American rapper Lil Jon confirmed the death of his son Nathan Smith on Friday after police found his body in a pond north of Atlanta, Georgia, in a joint statement with record producer Smith’s mother.
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of our son, Nathan Smith, his mother [Nicole Smith] And I am devastated,” the statement said.
Lil Jon described his son as an “incredibly talented young man” who is a music producer, artist, engineer and graduate of New York University.
“Thank you for all the prayers and support over the last few days trying to find him. Thank you to the entire Milton police department that was involved,” the Snap Yo Fingers rapper added.
Nathan Smith, known professionally as DJ Young Slade, left his home in Milton early Tuesday morning under “unusual circumstances,” police said.
“Nathan is the kindest person you will ever meet,” Lil Jon’s statement reads. “He was very caring, thoughtful, polite, passionate and warm-hearted – he absolutely loved his family and friends throughout his life.”
Smith, 27, “ran out of his home and has been missing ever since,” police said in a missing person poster posted on social media.
He “took off on foot and did not have his phone with him,” police said. “He may be disoriented and need help. Family and friends are concerned for his safety.”
Milton police immediately began searching for Smith, police said. After failing to locate him, police and other agencies expanded the search to include a pond near Smith’s residence. Just before noon Friday, Cherokee County Fire Department divers found the body in the pond.
“The individual is believed to be Nathan Smith, pending official confirmation by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office,” police said in a statement. The medical examiner did not immediately respond to an inquiry about the case Friday.
“Based on the investigation to date, there is no indication of foul play,” police said. “However, the Milton Police Department’s Criminal Investigations Division considers this an open and active investigation.”
Police said no further details could be released until the medical examiner confirmed the cause and manner of death.
Milton is a suburban town about 30 miles (48 km) north of Atlanta.
Lil Jon, born Jonathan Smith, is an Atlanta rapper and producer who is a central figure in the crunk subgenre of hip-hop. He is known for songs including 2002’s Get Low with his group The East Side Boyz and 2013’s Turn Down for What with DJ Snake.
He also has a daughter named Nahara who was born in 2024.
The Associated Press provided reporting
