Drowning, Psilocybin Use Cited in Accidental Death of Lil Jon’s 27-Year-Old Son

Rapper Lil Jon, left, poses with his son, Nathan Smith, following Smith's graduation from New York University in a photo posted to the late producer's social media. Smith, 27, known professionally as DJ Young Slade, was found dead in a Milton, Georgia, retention pond on Feb. 6. The Fulton County Medical Examiner recently ruled his death an accidental drowning in the setting of psilocybin use. (Courtesy of Nathan Smith/Instagram)

The Fulton County Medical Examiner has officially ruled the death of Nathan Smith, the 27-year-old son of hip-hop legend Lil Jon, as an accidental drowning "in the setting of psilocybin use."

Smith, known professionally as DJ Young Slade, was found dead on Feb. 6 in a retention pond at Mayfield Park in Milton, Georgia, following a frantic three-day search. According to the newly released autopsy report, a blood sample taken from Smith tested positive for psilocybin, the active hallucinogenic compound found in magic mushrooms.

The medical examiner officially classified the manner of death as an accident, confirming early statements from the Milton Police Department that there were no signs of foul play. The coroner's report also noted water-immersion wrinkling on Smith's hands, concluding that the drug was present at the time of his death.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by LIL JON (@liljon)

The tragic discovery earlier this month ended a massive multi-agency search that began after Smith ran out of his family's home under "unusual circumstances" on the early morning of Feb. 3. He left on foot and without his phone, prompting authorities to issue an alert that he may be disoriented and in need of assistance.

In a heartbreaking statement released on the day his son's body was recovered, Lil Jon described Nathan as "the kindest human being you would ever meet" and an "amazingly talented young man."

A graduate of New York University, Smith was an accomplished music producer, DJ, and engineer who frequently collaborated with his father. Lil Jon confirmed on social media that his son was laid to rest during a private funeral on Feb. 18, writing, "Life will never be the same without you."

A Massive Day for R&B: New Edition, Luther Vandross Earn First Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Nominations

A collage of artists nominated for the 2026 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, including several legends of hip-hop and R&B. Pictured among this year's nominees are first-time contenders the Wu-Tang Clan (top row, second from left), Lauryn Hill (second row, left), New Edition (second row, third from left), and the late Luther Vandross (bottom row, right), alongside returning nominee Mariah Carey (bottom row, second from left). (Photo courtesy of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame)

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame officially unveiled its 17 performer nominees for the Class of 2026 on Wednesday, delivering a ballot heavily stacked with the architects of 90s hip-hop and the golden era of R&B.

This year's list marks a significant moment for the culture, with the Wu-Tang Clan, Ms. Lauryn Hill, New Edition and the late Luther Vandross all appearing on the ballot for the very first time. They join returning powerhouse nominees Mariah Carey, who is making her third appearance on the ballot, and Sade, who returns for a second time.

The inclusion of the Wu-Tang Clan and Lauryn Hill underscores the Hall's ongoing effort to recognize hip-hop's foundational impact. The Wu-Tang Clan have been hailed as rap innovators since changing the landscape of East Coast rap with their game-changing 1993 debut album, "Enter the Wu-Tang (36 Chambers)". Hill's solo masterpiece, "The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill," made history in 1999 as the first hip-hop album to win the Grammy for album of the year.

Meanwhile, the nomination of Boston-bred pioneers New Edition honors a legacy that essentially created the blueprint for the modern R&B boy band. The group — consisting of Ronnie DeVoe, Bobby Brown, Ricky Bell, Michael Bivins, Ralph Tresvant and Johnny Gill — dominated the charts with classics like "Candy Girl" and "Cool It Now." The nod comes just months after their hometown of Boston officially renamed a Roxbury street "New Edition Way" in their honor.

Vandross, the undisputed king of romantic R&B who sold more than 25 million albums and delivered hits like "Here and Now" before his death in 2005, also earned a long-overdue first nomination.

"This diverse list of talented nominees recognizes the ever-evolving faces and sounds of Rock & Roll and its continued impact on youth culture," John Sykes, chairman of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, said in a statement on Wednesday.

To capture the full scope of the 2026 class, the ballot also features a wide array of pop, rock, and metal legends. The remaining nominees vying for induction include Phil Collins, INXS, Iron Maiden, Shakira, Melissa Etheridge, Jeff Buckley, P!nk, The Black Crowes, Oasis, Joy Division/New Order, and Billy Idol. Of that group, Collins, Shakira, P!nk, Etheridge, INXS, and the late Buckley are also making their first appearance as nominees on the ballot.

The official Class of 2026 will be determined by an international voting body of over 1,200 artists, historians, and industry professionals, as well as a fan vote that is currently open on the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame website. The final inductees will be announced in April, with the induction ceremony scheduled for this fall.

Wu-Tang Clan Visionary Oliver ‘Power’ Grant Dead at 52

Oliver "Power" Grant, the visionary business architect who helped fund the Wu-Tang Clan and founded the pioneering hip-hop brand Wu Wear, died Monday at the age of 52. Grant was instrumental in launching the Staten Island group's global empire and bridging the gap between rap and streetwear. (Photo courtesy of Wu Wear / File)

The hip-hop community is mourning the loss of Oliver "Power" Grant, the visionary business architect behind the Wu-Tang Clan, who passed away on Monday, Feb. 23, at the age of 52. His death was announced by the group on Tuesday. An official cause of death has not been disclosed.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Method Man (@methodmanofficial)

Grant, a childhood friend of RZA, was instrumental in funding and marketing the group's earliest legendary releases, including the breakthrough tracks "Protect Ya Neck" and "Method Man". Beyond music, Grant pioneered the merger of hip-hop and fashion by creating Wu Wear, widely recognized as one of the culture's first highly lucrative, artist-owned streetwear brands.

Tributes immediately poured in from the Clan. Method Man shared a heartfelt photo of the two on Instagram, writing, "Paradise my Brother safe Travels!! ... Bruh I am not ok". Raekwon also expressed his grief, posting, "POWER we been everywhere …. now you everywhere!"