Lil Jon is mourning the loss of his eldest son, Nathan Smith, while also raising his young daughter Nahara with his girlfriend Jamila Sozahdah. Nathan Smith was born on April 30, 1998, to Lil Jon (real name Jonathan Smith) and his then girlfriend Nicole Smith. He grew up mostly in Georgia before moving to California as a preteen. He followed his father into music and became a DJ and producer who performed under the name DJ Young Slade, or simply Slade.
Nathan often spoke about how seeing his dad DJ as a kid inspired him. He told one interviewer he remembered watching Lil Jon control the crowd, calling out to people to put their hands up or down, and feeling amazed. After that, he went home, downloaded DJ software, and his dad soon bought him turntables.
He studied at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts (Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music) and graduated in May 2020. In his graduation post he wrote about four years of hard work, ups and downs, and loving every moment.
Nathan collaborated with artists including Ice Cube and released his most recent single “Feels” in March 2025. He also appeared on MTV’s Family Legacy (season 2) earlier that year, and later joined his dad on ABC’s Family Feud.
On February 3, 2026, the Milton Police Department in Georgia posted a missing person notice for Nathan. They said he had left his house on foot around 6 a.m. that morning near Baldwin Drive and Mayfield Road, was disoriented, and did not have a phone with him.
On February 6, Lil Jon confirmed Nathan’s death in a public statement. He and Nicole said they were “extremely heartbroken” and “devastated” by the tragic loss. Lil Jon described Nathan as “the kindest human being you would ever meet,” caring, thoughtful, polite, passionate, and warmhearted. He loved his family and friends deeply.
Lil Jon also called Nathan “an amazingly talented young man,” a music producer, artist, engineer, and proud NYU graduate. The family said they are comforted knowing they told Nathan how much they loved and appreciated him in their last moments together. Police have said there is no indication of foul play. The investigation remains open and active.
Lil Jon’s daughter Nahara
In November 2024 Lil Jon and his girlfriend Jamila Sozahdah welcomed their daughter Nahara. She turned one in November 2025. On Thanksgiving that year, Lil Jon posted photos from her birthday party on Instagram. He wrote: “This Thanksgiving, our hearts are full, and so is the love. Happy 1 year birthday to our baby girl, Nahara.”
Lil Jon has said Nahara gives him extra motivation to stay healthy and be present. In an October 2025 interview he explained he wants to be there for all her milestones, first day of school, high school graduation, walking her down the aisle one day. He said health matters even more now because of her and her mother.
Lil Jon’s ex-wife Nicole Smith
Nicole Smith and Lil Jon were dating each other when Nathan was born in 1998. The couple later married each other few years after Nathan’s birth. They separated in 2024.
After Nathan’s death, Lil Jon’s statement included Nicole, saying both parents are heartbroken and devastated by the loss of their son. Lil Jon has spoken in recent years about wanting to be a strong role model for his children, first Nathan, and now Nahara. The loss of Nathan has left the family grieving while still caring for their one-year-old daughter.
