lil Jon said: “It’s literally in your kid’s genes to do what you do. It is in their genes. It is in their DNA. We pass everything we get, and we learn down to our children. So, he was destined to be in the music business and do music.”
The rapper, who rose to fame in the early 2000s with hits including Get Low and Yeah!, has yet to make any further public comment as the investigation continues.
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