The body of rapper DJ Young Slade was discovered Friday, February 6, in a pond near his family home in Milton, Georgia. The son of rapper Lil Jon was 27 years old. Police do not believe there were any foul play involved.
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After a frantic three-day search that began with a mysterious disappearance, authorities have recovered the body believed to be that of Nathan Smith, the 27-year-old son of the music legend, bringing a heartbreaking end to the family's ordeal. Alerted by a team of police dogs, divers made the grim discovery shortly before noon.
Recovery operation at Mayfield Park
According to The Music Times , the Milton Police Department and members of the Cherokee County Fire Department recovered a body from a pond in Mayfield Park, near the Smith residence. The recovery operation was the culmination of an intensive investigation that began earlier in the week. While the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office has not yet officially confirmed the identity, investigators have stated they strongly believe it is Nathan.
The proximity to his home and the timeline of events have led authorities to this conclusion. Questions remain about the events that led to the tragedy. Nathan was last seen early Tuesday morning at his home on Baldwin Drive. Police described his departure as "unusual." Reports indicate he ran from the house on foot, without his cell phone, making it impossible to contact him.
Circumstances of the disappearance
The situation appeared serious from the outset. Police indicated he may have been disoriented and in need of medical assistance at the time of his disappearance. Local reports added a worrying dimension to the situation, noting details that suggested he may have left the property without clothing, which naturally heightened concerns for his safety, given the season and his vulnerable state.
That distressing news prompted an extensive search operation. Family, friends, and local police joined forces, hoping to bring him home safe and sound. The search intensified throughout the week as concerns for Nathan's well-being grew. Unfortunately, the search did not end as everyone had hoped, culminating in the tragic discovery on Friday.
@dailymailYoung Slade, the son of rapper and record producer Lil Jon, has gone missing in Milton, Georgia after reportedly running out of his house on Tuesday. The Milton Police Department released a missing person's alert for Slade - legal name Nathan Smith - which reported he was last seen 'in the vicinity of Baldwin Dr./Mayfield Rd. on Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 0600 hours'. Slade, 27, has been missing since running 'out of his house' and 'may be disoriented and in need of assistance.' #news #rapper #liljon #missingperson
♬ original sound - Daily Mail
Lil Jon mourns the loss of his son
Following the discovery, Lil Jon, whose real name was Jonathan Smith, spoke publicly about the tragedy to confirm the devastating news. "I am deeply heartbroken by the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith. His mother [Nicole Smith] and I are devastated," Jonathan stated. He went on to describe the young man's personality, who was clearly much more than just the son of a celebrity.
"Nathan was the kindest person you'll ever meet. He was immensely loving, considerate, polite, passionate, and affectionate; he loved his family and friends with all his heart," he said. Jonathan, 55, also found comfort in their final moments together. "We loved Nathan with all our hearts and are incredibly proud of him. He was loved and appreciated, and in our last moments together, it's comforting to know that we expressed that same feeling to him," the grieving father shared.
A life of talent cut short
Beyond the headlines surrounding his death, Nathan Smith was a talented individual who had begun to forge his legacy in the music industry. A New York University alumnus, he was a gifted music producer and engineer who often performed under the name DJ Young Slade. His career led him to co-produce tracks for artists such as Saweetie, and his work was featured in the hit HBO series "Insecure."
In a May 2014 interview, Jonathan spoke of his son, calling him "a really good boy," polite and well-behaved. Their bond was very close, and the record producer remarked in amazement at the time, "I listen to my son... he can talk to me about anything."
On the morning of February 3, 2026, Milton Police Department officers responded to a report of a missing adult in the area of Baldwin Drive in Milton, Georgia. Responding officers determined that a...
Ongoing research on sudden death
Although the physical search has ended, the Milton Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division confirmed that the case remains active. In a released memo, authorities stated, "Based on the investigation conducted to date, there is no evidence of a crime. However, the Milton Police Department's Criminal Investigations Division will continue to treat this as an open and active investigation."
As the Smith family—including Nathan's mother, Nicole, and his father's current partner, Jamila Sozahdah, with whom Jonathan has a one-year-old daughter—goes through this difficult time, the music community continues to offer its support. "We extend our deepest condolences to the Smith family during this difficult time," the police stated.
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