:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(928x348:930x350)/lil-jon-nathan-smith-pencils-of-promise-gala-020426-b72bb058d5504fdfabdd36c9d8887829.jpg)
ATLANTA: Rapper Lil Jon confirmed on Friday the death of his 27-year-old son, Nathan Smith, after police recovered a body in a pond north of Atlanta, Georgia.
“I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith. His mother [Nicole Smith] and I are devastated,” Lil Jon wrote on Instagram. He described Nathan as an “amazingly talented young man,” noting that he was a music producer, artist, engineer, and a New York University graduate.
Read More: Jon Batiste crowned Grammys king with five wins including best
Nathan, who performed professionally as DJ Young Slade, was last seen leaving his home in Milton, a suburban town about 30 miles north of Atlanta, early Tuesday morning, February 3. The Milton Police Department launched an immediate search, later expanding operations to nearby areas, including a pond near Smith’s residence.
View this post on Instagram
Just before midday on Friday, divers from the Cherokee County Fire Department recovered a body from the pond. Police said the individual is “believed to be Nathan Smith, pending official confirmation by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office.” Authorities have ruled out foul play but stated that the investigation remains active.
Lil Jon expressed gratitude to law enforcement for their efforts, writing, “Thank you for all of the prayers and support in trying to locate him over the last several days. Thank you to the entire Milton Police Department involved.”
Read More: Lady Gaga honours Tony Bennett in 2022 Grammys performance
Lil Jon, whose real name is Jonathan Smith, is a prominent Atlanta rapper and producer, credited with popularizing the high-energy hip-hop subgenre known as crunk. He is best known for hits including Get Low (2002) with the East Side Boyz, Snap Yo Fingers (2006), and Turn Down for What (2013) with DJ Snake. Lil Jon also has a daughter, Nahara, born in 2024.
The cause of Nathan Smith’s death will be determined by the Fulton County Medical Examiner, and police continue to treat the case as an open investigation.