Rapper Lil Jon delivered a poignant message to his followers on Saturday, May 2, urging them to prioritize family connections while reflecting on the final trip he shared with his late son before his tragic death earlier this year.
The musician, whose real name is Jonathan H. Smith, shared an emotional tribute via Instagram that detailed a 2024 birthday trip to Japan with his son Nathan Smith, professionally known as DJ Young Slade. The post came nearly three months after Nathan's death at age 27.
"To anyone reading this — don't put your family off," Lil Jon, 55, wrote in his social media post. "Don't say 'I'll see them later' or 'We can do that later.' Don't skip the long hugs dont be frugal. Make long lasting memories when you can. We all think we have time... but we don't know Allah's plan."
The rapper confirmed in a statement to Us Weekly on February 6 that Nathan had been found dead three days after going missing in Georgia. An autopsy subsequently revealed that Nathan died from an accidental drowning in the setting of psilocybin use, referring to the psychoactive compound found in magic mushrooms that can produce hallucinogenic effects.
In his recent tribute, Lil Jon recounted the significance of the Japan trip, which took place two years prior. The journey came about after he asked his son what he wanted to do for his birthday.
"He said, 'go to Japan,'" the musician recalled. "I had no idea that trip would become our final father-and-son trip... or his favorite one ever."
The trip featured a carefully curated itinerary that Nathan selected himself, encompassing cultural experiences ranging from museums and food tours to Michelin-star sushi restaurants. The father and son witnessed traditional samurai sword forging and even had the opportunity to handle the weapons. They also participated in an anime drawing class together and explored drift culture.
"It was expensive, but I didn't care — I saw how happy it made him. He told me it was the most fun he'd ever had on any trip," Lil Jon wrote. "It hits different now, knowing we won't get to make memories like that again."
The artist concluded his message with a simple yet powerful reminder: "Love your people hard. You never know when it's the last hug."
When Nathan's death was first announced in February, Lil Jon released a statement describing himself and Nathan's mother, Nicole Smith, as devastated by the loss. He characterized his son as an exceptionally kind individual who was caring, thoughtful, polite, passionate, and warmhearted.
"He was an amazingly talented young man; a music producer, an artist and engineer and graduate of NYU," the statement read. "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."
On February 20, Lil Jon announced that Nathan had been laid to rest, noting the timing coincided with the first day of Ramadan. He requested prayers for his son and family during the holy month.
"I love you, son. Life will never be the same without you. Allah, give me strength," he wrote alongside a memorial video.
Georgia police recovered Nathan's body at Mayfield Park pond near his home on February 6. According to the Milton Police Department, he had reportedly run from his residence in a disoriented state and in need of assistance.
The department issued a statement extending condolences to the Smith family and requesting that the community and media respect the family's privacy during their grieving process.
Lil Jon is also father to daughter Nahara, whom he welcomed with his girlfriend, Jamila Sozahdah, in 2024.