Grammy-winning producer and rapper Lil Jon confirmed on Friday that his 27-year-old son, Nathan Smith, has died following a multi-day search effort in suburban Atlanta.
The body of Smith, who performed under the stage name DJ Young Slade, was recovered on Friday morning, February 6, by search and rescue divers from a pond located at Mayfield Park in Milton, Georgia, not far from where he was last seen alive.
In an emotional statement posted to his social media platforms, the 53-year-old hip-hop icon, born Jonathan Smith, expressed profound grief over the loss of his only son.
“His mother (Nicole Smith) and I are devastated,” Lil Jon 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.”
The “Yeah!” hitmaker went on to celebrate his son’s artistic talents and character, describing him as an “amazingly talented young man” who had been building his own career as a music producer, artist, and audio engineer.
“We loved Nathan with all of our hearts and are incredibly proud of him,” the grieving father continued. “He was loved and appreciated, and in our last times together, we were comforted in knowing that we expressed that very sentiment to him.”
The tragic conclusion came after days of intensive searching that mobilized law enforcement, volunteers, and the local community. Nathan Smith was first reported missing on Tuesday, February 4, after he was last seen leaving his residence on foot in the Milton area the previous evening, February 3.
According to the Milton Police Department, Smith left his home without his cellphone—a detail that significantly complicated search efforts. Authorities issued a public alert indicating that Smith “may be disoriented and in need of assistance,” prompting concerns for his welfare and mental state.
Over the subsequent days, a large-scale search operation was launched, involving multiple agencies and community volunteers combing the wooded areas and waterways surrounding the affluent north Atlanta suburb.
The search came to a tragic end Friday morning when dive teams discovered Smith’s remains in a pond at Mayfield Park, a recreational area located near his last known location.
While the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office has yet to release an official cause of death, the Milton Police Department stated that preliminary findings show no indication of foul play. The case remains under active investigation as authorities work to piece together the circumstances surrounding Smith’s death.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the Smith family during this tough time,” a spokesperson for the Milton Police Department said in a statement. “Our investigation is ongoing, and we are working closely with the medical examiner’s office.”
Nathan Smith had been carving out his own path in the music industry, following in his father’s footsteps but establishing his own artistic identity as DJ Young Slade. His most recent release, a single titled “Feels,” dropped in March 2024, showcasing the production skills and musical sensibility that had earned him recognition among peers in the industry.
Those who knew Smith professionally described him as dedicated to his craft and passionate about music production, with several collaborators expressing shock and sadness at the news of his passing.
In his statement, Lil Jon expressed gratitude to the countless individuals and organizations who assisted in the search efforts.
“We want to thank everyone who supported us in trying to locate our son over the last several days, as well as the entire Milton police department involved,” he wrote.
The hip-hop community has begun rallying around the Smith family, with artists, producers, and fans flooding social media with condolences and messages of support. Several prominent figures in the music industry have shared tributes to Nathan Smith, highlighting both his talent and his character.
As the investigation continues and the family begins the difficult process of mourning, questions remain about the circumstances that led to this tragedy. For now, a family—and an industry—grieves the loss of a young man remembered for his kindness, talent, and the love he shared with those around him.
WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW
Lil Jon’s 27-year-old son, Nathan Smith (DJ Young Slade), was found dead in a Georgia pond after a three-day search. He had left his home on foot without his phone on February 3, appearing disoriented.
While police found no signs of foul play, the cause of death remains under investigation. His grieving parents remember him as an exceptionally kind person and talented music producer who his family deeply loved—a tragic loss of a young life with unfulfilled promise.
