What happened to Lil Jon’s son Nathan Smith? Inside details of his shocking dead

American rapper and record producer Lil Jon has confirmed the death of his son, Nathan Smith, following days of intensive search efforts in Milton, Georgia, north of Atlanta.

In a joint statement released on Friday with Nathan’s mother, Nicole Smith, the “Get Low” hitmaker said the family is devastated by the tragic loss.

“I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith. His mother and I are devastated,” Lil Jon said.

Authorities earlier confirmed that a body believed to be Nathan Smith was recovered from a pond near Baldwin Drive and Mayfield Road on Friday afternoon. The Milton Police Department said the identification is pending official confirmation by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office, adding that there is no indication of foul play at this stage.

Nathan Smith, 27 — also known professionally as DJ Young Slade — had been reported missing earlier in the week after leaving his home under what police described as “unusual circumstances.” Investigators said he ran from the house around 6 a.m. on Tuesday without his phone and may have been disoriented and in need of assistance.

Search efforts expanded quickly to include multiple agencies, with law enforcement concentrating on a nearby neighborhood pond just a few hundred feet from Smith’s residence. Divers from the Cherokee County Fire Department ultimately located the body shortly before noon on Friday.

Despite the absence of evidence pointing to foul play, police said the case remains an open and active investigation until the medical examiner determines the official cause and manner of death.

In an emotional tribute, Lil Jon described his son as a gifted creative and a deeply compassionate person.

“Nathan was the kindest human being you would ever meet. He was immensely caring, thoughtful, polite, passionate, and warmhearted. He loved his family and his friends to the fullest,” the rapper said.

Nathan was a New York University graduate and had built a promising career as a music producer, artist, and audio engineer, earning respect within creative circles beyond his famous surname.

The family also expressed gratitude to the public and authorities for their support during the search.

“Thank you for all of the prayers and support in trying to locate him over the last several days. Thank you to the entire Milton Police Department involved,” Lil Jon added.

Milton, where the incident occurred, is a suburban community located about 30 miles north of Atlanta.

Lil Jon, born Jonathan Smith, rose to global fame as a pioneer of the crunk movement in hip-hop and is known for hits such as Get Low and Turn Down for What. He is also the father of a daughter, Nahara, born in 2024.

FAQ

Who was Nathan Smith?
Nathan Smith was the 27-year-old son of American rapper and producer Lil Jon. Professionally known as DJ Young Slade, he was a music producer, artist, audio engineer, and a graduate of New York University.

What happened to Lil Jon’s son?
Nathan Smith was reported missing earlier in the week after leaving his home in Milton, Georgia, under unusual circumstances. His body was later recovered from a nearby pond following a multi-agency search.

Where was Nathan Smith found?
He was found in a pond near the intersection of Baldwin Drive and Mayfield Road in Milton, a suburban town about 30 miles north of Atlanta.

Has the cause of death been confirmed?
No. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office is yet to officially determine the cause and manner of death.

Did police suspect foul play?
According to the Milton Police Department, there is no indication of foul play at this time, though the investigation remains open and active.

When did Nathan Smith go missing?
Police said he left his home early Tuesday morning around 6 a.m. and did not have his phone with him.

Why did authorities search the pond?
Search efforts expanded to the pond because it was located just a short distance from Smith’s residence and became a focal point during the investigation.

What has Lil Jon said about his son’s death?
Lil Jon described Nathan as kind, caring, talented, and deeply loved, saying the family is heartbroken and devastated by the loss.

What was Nathan Smith known for professionally?
He was known in the music industry as DJ Young Slade, working as a producer, artist, and engineer.

Is the investigation still ongoing?
Yes. Police say no further details will be released until all investigative leads are examined and the medical examiner completes their findings.