The music world is reeling after the devastating discovery of Lil Jon's son, DJ Young Slade, found deceased in a Georgia pond. The hip-hop legend broke his silence, expressing being "deeply shattered" by the "heart-wrenching death" of his son, whose real name was Nathan Smith.
"His mother [Nicole Smith] and I are crushed," Lil Jon revealed in an emotional statement to TheEntBase. "Nathan was the most gentle soul you could ever encounter. He was profoundly compassionate, considerate, respectful, driven, and affectionate — he cherished his family and friends with all his heart."
Lil Jon and DJ Young Slade in New York in 2018. Manny Carabel/WireImage
The Milton Police Department confirmed the tragic discovery, stating that while no signs of criminal activity were immediately detected, the investigation "remains ongoing and active." Authorities emphasized that crucial details won't be released until the Fulton County Medical Examiner determines the official cause and manner of death.
The search operation intensified at Mayfield Park's pond after initial efforts proved unsuccessful. Cherokee County Fire Department divers made the heartbreaking discovery around midday, bringing closure to the frantic search for the 26-year-old music producer.
"We offer our sincerest sympathies to the Smith family during this painful period," the MPD stated. "The department kindly requests the public and media respect the family's plea for privacy as they navigate this unimaginable loss."
In his tribute, Lil Jon (born Jonathan Smith) celebrated his son's remarkable talents, calling him "a remarkably gifted youth; a music producer, artist, engineer, and NYU alum."
The grieving father added, "We adored Nathan unconditionally and are immensely proud of him. He felt loved and valued, and in our final moments together, we're consoled by having conveyed that to him." Lil Jon concluded by expressing gratitude to the law enforcement teams involved in the exhaustive search.
The tragedy strikes just months after Lil Jon announced his "friendly separation" from Nicole Smith in February 2024, revealing they had actually parted ways in 2022. The couple welcomed Nathan in 1998 and married in 2004.
DJ Young Slade's musical legacy includes his most recent track, "Feels," which dropped in March 2025, showcasing the promising talent cut tragically short.
