Lil Jon laid his son, Nathan Murray Smith, also known as D.J. Young Slade, to rest on Wednesday, coinciding with the first day of Ramadan.
The 27-year-old was found dead in a pond near the family’s home north of Atlanta, Georgia, two weeks after being reported missing. Lil Jon shared the message with photos of his late son on Instagram.
“On the first day of Ramadan yesterday, we laid my only son to rest,” Lil Jon wrote on Instagram. “In this holy month, I’m asking for extra du’a for him and for our family.”
He shared a memorial video featuring family photos and studio moments. “I love you, son. Life will never be the same without you. Allah, give me strength.”
Nathan had been reported missing on February 3. The Milton Police Department said he left home around 6 a.m. without a phone and may have been disoriented, prompting a local search.
Two days later, authorities recovered a body from Mayfield Park. Officials confirmed the individual was believed to be Nathan, with no signs of foul play reported.
Lil Jon Shares Heartfelt Message To His Son, D.J. Young Slade
Lil Jon expressed his heartbreak following the discovery. “I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of my son, Nathan Smith,” he said. “His mother Nicole Smith and I are devastated.”
He described Nathan as a talented producer, engineer, and artist, also noting his New York University degree. “We loved Nathan with all of our hearts and are incredibly proud of him.”
In his Instagram tribute, Lil Jon thanked fans and supporters for their love and prayers. “I will make sure the world knows your talent and never forgets your name,” he wrote.
Reflecting on Nathan’s early musical gifts, Lil Jon recalled in a 2024 interview, “He had a natural musical ear. I remember he was 11 years old, and he could tell what song was coming on the radio before it played.”
The bond between father and son was deeply rooted in music, rhythm, and shared ambition, leaving a legacy that Lil Jon vows to honor.
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