Lil Jon details the loss of his son in upcoming memoir

Rapper and producer Lil Jon is sharing details regarding the death of his son, Nathan Smith, also known as DJ Young Slade, in his upcoming memoir, ‘I Only Shout So You Can Hear Me’.

Nathan Smith died in February 2026 at the age of 27. According to reports, his death was determined to be an accidental drowning in a pond near his home in Milton, Georgia, occurring in the context of psilocybin use.

In excerpts from the book, Lil Jon reflects on their final exchange, noting that Nathan had sent a message expressing love and a desire to communicate better. Lil Jon also describes a final phone call where he offered encouragement and apologies to his son. The memoir, scheduled for release on October 20, addresses the emotional aftermath of the loss and the complexities of grief.