MILTON, Ga. — The son of rapper Lil Jon was found dead in a pond north of Atlanta on Friday, according to police. Nathan Smith, 27, was a rising DJ known professionally as D.J. Young Slade.
Tragic Loss for Lil Jon: Son Found Dead in Georgia Pond
The 27-year-old, known as D.J. Young Slade, was reported missing earlier this week after leaving his home “under unusual circumstances.”
- Nathan Smith, the son of Lil Jon, was found deceased in a pond near Milton, Georgia.
- Smith was reported missing on Tuesday after leaving his residence on foot without a phone.
- Police have stated there is currently no indication of foul play, but the investigation remains open.
- Lil Jon and Smith’s mother, Nicole Smith, expressed profound grief over the loss of their son.
Authorities began searching for Smith immediately after he was reported missing. The search expanded to include a pond close to his home, and divers from the Cherokee County Fire Department discovered a body shortly before noon on Friday. The body is believed to be Smith’s, pending confirmation from the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office.
What were the circumstances surrounding Nathan Smith’s disappearance? Smith “ran out of his house and has been missing since,” police stated in a missing person poster circulated on social media. He left on foot and did not have his phone, raising concerns for his safety as he may have been disoriented.
Lil Jon and Smith’s mother, Nicole Smith, released a joint statement expressing their heartbreak. “We are extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son,” the statement read. They described Nathan as an exceptionally kind person, “immensely caring, thoughtful, polite, passionate, and warmhearted,” who deeply loved his family and friends.
The Milton Police Department is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding Smith’s death. While initial findings suggest no foul play, the Criminal Investigations Division will maintain an active investigation until the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office determines the cause and manner of death. No further details will be released until that determination is made.
Milton, where the incident occurred, is a suburban town located approximately 30 miles (48 kilometers) north of Atlanta.
Lil Jon, born Jonathan Smith, gained prominence as an Atlanta-based rapper and producer, becoming a pivotal figure in the crunk subgenre of hip-hop. He is widely recognized for hit songs such as 2002’s “Get Low” with the East Side Boyz and 2013’s “Turn Down For What” featuring DJ Snake. He and his partner welcomed a daughter, Nahara, in 2024.
