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.

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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.

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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!"

Trump Campaign Settles With Isaac Hayes Estate Over Unauthorized Use of Soul Classic 'Hold On, I’m Comin’'

Soul icon Isaac Hayes, pictured in his signature gold chains and sunglasses, co-wrote the 1966 hit "Hold On, I'm Comin'". His estate recently reached a private settlement with Donald Trump over the unauthorized use of the track at campaign rallies, successfully defending the late musician's intellectual property and cultural contributions. (Photo by Fred Valentine/Hot Buttered Soul Records)

The Estate of legendary singer Isaac Hayes has officially reached a private settlement with Donald Trump, ending a high-profile copyright lawsuit over the unauthorized use of the 1966 soul classic "Hold On, I'm Comin'" at campaign rallies.

A joint stipulation of dismissal with prejudice was filed in federal court over the weekend, confirming the case has been mutually resolved and cannot be refiled. While the financial terms of the deal were not publicly disclosed, the estate had previously sought $3 million in unpaid licensing fees after accusing the campaign of playing the track at least 133 times without permission.

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Isaac Hayes III, President and CEO of Isaac Hayes Enterprises, took to social media on Monday to announce the resolution, emphasizing that the outcome was about far more than just a legal conclusion.

"This resolution represents more than the conclusion of a legal matter," Hayes III wrote in his statement. "It reaffirms the importance of protecting intellectual property rights and copyrights, especially as they relate to legacy, ownership, and the responsible use of creative works."

He continued, adding that his father "dedicated his life to his craft, and his contributions to music and culture carry enduring value. As stewards of his legacy, we remain committed to ensuring that his work is respected and properly protected."

The legal battle began in 2024 after the estate repeatedly objected to the Trump campaign using the hit song — which was co-written by Hayes and David Porter and popularized by the R&B duo Sam & Dave. After the campaign allegedly ignored multiple copyright infringement notifications, the estate successfully had the track removed from the campaign's blanket BMI political license and secured a federal injunction blocking its future use.

\Hayes III expressed gratitude to his legal team, including James L. Walker Jr., Brittney R. Dobbins, and copyright administrator Liz Garner, for their strategic guidance in holding the campaign accountable.

"Protecting ownership is not only about the past, it is about preserving dignity, value, and accountability for future generations," Hayes III stated.

The Isaac Hayes Estate is one of several musical acts who have taken legal action or publicly objected to the unauthorized use of their music at Trump rallies, joining artists like Eddy Grant, The White Stripes, Beyoncé and Celine Dion.

'Bodypartz' Rapper Luci4 Found Dead in Los Angeles; LAPD Probes for Possible Foul Play

Rapper James Dear, known professionally as Luci4 or Axxturel, pioneered the internet microgenre "sigilkore" before achieving mainstream success with his viral hit "BodyPartz." Dear died on Sunday, Feb. 22, at a residence in Los Angeles at the age of 23. Following the artist's passing, his manager, Kayla G, praised the late musician as a "leader, a king, and a musician and a genius" while authorities launched an investigation into the suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. (Photo/Luci4 via Instagram)

The underground music community is in mourning following the death of James Dear, the 23-year-old
pioneer of the "sigilkore" genre better known by his stage names Luci4 and Axxturel. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner confirmed that Dear died on Sunday, Feb. 22, at a friend’s residence in Los Angeles, though an official cause of death remains pending.

His manager, Kayla G., broke the news in a series of emotional statements shared via TikTok and Instagram on Monday. Devastated by the loss, she described Dear as more than just a client, but a singular talent who fundamentally shifted the culture.

@kaykoree

♬ original sound - random_stuff

"I am devastated to inform you that today, James, Luci4, Axxturel has passed away," Kayla G. wrote. "He was truly a leader, a king, and a musician and a genius. There's nobody like him and there will never be. We all loved him dearly". She concluded the note by asking for "privacy and patience" for his family and friends during the difficult period.

While first responders were originally called to the scene for a medical emergency at 11:40 a.m. on Sunday, the circumstances of his final hours have drawn deep scrutiny from his family. Dear’s grandparents spoke to TMZ, expressing suspicion after finding the rapper’s wallet completely empty at the scene. They noted recent "changes in the people around him" as his fame grew, prompting them to issue warnings about certain associates prior to the tragedy.

Born Aug. 2, 2002, in Los Angeles, Dear became a digital-era phenomenon by blending experimental trap production with an occult-inspired aesthetic. His career reached a mainstream tipping point in 2021 when his track "BodyPartz" became a massive viral sensation on TikTok, eventually leading to a recording contract with Atlantic Records and a gold certification from the RIAA.

