Lil Jon Mourns Death of Son DJ Young Slade, 27
Rapper Lil Jon announced Friday that his son, Nathan Smith, who performed as DJ Young Slade, has died at age 27. The body believed to be Smith was recovered from a pond in Milton, Georgia, on Friday after the Lil Jon son missing case drew widespread attention earlier this week.
Smith went missing Tuesday morning when he reportedly ran out of his home around 6 a.m. without his phone. The Lil Jon son missing update came Friday when divers from the Cherokee County Fire Department located a body in a nearby pond shortly before noon local time.
In a heartfelt statement, Lil Jon and Smith’s mother, Nicole Smith, expressed their devastation over the loss of their son. “I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith,” Lil Jon said. “His mother 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.”
Smith, a New York University graduate, was an accomplished music producer, artist, and engineer. His parents praised his talents and expressed pride in his accomplishments. “We loved Nathan with all of our hearts and are incredibly proud of him,” they stated.
Search and Investigation
The Milton Police Department issued a missing persons alert Tuesday after Nathan Smith left his residence on foot. Authorities said he may have been “disoriented and in need of assistance.” The case drew immediate concern from family and law enforcement, prompting an expanded search throughout the Georgia area.
Milton police said there was no indication of foul play, though the official cause and manner of death remain pending confirmation by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office. The Milton Police Department Criminal Investigations Division continues to treat the case as an open investigation.
Family’s Gratitude
Lil Jon and Nicole Smith expressed gratitude to the Milton Police Department and rescue teams who assisted in the search. “Thank you for all of the prayers and support in trying to locate him over the last several days,” they wrote. Police extended their condolences to the family and requested privacy as they grieve during this difficult time.
