Lil Jon Pays Emotional Tribute To His Son

Lil Jon has penned an emotional tribute to his late son Nathan Smith after laying him to rest earlier this week. Nathan, also known as DJ Young Slade, was reported missing on 3 February, and the rapper announced his son’s death three days later. He was 27. The Turn Down for What hitmaker took to Instagram on Thursday to pay tribute to his son and announced that they had laid him to rest on Wednesday.

“On the first day of Ramadan yesterday, We laid my only son to rest. In this holy month, I’m asking for extra du’a (meaning guidance, assistance and mercy in Islam) for him and for our family,” he wrote alongside a montage of pictures and videos taken throughout Nathan’s life, from his days as a newborn to him spinning the decks in front of a crowd as an adult.

“I love you, son. Life will never be the same without you. Allah, give me strength,” the 55-year-old continued. “Also thank you to everyone who has reached out with condolences, love, and prayers we appreciate you all (sic).” Lil Jon, real name Jonathan Smith, concluded the post, “I will make sure the world knows your talent and never forgets your name. Nathan Murray Smith.”

Nathan reportedly ran out of his house without his phone on 3 February. Three days later, the police in Milton, Georgia announced that they had recovered a body they believed to be Nathan’s from a pond. They are currently investigating the death, but have insisted there is “no indication of foul play”.

The hip-hop star shared Nathan with his wife Nicole Smith. They separated in 2022 after 18 years of marriage. In November 2024, he and his girlfriend Jamila Sozahdah welcomed a child, a daughter named Nahara.