Credit: Spotify

DJ Young Slade, the son of Atlanta rapper Lil Jon, has died at the age of 27.

Slade (real name Nathan Smith) was found dead on February 6th after going missing earlier in the week.

After police failed to locate him, they expanded their search to include a pond in Mayfield Park near Smith’s Milton residence, which is where they discovered his body.

A statement from the Milton Police Department read, “On February 6th, 2026, at approximately 11:53am, divers with the Cherokee County Fire Department located and recovered a body from the pond. The individual is believed to be Nathan Smith, pending official confirmation by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office.”

They added that there was no indication of foul play, and sent their deepest condolences to his family.

His father, Jon, shared a statement with People following his death, revealing his heartbreak over the tragedy.

“I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith,” he said. “His mother [Nicole] and I are devastated. Nathan was the kindest human being you would ever meet. He was immensely caring, thoughtful, polite, passionate, and warmhearted – he loved his family and the friends in his life to the fullest.”

Jon continued, “He was an amazingly talented young man; a music producer, an artist and engineer, and graduate of NYU. We loved Nathan with all of our hearts and are incredibly proud of him. He was loved and appreciated, and in our last times together we’re comforted in knowing that we expressed that very sentiment to him.”

Slade reportedly left his home “under unusual circumstances” on February 3rd, with searches carrying out for several days.