Lil Jon confirmed that his son, Nathan Smith, known professionally as DJ Slade, was found dead in Georgia days after being reported missing. He was 27. According to authorities, Smith’s body was discovered in a pond near his home after a multi-day search.
He had last been seen earlier in the week, prompting concern from family and friends and an active search effort that ended in tragedy. Officials have not announced a cause of death, and the investigation remains ongoing.
In a heartbreaking statement, Lil Jon shared his family’s grief and spoke movingly about the son he lost. “I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith,” he said. “His mother, Nicole Smith, and I are devastated.”
Lil Jon described Nathan as a gentle, deeply loving person whose presence was felt by everyone around him. “Nathan was the kindest human being you would ever meet,” he wrote. “He was immensely caring, thoughtful, polite, passionate, and warmhearted — he loved his family and the friends in his life to the fullest.”
Beyond his character, Nathan was carving out his own path creatively. A graduate of NYU, he was an accomplished music producer, artist, and engineer, quietly building a future rooted in the craft he loved. “He was an amazingly talented young man,” Lil Jon said. “We loved Nathan with all of our hearts and are incredibly proud of him.”
“He was loved and appreciated,” Lil Jon shared, “and in our last times together we’re comforted in knowing that we expressed that very sentiment to him.”
As tributes continue to pour in, fans and members of the music community have expressed condolences and support for the Smith family. The loss of Nathan Smith is being felt not only by those closest to him, but by a broader community touched by his creativity, warmth, and promise.
Our thoughts are with Lil Jon, Nicole Smith, and everyone who loved Nathan during this incredibly difficult time.
