Lil Jon confirmed on Friday, Feb. 6, that his son, DJ Young Slade, born Nathan Smith, has sadly passed away after he went missing earlier this week. The son of the legendary rapper and former HGTV star was 27 years old.
In a statement shared on Instagram, Lil Jon revealed the news of Smith’s death after a body believed to be his son was recovered by divers of the Cherokee County Fire Department in a pond near Smith’s home in Milton, Georgia.
Lil Jon Confirms Son’s Passing
“I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith. His mother, Nicole Smith, and I are devastated,” the rapper wrote. “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, who starred in two seasons of HGTV’s “Lil Jon Wants to Do What?,” continued, “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.”
No Foul Play Suspected in Nathan Smith’s Passing
GettySmith’s body was sent to medical examiners after it was recovered from a pond on Feb. 6. The Milton Police Department immediately had reason to believe it was the body of Smith, saying in a statement obtained by TMZ that there was “no foul play” involved.
“On February 6, 2026, at approximately 11:53 a.m., divers with the Cherokee County Fire Department located and recovered a body from the pond,” the statement said. “The individual is believed to be Nathan Smith, pending official confirmation by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office.”
“Based on the investigation to date, there is no indication of foul play,” the statement continued. “However, the Milton Police Department Criminal Investigations Division will continue to treat this as an open and active investigation.”
Smith was reported missing on Tuesday, Feb. 3, after he left his home under unusual circumstances. TMZ reported that police believed he was barefoot, disoriented and without a phone at the time.
Since news of his death, fans of the famed family have shared their heartfelt condolences on an Instagram post from TMZ, sending prayers to Lil Jon and his loved ones.
“Was one of the nicest kids and coolest DJs at CHAMPS. Rest in Peace and Power 🤞🏾🕊️😔🤍,” one wrote.
“Omg 😢 my Jesus !! My condolences no parent wants to ever get this news,” said another.
“this is heartbreaking 💔,” added a third.
Lil Jon, I have been a fan of yours for a very long time, your music got me through a lot of hard times it was just so you know get up and go don’t let nobody tell you you can’t do nothing, I will be 45 years old next Friday so thank you, your attitude your love for music the energy that you bring will get you through these difficult times but I don’t have the words to say because I don’t know what that feels like to lose a son but I can only imagine from your number one fan prayers love to your family