Rapper Lil Jon Shares Heartbreaking Details of Son's Death in Memoir
The musician opens up about his final conversations with his son, Nathan Smith, before his accidental drowning.
Rapper Lil Jon, whose real name is Jonathan Smith, is sharing poignant details about the final days and conversations with his son, Nathan Smith, who died in February 2025 at the age of 27.
In his new memoir, "I Only Shout So You Can Hear Me," the 55-year-old musician details the struggles his only son endured, including anxiety and bouts of debilitating physical pain. Lil Jon admits that Nathan felt he was being "too hard on him" during their last days together.
Nathan Smith, also known as DJ Young Slade, was reported missing on February 3 after leaving his house and never returning. His body was recovered three days later from a pond near his family's Milton, Georgia home. Investigators ruled his death an accidental drowning.
Lil Jon, who rose to fame as a pioneer of the crunk genre, has maintained a decades-long career as a rapper and producer. He is widely recognized for his distinctive vocal style and energetic performances, including his appearance alongside Usher at the 2024 Super Bowl halftime show.
The memoir also touches upon Lil Jon's perspective on his son's passing, reflecting on a mistake he believes he made in their final days. He expressed a desire for his son to have reached out more, but also acknowledged his own shortcomings in their relationship.
Nathan, born in 1998, was Lil Jon's only son with his ex-wife Nicole Smith. The family had previously been pictured together at various events, including the Pencils Of Promise 2019 Gala in New York City.
