Lil Jon’s son, Nathan Smith, who performed as DJ Young Slade, is dead at 27, his father has confirmed.
“I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith,” Lil Jon told TMZ. “His mother, Nicole Smith, and I are devastated. 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.”
On Friday, the Milton Police Department said that a body found in a pond by divers that was believed to be the missing 27-year-old.
Smith’s body was found at 11:53 a.m. by Cherokee County Fire Department divers, and investigators believe no foul play was involved.
“However, the Milton Police Department Criminal Investigations Division will continue to treat this as an open and active investigation,” authorities said in a statement.
Police ramped up their search on Friday morning by launching a water search for Smith in a body of water near his home, using divers as well as multiple K-9 units, including a specialized bloodhound.
The dive team was seen removing an item from the lake, covering it with a tarp, and taking it to a tent set up nearby, according to CBS news.
Kevin Winter/Getty Images for CBS Radio, Inc.
Nathan Smith and Lil Jon perform together in 2014 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for CBS Radio, Inc.)
Police throughout metro Atlanta and northern Georgia helped Milton authorities, walking the perimeter and positioning officers on a dock and using technology to assist in the search of the pond.
Earlier this week, a missing person report for the rapper’s son was shared on Facebook, saying he was last seen near Baldwin Drive and Mayfield Road in Milton around 6 a.m. Tuesday.
“Subject ran out of his house and has been missing since,” the Milton Police Department wrote in a statement. “Subject left on foot and does not possess a phone. He may be disoriented and in need of assistance. Family and friends are concerned for his safety.”
Lil Jon had requested fans respect his family’s privacy as authorities continued their search.
“We are also asking for continued prayers for Nathan to come home safe,” a rep for the “Turn Down for What” artist said in a statement. “Thank you.”
Like his Grammy-winning father, Smith has been pursuing a career in music as DJ Young Slade, dropping his most recent single, “Feels,” in March of 2025.
In his latest Instagram post, Smith shared a photo with his manager Lil Will and rapper Bow Wow in Atlanta.
