Lil Jon Shares Footage from ‘Final’ Trip with Son Nathan Before His Death at 27: ‘Don’t Put Your Family Off’

**Lil Jon Remembers Late Son Nathan and Advocates for Cherishing Family Time**

In a heartfelt tribute, rapper Lil Jon has shared memories of what would become his final vacation with his son, Nathan Smith, who tragically passed away earlier this year. Nathan, a talented musician and DJ known as DJ Young Slade, died at the age of 27 in February. The rapper’s poignant reflections emphasise the importance of family and making lasting memories together.

Lil Jon, whose real name is Jonathan Smith, posted a series of clips on his Instagram from a memorable trip to Japan that he took with Nathan two years ago. The vacation, originally intended to celebrate Nathan’s birthday, has now become a bittersweet reminder of their time together. “Two years ago, I asked Slade what he wanted to do for his birthday,” Lil Jon recounted. “He told me he wanted to go to Japan. I had no idea that trip would become our final father-and-son adventure… or his favourite one ever.”

During their time in Japan, the father and son engaged in a variety of activities designed by Nathan himself, including visits to museums, sushi dining experiences, and even an exciting session where they wielded samurai swords. Notably, they also attended a drawing class with an anime author, reflecting Nathan’s passion for the genre. Lil Jon observed, “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.”

The significance of the trip has intensified following Nathan’s untimely death. Lil Jon expressed how the experience now resonates deeply, stating, “It hits different now, knowing we won’t get to make memories like that again.” Through his post, the rapper conveyed a message of urgency to his followers, encouraging them not to take family for granted.

In a heartfelt message, he urged his audience to spend time with their loved ones and cherish precious moments. “To anyone reading this — don’t put your family off. Don’t say, ‘I’ll see them later’ or ‘We can do that later.’ Don’t skip the long hugs… Make long-lasting memories when you can,” he advised. Lil Jon added that life is unpredictable: “We all think we have time… but we don’t know Allah’s plan.”

Following Nathan’s passing, which was ruled an accidental drowning involving the use of psilocybin, Lil Jon released a statement expressing his devastation. “I am extremely heartbroken for the tragic loss of our son, Nathan Smith. His mother and I are devastated,” he said in the statement addressed to PEOPLE.

Nathan’s body was discovered near the family home in Milton, Georgia, three days after he was reported missing under “unusual circumstances.” The loss left a profound impact on both Lil Jon and his ex-wife, Nicole Smith, with whom he shares Nathan. They married in 2004 and separated amicably two years prior to Nathan’s passing.

In his moving statement, Lil Jon characterised Nathan as “the kindest human being you would ever meet.” He described his son as immensely caring, thoughtful, and warm-hearted, someone who valued his family and friends. “He was an amazingly talented young man; a music producer, an artist, and engineer, and a graduate of NYU,” he noted with pride.

As the bereaved father continues to reflect on their time together, Lil Jon finds comfort in the expressions of love shared between them. “We loved Nathan with all of our hearts and are incredibly proud of him,” he concluded in his statement, emphasising the importance of love and appreciation in their final moments together.

Long after the trip to Japan and the fleeting time with Nathan, Lil Jon’s message resonates with many: to treat each encounter as a treasured moment and to hold loved ones close. The rapper’s heartfelt words serve as a reminder of the imperative to cherish family and the lasting impact of shared experiences.