Rapper Lil Jon spoke about the final father-son journey he took with his son Nathan Smith, known professionally as DJ Young Slade, who died at the age of 27 earlier this year. In a poignant Instagram post shared on Saturday, May 2, the 55-year-old musician urged his followers not to delay spending time with the people they love, reflecting on memories that now carry a very different weight.Lil Jon, whose real name is Jonathan Smith, confirmed in a statement to Us Weekly on February 6 that his son Nathan has been found three days after he went missing in Georgia. An autopsy showed that he died as a result of accidental drowning.
Lil Jon on his latest trip to Japan with DJ Young Slade
In his post on Saturday, Lil Jon recalled a birthday trip to Japan he took with Nathan in 2024, a trip that turned out to be their last together. “Two years ago, I asked Slade what he wanted to do for his birthday.
“He said, ‘Go to Japan.'” He recalled, “I had no idea that the trip would become the father and son’s last trip…or his favorite trip ever.”The duo made the most of every moment, visiting museums, taking food tours, eating at Michelin-starred sushi restaurants, and even watching samurai swords being made before using them themselves. They also took anime drawing classes together and explored drift culture during their time there.
“It was expensive, but I didn’t care — I saw how happy he was. He told me it was the most fun he’d ever had on a trip,” Lil Jon wrote. “It’s different now, knowing we’ll never be able to make memories like this again.”He concluded his tribute with a message that resonated deeply with fans. “To anyone reading this, don’t put off your family. Don’t say ‘I’ll see them later’ or ‘We can do that later.’ Don’t skip long hugs, and don’t be frugal.”
Make long-lasting memories when you can. We all think we have time…but we don’t know God’s plan.” He signed off with the words, “Love your people deeply. You never know when it’s the last hug.”
Lil Jon’s tribute to his son Nathan Smith
When news of Nathan’s death first broke in February, Lil Jon issued a statement calling him the kindest human being you could ever meet. “His mother, Nicole Smith, and I are devastated,” he said. “Nathan was very caring, thoughtful, polite, compassionate and with a warm heart.
“He loved his family and friends in his life to the fullest.”He continued: “He was an amazingly talented young man, a music producer, artist and engineer, and a graduate of NYU. We loved Nathan with all our hearts and are incredibly proud of him. He was loved and appreciated, and in our final times together, we take comfort in knowing that we expressed that very feeling to him.”On February 20, Lil Jon shared that Nathan had been buried, marking the occasion with a memorial video on social media.
He wrote, “On the first day of Ramadan yesterday, we buried my only son. In this holy month, I ask for additional prayers for him and for our family.” “I love you, son. Life will never be the same without you. God, give me strength.”Lil Jon is also a father to daughter Nahara, whom he welcomed with girlfriend Jamila Sozahda in 2024. As he continues to navigate this period of grief, his message to fans remains simple but powerful: Don’t wait to show the people you love how much they mean to you.