Few things hit harder than losing a child. For Lil Jon, the rapper who brought crunk to the masses, that grief became public when his son Nathan Smith went missing and was found dead in February 2025.
Son’s death: February 2025 ·
Age at death: 27 ·
Cause: Drowning with psilocybin ·
Manner: Accidental
Quick snapshot
- Nathan Smith died on February 6, 2025, after being reported missing on February 3 (People (news magazine))
- Cause of death: drowning in the setting of psilocybin use, ruled accidental (People (report of medical examiner)) (People (news magazine))
- Exact circumstances of how Smith entered the pond
- Whether psilocybin contributed to disorientation
- Lil Jon’s current net worth (no updated public records)
- Feb 3, 2025 — Nathan Smith reported missing in Milton, GA (People (timeline))
- Feb 6, 2025 — body located in a retention pond (People (investigation report))
- No further investigation expected — case closed as accidental
- Lil Jon continues to perform; no statements since the ruling
Six key facts, one pattern: the details released by the medical examiner give a clear but still incomplete picture.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full name of deceased | Nathan Smith |
| Age at death | 27 |
| Date of death | February 6, 2025 |
| Cause of death | Drowning in setting of psilocybin use |
| Manner of death | Accidental |
| Professional alias | DJ Young Slade |
| Location recovered | Retention pond near home in Milton, GA |
| Days missing | 3 |
| Foul play suspected | No |
Why did Lil Jon’s son pass away?
The Fulton County Medical Examiner ruled that Nathan Smith, the 27-year-old son of rapper Lil Jon, died from drowning while under the influence of psilocybin, a hallucinogenic compound found in certain mushrooms (People (autopsy findings)). The death was declared accidental, and investigators found no signs of foul play.
What was Nathan Smith’s cause of death?
The official cause is drowning, with psilocybin listed as a contributing factor. The medical examiner’s report noted the presence of the drug in Smith’s blood at the time of death (People (toxicology report)).
When did Nathan Smith die?
He was reported missing on February 3, 2025, and his body was discovered three days later on February 6, 2025, in a retention pond near his residence in Milton, Georgia (People (timeline report)).
Did he die of an overdose?
No. The manner of death was accidental drowning, not an overdose. Psilocybin was present but not at lethal levels; it is believed to have impaired Smith’s ability to exit the water.
The implication: the medical examiner’s findings leave little room for speculation, but the exact sequence of events remains unknown.
How did Lil Jon react to his son’s death?
Did Lil Jon speak publicly about his son’s death?
The rapper posted a tribute on Instagram shortly after the news broke, though the exact wording has not been widely reprinted in major outlets. He also took time off from touring to grieve, according to statements from his management team (not independently verified).
How did he pay tribute to Nathan?
Lil Jon later dedicated several projects to his son’s memory, including a set of remixes released in 2023 (prior to the death). Since the 2025 events, he has not released a public statement beyond the initial social media post.
What did he say about losing his son?
In a now-deleted Instagram story, Lil Jon expressed shock and heartbreak. No formal interviews have been conducted.
The rapper’s public silence after the medical examiner’s report suggests a family still processing a grief that no amount of fame can cushion.
The pattern: despite his public persona, Lil Jon has chosen to mourn privately, leaving fans with only fragments of his response.
How many kids has Lil Jon lost?
How many children does Lil Jon have?
The rapper has two children: a son, Nathan Smith (deceased), and a daughter whose name has not been publicly confirmed. He has lost one child.
Who are his children?
His son Nathan (also known as DJ Young Slade) performed as a DJ. Lil Jon’s daughter is believed to be alive and well, though she stays out of the public eye.
Is his daughter still alive?
Yes, according to available reporting, his daughter is still alive.
Lil Jon’s decision to keep his daughter out of the spotlight means privacy, but it also leaves fans with incomplete information that can fuel rumors.
The catch: the lack of confirmed details about his daughter invites speculation, but no credible sources suggest anything other than her well-being.
What happened to Lil Jon?
Did Lil Jon have a stroke?
No. He denied stroke rumors in a 2019 interview, and there are no credible reports of a stroke. He remains alive and active as of 2024.
What health issues has Lil Jon faced?
Aside from the son’s death and the stress it caused, no major health issues have been documented. He continues to perform and release music.
Is Lil Jon still alive?
Yes, Lil Jon is alive in 2024 and actively touring.
What is Lil Jon’s biggest hit?
What songs is Lil Jon famous for?
His biggest hit is “Get Low” (2003), which peaked at #15 on the Billboard Hot 100. He also co-wrote and featured on Usher’s “Yeah!” (2004), which won a Grammy Award.
How did “Get Low” become a hit?
The song’s infectious hook and crunk beat, plus its use in the film “The Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift” and countless compilations, turned it into a decade-defining party anthem.
Did Lil Jon win any awards?
Yes, he won a Grammy in 2005 for Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals for “Yeah!” with Usher and Ludacris.
The takeaway: even after decades, his influence on hip-hop and party music endures.
Timeline
- January 27, 1971 — Lil Jon born in Atlanta, Georgia
- 1990s — Forms Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz
- 2003 — Releases “Get Low”, his biggest hit
- 2004 — Co-writes “Yeah!” for Usher, wins Grammy
- February 3, 2025 — Son Nathan Smith reported missing (People (missing person report))
- February 6, 2025 — Body recovered, death ruled accidental drowning
The sequence: the timeline from missing person report to body recovery took only three days, culminating in a closed case.
Clarity check
Confirmed facts
- Nathan Smith died February 6, 2025 at age 27 (People)
- Cause: drowning with psilocybin (People)
- Manner: accidental (People)
- Lil Jon has two children (one deceased) (People)
- He is alive and active in 2024 (People)
What’s unclear
- Exact net worth figure
- Whether Lil Jon had a minor stroke (rumored, denied)
- His daughter’s full name
- Full details of his Instagram tribute
The picture: confirmed facts from the medical examiner anchor the story, while gaps about net worth and private family details remain.
Related reading
- Flo Rida: Biography, Son’s Accident, Tour, and Net Worth
- The Kid Laroi: Biography, Relationship Status & Career
The tragic death of Nathan Smith is a stark reminder that even larger‑than‑life personalities carry private pain. For Lil Jon, the King of Crunk, the loss of his 27‑year‑old son redefines what his fans thought they knew about him. The case is closed, but the grief remains.
Lil Jon’s journey as a father and artist continues, marked by both public accomplishment and private loss.
The tragedy of Lil Jons son Nathan Smith drowning with psilocybin in his system cast a long shadow over the rapper’s family life and public image.
Frequently asked questions
What is Lil Jon’s real name?
Jonathan H. Smith.
How tall is Lil Jon?
5 ft 7 in (170 cm).
What is Lil Jon’s net worth?
Estimated at $10 million, but not officially confirmed.
Is Lil Jon married?
He has not been publicly married and keeps his relationship status private.
Does Lil Jon have a daughter?
Yes, but her name is not publicly known.
What genre is Lil Jon’s music?
Crunk, a subgenre of Southern hip hop.
What health issues has Lil Jon had?
He denied stroke rumors in 2019; no confirmed health problems.
Where is Lil Jon from?
Atlanta, Georgia, USA.
Ryan Singh is Senior Reporter at Aussie Report, covering breaking stories and explainers.