Lil Jon Says Memoir Helped Him Cope With Son’s Tragic Death

American rapper and record producer Jonathan H. Smith, better known as ‘Lil Jon’, has spoken about the loss of his son, Nathan Smith, known professionally as’DJ Young Slade’, describing how writing his upcoming memoir became part of his healing journey.

The rapper said his son’s death in February came while he was completing his book, I Only Shout So You Can Hear Me. Rather than leave the project unchanged, he added new chapters reflecting on grief and coping with the loss.

Lil Jon said he wanted readers to understand that life brings both joyful and painful moments. He also hoped the book would offer comfort to people facing similar experiences.

DJ Young Slade was found in a pond near his home in Milton, Georgia, days after he was reported missing. Authorities later ruled his death an accidental drowning.