Lil Jon is honoring his son with a tribute that speaks to both love and loss, sharing a deeply personal message that reflects a bond that continues beyond his passing.
The former HGTV Star revealed that he got his first tattoo in memory of his late son, Slade, turning a moment of remembrance into something lasting and visible with him wherever he goes.
He shared a tear-jerking statement along with the video of a tattoo he got in memory of his beloved son. The producer and Grammy-winning rapper also expanded his reach with the HGTV series “Lil Jon Wants to Do What?”
Lil Jon Honors His Son With Deeply Personal Tribute
In a message filled with love, remembrance, and quiet strength, he opened up about what the tribute means to him and the bond he continues to carry with his son.
“THIS IS MY 1st TATTOO AND I DID IT TO HONOR MY SON @yoitsslade I GOT THE SAME TATTOO ARTIST THAT DID HIS TATTOO OF MY AUTOGRAPH @blubandittattoos TO DO IT. HE SURPRISED ME WITH IT AND HE DID IT TO SHOW HOW MUCH HE LOVED ME, HOW MUCH HE APPRECIATED ME AND FOR ALL I HAD DONE FOR HIM AND MY LEGACY. YOU ARE FOREVER WITH ME, SON, WHEREVER I GO. AL, SO I AM WEARING YOU ON MY BACK EVERY SHOW OF THE PITBULL TOUR. MISSING YOU EVERY DAY LOVE YOU 💔 💔💔”
His words captured a father’s grief while holding onto the pride and connection they shared.
Cause of Death Confirmed as Accidental Drowning
As per People, authorities later confirmed the cause of death for Nathan Smith, also known as DJ Young Slade.
According to an autopsy report from the Fulton County Medical Examiner, his death was determined to be “drowning in the setting of psilocybin use,” and was ruled an accident.
The report noted that psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound, was present in his system.
Smith, 27, had been reported missing from his home in Milton, Georgia, under concerning circumstances.
After an extensive search, authorities located a body in a nearby pond days later. Officials stated there was no indication of foul play, though the investigation continued as part of standard procedure.
Law enforcement asked for privacy for the family as they worked through the tragedy.
A Father’s Grief and Lasting Love
GettyIn the days following the loss, Lil Jon shared a heartfelt statement with People magazine, remembering his son as someone whose kindness and warmth left a lasting impression on everyone who knew him.
“I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith. His mother and I are devastated,” he said.
“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.”
“We loved Nathan with all of our hearts and are incredibly proud of him,” he added.
His words reflected not only the depth of his grief but also the love and pride he continues to carry for his son.