As the Los Angeles Police Department probes the possibility of foul play, fans have flooded his final social media posts with tributes, citing his unique "sigilkore" sound as a blueprint for a new generation of underground artists. Toxicology and autopsy results are expected in the coming weeks.

T.I. Releases 'Right One,' Second 50 Cent Diss Track, Following Weekend of Social Media Warfare

T.I. wears a tactical mask for the cover of his diss record, "War," in an undated promotional image. While "War" hit social media late Sunday, Feb. 22, the Atlanta rapper followed up today with a second exclusive radio premiere titled "Right One" following a personal dispute with 50 Cent. (Photo/Grand Hustle Records).

The "Verzuz" dispute between T.I. and 50 Cent has officially escalated from social media trolling into a full-blown musical feud. Wasting no time after releasing his initial response over the weekend, T.I. delivered a second, full-length diss track titled "Right One" directly to Atlanta radio on Monday.

Bypassing streaming platforms for a traditional, mid-2000s radio drop, the new track premiered exclusively on Hot 107.9 during "Posted On The Corner" with Incognito and DJ Misses. The back-to-back release signals that the Grand Hustle general is treating this conflict like a genuine mixtape war. Following the debut, DJ Misses weighed in on the escalating tension, making it clear that this moment is for hip-hop purists.

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"If you don't know Hip-Hop, if you don't live Hip-Hop, rap music, trap music, stay out the conversation," she stated on-air.

The conflict stems from what T.I. describes as a broken "Verzuz" agreement. According to the Atlanta rapper, the two veterans previously agreed to a hit-for-hit battle while conducting business together on the West Coast, long before the internet memes began.

"Me and this n*gga talked about this bruh. This didn't just come out of the blue," T.I. explained regarding the origins of the feud. "We were moving around in LA man selling some TV shows, and I asked him what he thinks about that Verzuz battle. He said alright cool. I told him ima jump out there first, and then you jump, and we'll line it up. He said alright, and once I jumped out there, this n*gga wanna act like he don't know what the f*ck going on."

Historically preferring psychological warfare over traditional rap battles, 50 Cent opted to retaliate online. The Queens mogul bypassed the vocal booth and posted an unflattering photo of T.I.’s wife, Xscape legend Tameka "Tiny" Harris, to his social media.

The disrespect prompted T.I.'s 21-year-old son, King Harris, to fiercely defend his mother. King ultimately escalated the situation into highly sensitive territory, telling 50 Cent to "dig up yo mama" and posting a photo of a tombstone in a direct, controversial reference to 50's late mother, Sabrina Jackson.

Refusing to leave the conflict in the comment sections, T.I. hit the studio. Over the weekend, he released his first direct response, a menacing track titled "War," before following it up with Monday's radio-exclusive delivery.

B2K and Bow Wow Celebrate 25 Years With New Albums and a Joint 2026 Tour

R&B quartet B2K and rapper Bow Wow co-headline the 2026 Boys 4 Life reunion tour, marking their 25th anniversaries in the music industry. The arena trek features a stacked supporting roster of 2000s hitmakers including Jeremih, Waka Flocka Flame, Amerie, and special guests Pretty Ricky. (Photo: Black Promoters Collective/313 Presents)

Some of the defining voices of early 2000s R&B and hip-hop are officially hitting the road again. Celebrating their respective 25th anniversaries, B2K and Bow Wow have announced a 28-city reunion trek dubbed the "Boys 4 Life" tour.

Produced by the Black Promoters Collective, the tour marks a full-circle milestone, arriving more than two decades after the acts first shared a national arena stage during the 2002 "Scream Tour II." The run kicks off Feb. 12 at the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, South Carolina, and will hit major markets across the country before wrapping up April 19 in Hampton, Virginia.

For fans, the announcement solidifies the highly anticipated reconciliation of all four original B2K members: Omarion, Raz-B, J-Boog, and Lil Fizz. The group formally ignited comeback rumors earlier this year with a surprise, viral reunion performance at the 2025 BET Awards.

"There was a certain level of authenticity that we all had," Omarion stated regarding the reunion. "So in a way, we're completing it."

To coincide with the tour, both B2K and Bow Wow are slated to release new albums this February via BPC Music Group, marking their official return to recording at full scale. For B2K, the project will serve as their first joint ablum release since their multi-platinum 2002 effort, "Pandemonium!"

