Lil Jon details last father-son trip before son’s death

rapper Lil Jon Looking back on his final father-son trip before his son, encouraging his fans to “try to love your people” DJ Young Sladedeath 27 years old.

“To anyone reading this, don’t let your family down,” wrote Lil Jon (real name Jonathan H. Smith) via Instagram Saturday, May 2nd. “Don’t say ‘I’ll see them later’ or ‘We can do that later.'” Don’t skip long hugs and don’t skimp on them. Make memories that last as long as possible. We all think we have time…but we don’t know Allah’s plans. “

Lil Jon, 55, confirmed in a statement US Weekly On February 6, his son Nathan Smith, also known as DJ Young Slade, was found dead three days after he went missing in Georgia. Autopsy revealed Nathan accidentally drowned while on psilocybin. (Psilocybin is another name for psychedelic mushrooms, which contain a psychoactive compound that causes hallucinogenic effects.)

In a post on Saturday, Lil Jon reflected on what it meant to connect with Nathan during his 2024 birthday trip to Japan.

“Two years ago, I asked Slade what he wanted to do for his birthday. He said, ‘Go to Japan,'” he recalled. “I didn’t know that this trip would be our last as a father and son…or his favorite.”

The musician continued, “I gave him all the options and he chose everything himself. We did everything – from museums, food tours, to a Michelin-starred sushi restaurant. We even watched katana swords being forged… and got to use them.”

The birthday trip included Lil Jon taking an anime drawing class with his son and gaining some “drift culture” experience.

“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,” he recalled. “It’s different now because we know we’re not going to make those memories again.”

He ended with some important advice to fans, writing: “Love your people hard. You never know when that last hug will come.”

When news broke of Nathan’s death in February, Lil Jon told Us us In a statement, he was “devastated by the tragic death of his son.”

“His mother (Nicole Smith) I’m heartbroken,” he said. “Nathan is the kindest person you’ll ever meet. He was very loving, thoughtful, polite, warm, enthusiastic – he loved his family and friends very much.

His statement continued, “He was an extremely talented young man; a music producer, artist and engineer who graduated from New York University. We love Nathan with all our hearts and are incredibly proud of him. He was loved and appreciated, and we take comfort in knowing that we showed him that affection during our last time together.”

On February 20, Lil Jon shared His son has rested in peace Two weeks after his death.

“Yesterday, on the first day of Ramadan, we buried my only son. I ask for extra dua for him and our family during this holy month,” he wrote alongside the memorial video. “I love you, son. Life will never be the same without you. Allah, please give me strength.”

Georgia State Police announced on February 6 that they found Nathan’s body in a Mayfield Park pond near his home. He ran out of the home and was “disoriented and in need of assistance,” according to the Milton Police Department.

“We extend our deepest condolences to the Smith family during this difficult time,” police said in a statement. “The department would like to ask the community and members of the media to respect the family’s request for privacy as they grieve and work through this tragedy.”

Lil Jon is also the father of daughter Nahara, he welcomes and his girlfriend, Jamila Sozada2024.