Rapper Lil Jon confirms son is dead after police find body in pond near Atlanta | US news
American rapper Lil Jon said on Friday that his son Nathan Smith has died; the record producer confirmed in a joint statement with Smith’s mother after police found a body in a pond north of Atlanta, Georgia.
“I am heartbroken over the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith. His mother [Nicole Smith] and I am devastated,” he said in the statement.
Lil Jon described his son as “an incredibly talented young man” who is a music producer, artist, engineer and New York University graduate.
“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 who attended,” the Snap Yo Fingers rapper said.
Police say Nathan Smith, known professionally as DJ Young Slade, left his home in Milton “under unusual circumstances” early Tuesday morning.
“Nathan was the kindest person you could ever meet,” Lil Jon’s statement reads. “He was extremely caring, thoughtful, kind, passionate and warm-hearted, and loved his family and friends in his life to the fullest.”
Police said in a missing person poster distributed on social media that 27-year-old Smith “ran away from his home and has been missing ever since.”
Police said the man “left on foot and his phone was not found.” “He may be confused and need help. His family and friends are concerned for his safety.”
Milton police immediately began searching for Smith, police said. When they couldn’t find him, police and other agencies expanded the search to a pond near Smith’s home. Shortly before noon Friday, Cherokee County Fire Department divers found a body in the pond.
“This individual is believed to be Nathan Smith and is pending official confirmation by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office,” police said in a statement. The medical examiner did not immediately respond to questions about the case Friday.
“Based on the investigation to date, there are no signs of foul play,” police said. “However, the Milton Police Department Criminal Investigations Division will continue to treat this as an open and active investigation.”
Police said no further details would be released until the cause and manner of death are determined by the medical examiner.
Milton is a suburban town about 30 miles (48 km) north of Atlanta.
Lil Jon, born Jonathan Smith, is a rapper and producer from Atlanta who is one of the central figures in hip-hop’s rave subgenre. He is known for his songs such as Get Low, which he released with his band East Side Boyz in 2002, and Turn Down for What, which he released with DJ Snake in 2013.
He also has a daughter named Nahara, born in 2024.
Associated Press contributed reporting
