Renowned rapper and producer Lil Jon has publicly announced the devastating death of his son, Nathan Smith, known professionally as DJ Young Slade, at the age of 27. The tragic news was confirmed on Friday, following a missing person report earlier in the week.
Heartbreaking Statement from the Family
The 55-year-old artist, whose real name is Jonathan H. Smith, released an emotional statement to TMZ expressing profound grief. 'I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith,' Lil Jon declared. 'His mother, Nicole Smith, and I are devastated.'
He continued with a touching tribute to his son's character, stating, '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.'
A Talented Music Professional
Lil Jon described his son as 'an amazingly talented young man; a music producer, an artist and engineer, and graduate of NYU.' The Grammy-winning artist behind hits like 'Turn Down For What' added, '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.'
Missing Person Investigation Preceded Announcement
This anguished announcement came just days after Nathan Smith was reported missing in Milton, Georgia. According to reports, he had run out of his house on Tuesday, February 3, 2026, prompting immediate concern.
The Milton Police Department issued a missing person's alert, noting he was last seen 'in the vicinity of Baldwin Dr./Mayfield Rd.' at approximately 6:00 AM. The alert indicated Slade might be 'disoriented and in need of assistance' and specified he did not have a phone with him. He was described as 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing 150 pounds.
A representative for Lil Jon previously told The Daily Mail, 'Family and friends are concerned for his safety. The family is asking for privacy at this time. We are also asking for continued prayers for Nathan to come home safe.'
A Musical Legacy and Close Bond
DJ Young Slade had clearly inherited his father's passion for music, building a career as a DJ and producer. Lil Jon had previously expressed immense pride in his son's musical pursuits. In a 2014 interview with the Huffington Post, he recalled, 'When my son graduated from DJ academy I teared-up to see him following in my footsteps.'
Fatherhood was a top priority for the rapper, who once famously turned down an appearance on Saturday Night Live with Usher to celebrate his son's birthday. 'I made a pact that I would never miss a birthday — I've been there for every one of his birthdays,' he explained.
Slade's musical journey began early; he started DJing at age 11, graduated from Scratch DJ Academy around 12, and later performed at Los Angeles clubs before producing his own music. Lil Jon believed this path was inevitable, telling The Big Podcast in 2023, 'It’s literally in your kid’s genes to do what you do... So he was destined to be in the music business and do music.'
The father-son duo shared a close public bond, recently appearing together on Celebrity Family Feud and the MTV show Family Legacy. Slade celebrated their Family Feud appearance on Instagram, writing, 'Me and my dad @liljon made history playing Family Feud together.'
The Daily Mail has contacted the Milton Police Department for further comment but has not yet received a response. The family continues to request privacy as they navigate this profound loss.