Bow Wow, whose acting credits include the 2002 "movie" "Like Mike" and the 2010 "movie" "Lottery Ticket," is also celebrating a quarter-century in the industry. The 38-year-old rapper recently received a major nod at the Breezy Bowl, where Chris Brown brought him onstage and credited him with starting the modern era of popular music.

"With my 25-year anniversary in the music industry, I'm excited to finally bring this tour to life and give the fans what they've been waiting for," Bow Wow shared.

The "Boys 4 Life" tour essentially operates as a traveling turn-of-the-millennium festival. The stacked supporting lineup features a heavy roster of 2000s hitmakers, including Jeremih, Waka Flocka Flame, Amerie, Yung Joc, Crime Mob, Dem Franchize Boyz, and special guests Pretty Ricky, who are concurrently celebrating their own 20-year anniversary.

"Boys 4 Life Tour" 2026 Dates

February

• Feb. 12 | Columbia, SC | Colonial Life Arena
• Feb. 13 | Atlanta, GA | State Farm Arena
• Feb. 14 | Birmingham, AL | Legacy Arena at BJCC
• Feb. 20 | Cincinnati, OH | Heritage Bank Center
• Feb. 21 | Memphis, TN | FedExForum
• Feb. 22 | St. Louis, MO | Chaifetz Arena

March

• March 5 | Chicago, IL | United Center
• March 6 | Louisville, KY | KFC Yum! Center
• March 7 | Charlotte, NC | Spectrum Center
• March 8 | Washington, D.C. | Capital One Arena
• March 12 | Houston, TX | Toyota Center
• March 13 | New Orleans, LA | Smoothie King Center
• March 14 | Fort Worth, TX | Dickies Arena
• March 20 | Oakland, CA | Oakland Arena
• March 21 | Las Vegas, NV | Michelob ULTRA Arena
• March 22 | Los Angeles, CA | Kia Forum
• March 27 | Philadelphia, PA | Liacouras Center
• March 28 | Brooklyn, NY | Barclays Center
• March 29 | Baltimore, MD | CFG Bank Arena

April

• April 2 | Milwaukee, WI | Fiserv Forum
• April 3 | Detroit, MI | Little Caesars Arena
• April 4 | Pittsburgh, PA | Petersen Events Center
• April 5 | Newark, NJ | Prudential Center
• April 11 | Sunrise, FL | Amerant Bank Arena
• April 12 | Tampa, FL | Benchmark International Arena
• April 17 | Cleveland, OH | Wolstein Center
• April 18 | Greensboro, NC | First Horizon Coliseum
• April 19 | Hampton, VA | Hampton Coliseum

Goodbye Corporate Jay Z, Hello Jaÿ-Z: The Return of a 1996 Hip-Hop Hallmark

A 1996 promotional flyer for JAŸ-Z's debut "music album," "Reasonable Doubt," displays the original typography of his stage name, complete with the signature umlaut and hyphen. The Brooklyn artist recently reverted to this classic spelling on major streaming platforms ahead of the project's 30th anniversary. (Photo: Jon Mannion/Roc-A-Fella Records)

A subtle typographical shift across digital streaming platforms signaled a massive historical callback this week for one of hip-hop's definitive figures.

Shawn "Jay-Z " Carter has officially restored the original spelling of his stage name, reappearing on platforms like Spotify and Apple Music as JAŸ-Z. The change brings back the hyphen and the distinctive umlaut over the Y, a stylistic hallmark that defined his aesthetic during the rollout of his 1996 debut "music album," "Reasonable Doubt."

With that project approaching its 30th anniversary this year, the rebranding operates as a calculated nod to his Roc-A-Fella origins. When the Brooklyn native first emerged in the mid-1990s, the JAŸ-Z styling was stamped across vinyl pressing labels, CD booklets, and promotional street flyers. As his career expanded into a billion-dollar enterprise spanning sports management, fashion, and spirits, the typography was gradually streamlined for broader commercial consumption.

By the time he released his 2013 "music album," "Magna Carta Holy Grail," the hyphen was gone entirely, leaving the sterilized and corporate-friendly JAY Z.

He famously reinstated the hyphen in 2017 for the release of the critically acclaimed "music album," "4:44," but the umlaut remained locked in the 1990s vault. Reclaiming the complete 1996 spelling removes the executive polish of his later years and recenters his legacy on the gritty, independent rap origins that built his foundation.

The move arrived quietly, without a formal press release or bloated marketing rollout, allowing the updated digital metadata to do the heavy lifting. For purists who study the genre's defining eras, the return of the two dots over the Y signifies more than a metadata update. It marks an acknowledgment of the raw, foundational era that launched an empire, arriving just in time for the record that started it all to turn 30.