Rapper Lil Jon has opened up about his recent father-son trip with his son Nathan Smithknown professionally as DJ Young Slade, who passed away this year at the age of 27. In a heartfelt Instagram post shared on Saturday, May 2, the 55-year-old musician asked his followers not to put off spending time with the people they love, reflecting on memories that now carry a completely different weight.Lil Jon, whose real name is Jonathan H. Smith, confirmed in a statement to Us Weekly on February 6 that his son, Nathan, was found three days after he went missing in Georgia. An autopsy revealed that she died of accidental drowning.
Lil Jon on his latest trip to Japan with DJ Young Slade
In Saturday’s post, Lil Jon looked back on his birthday trip with Nathan in 2024, which was one last trip together. “Two years ago, I asked Slade what he wanted to do for his birthday. “He said, ‘Go to Japan,'” she recalled. “Little did I know that the trip would turn out to be our last father-son trip … or our favorite ever.”The couple made the most of every moment, visiting museums, going on food tours, dining at Michelin-starred sushi restaurants and even watching samurai swords being forged before using them themselves. They also took an anime drawing class together and explored drift culture during their time there.“It was expensive, but I didn’t care, I saw how happy he was. He told me it was the most fun he’s ever had on a trip,” Lil Jon wrote. “It feels different now, knowing we won’t be able to make memories like this again.”He closed the tribute with a message that resonated with fans. “To anyone reading this, don’t put your family down. Don’t say ‘I’ll see them later’ or ‘We can do it later.’ Don’t give long hugs, don’t be coy. Create long-lasting memories when you can. We all think we have time…but we don’t know Allah’s plan.” He signed off with the words, “Love your people fiercely. You never know when the last hug will be.”
Lil Jon’s tribute to his son Nathan Smith
When news of Nathan’s death broke in February, Lil Jon released a statement describing him as the kindest human being you will ever meet. “His mother, Nicole Smith, and I are devastated,” she said. “Nathan was incredibly caring, thoughtful, kind, passionate and warm-hearted. He loved his family and friends very much in his life.”He continued: “He was a very talented young man, a music producer, artist and engineer, and a graduate of NYU. We loved Nathan with all our hearts and are incredibly proud of him. He was loved and cherished, and we are glad to know that in our last few days together, we expressed that feeling to him.”On February 20, Lil Jon revealed that Nathan had been killed, and commemorated the event with a memorial video on social media. “Yesterday on the first day of Ramadan, we rested my only son. In this holy month, I am asking for extra du’a for him and our family,” he wrote. “I love you, son. Life will never be the same without you. Allah, give me strength.”Lil Jon is also the father of daughter Nahara, who he welcomed with girlfriend Jamila Sozahdah in 2024. As she continues to navigate this time of grief, her message to fans remains simple but powerful: Don’t wait to show the people you love how much they mean to you.
