Lil Jon’s Son, DJ Young Slade, Found Dead Following Multi-Day Search

Post By DJ Longers
February 10, 2026

“Immensely Heartbroken”: Lil Jon’s Son, DJ Young Slade, Found Dead Following Multi-Day Search

MILTON, GA — The search for the missing son of Grammy-winning rapper and producer Lil Jon has ended in tragedy. Authorities in Milton, Georgia, confirmed that the body of 27-year-old Nathan Smith, known professionally as DJ Young Slade, was recovered from a pond on Friday 6th February, three days after he was first reported missing.

Lil Jon, born Jonathan Smith, took to social media to share the devastating news with his fans, expressing the "unimaginable loss" he and his family are facing.

The Disappearance

The investigation began early on the morning of Tuesday 3rd February, when Smith reportedly ran out of his residence in Milton, about 30 miles north of Atlanta. According to the Milton Police Department, Smith left on foot around 6:00 a.m. without his phone or personal belongings.

Missing person bulletins issued shortly after stated that Smith appeared "disoriented" and may have been in need of immediate assistance. Over the following days, multiple law enforcement agencies, including the Cherokee County Fire Department and the Fulton County Sheriff's Office, conducted an extensive search utilizing K-9 units and dive teams.

The Recovery

The search eventually narrowed to a pond at Mayfield Park, located just a short distance from Smith’s residence. At approximately 11:53 a.m. on Friday, divers recovered a body from the water.

While the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office is in the process of providing a formal identification and determining the cause of death, police have stated that there is currently no indication of foul play. The investigation remains open and active as authorities work to piece together the circumstances leading up to Smith's disappearance.

A Father’s Tribute

In a heartbreaking statement, Lil Jon remembered his son as a kind and exceptionally talented young man who was far more than just "the son of a celebrity."

“Nathan was the kindest human being you would ever meet,” the rapper wrote in a joint statement with Nathan’s mother, Nicole Smith. “He was immensely caring, thoughtful, polite, passionate, and warmhearted. He loved his family and the friends in his life to the fullest.”

Lil Jon also highlighted Nathan’s academic and professional achievements, noting that he was a graduate of New York University (NYU) and a dedicated music producer, artist, and engineer who was successfully carving out his own path in the industry.

Legacy in Music

Under the moniker DJ Young Slade, Smith had been active in the music scene since the age of 11. He was a graduate of the Scratch DJ Academy and the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music. His credits included:

Touring: Serving as a DJ for Zendaya during her early music career.
Production: Co-producing tracks for artists such as Saweetie ("Get It Girl") and collaborating with his father on projects featuring Ice Cube.
Television: Appearing alongside his father on MTV’s Family Legacy and Celebrity Family Feud.

The Smith family has requested privacy as they navigate this profound tragedy. An outpouring of support from the hip-hop community and fans has flooded social media, with many offering prayers for a young man who was clearly cherished both for his talent and his character.