In an unfortunate turn of events, famous rapper Lil Jon announced the death of his son, Nathan Smith, after Georgia police recovered his body from a pond on Feb. 6. Following the tragic incident, Hall of Famer Shaquille O’Neal, who has collaborated with Lil Jon for a song before, paid his condolences to his friend.

“I talked to him yesterday,” Shaq responded to a reporter’s question at a public event, “and send my condolences out to him and his family. It’s tragic. I don’t know how that feels, but I’m sure – I know it’s devastating for him. So, you know, like I said, my condolences go out to him and his family.” The clip, which was recently uploaded, was from Associated Press’s interaction with O’Neal last week.

According to a police report, Smith left home on foot without his phone on February 3, and they claim that he could have been disoriented and may have required assistance. On February 3, Georgia police issued a missing persons report for Smith, who went by the stage name of DJ Young Slade.

Eventually, the Milton Police Department issued a statement that after expanding their network to search for Smith, the Cherokee County Fire Department found the body in the water near Smith’s home at 11:53 a.m. on Feb. 6.

It was truly a heartbreaking moment for Shaq as he shares a close bond with rapper Lil Jon, and has faced difficult moments with his sons as well. The duo collaborated with Los Angeles DJ and Music Producer NGHTMRE for a song named ‘Bang’ way back in 2019. Over the years, their friendship has only grown stronger, so it’s a personal moment for Shaq too. But no one felt the loss more than Nathan Smith’s family.

Fans and celebs offered prayers after Lil Jon’s emotional post on his son’s demise

“I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith. His mother (Nicole Smith) and I are devastated,” Lil Jon wrote in a statement shared on Instagram. “Nathan was the kindest human being you would ever meet. He was immensely caring, thoughtful, polite, passionate, and warmhearted — he loved his family and the friends in his life to the fullest.”

“Thank you for all of the prayers and support in trying to locate him over the last several days,” he further said in the statement. The father-son duo shared a good relationship, and Nathan was even following in the footsteps of his father and building a career as a rapper. Lil Jon shared another post about his son.

Prayers poured in from various celebs and fans. Record producer Metro Boomin commented, “Praying for you and your family this breaks my heart! 🙏🏾” Meanwhile, the ‘Godfather of EDM’, Tiesto wrote, “I am sorry for you loss brother, sending lots of love to you and your family ❤️🙏🏻❤️”

Nathan had a promising future ahead of him. He even acknowledged his father’s excellence while sharing his own aspirations during an interview back in March 2025.

“It’s dope to appreciate my dad, show respect, and just look at all the things he’s done, and it’s nice to get the torch passed down and do my own thing,” he told The Quintessential Gentleman. “Because it’s like it comes from him, but also I’m definitely taking it and making it my own.”

5x Grammy Award-winning singer, CeeLo Green, commented, “Damn brother this is so tragic me and my family feel very deeply effected and we send prayers of strength and support and condolence to you and yours. May God bless your household, brother we love you.”

Rapper and Lil Jon’s friend, Lil Scrappy, shared a touching message: “Love you brudda and I’m heartbroken for you and fasho he’s like a neph to me and Dne traveled with him while we both was on the road going to different places thinking he’s with you but he was being what you taught him to be a real man and so talented and just caring man this is crazy I’m praying for you all and when I get back imma come hug ya neck I knw your not onna line so I have to see u in person. Love you big brudda and love you Lil Big Nate rest in the fathers arms.”

It’s truly a heartbreaking loss, and we are sending our condolences to Lil Jon and his family.