Lil Jon shared a touching video on Instagram recalling his final father-son trip to Japan with his late son Nathan before his death in February.
Lil Jon shared an emotional video on Instagram this week, prompting people to reflect on what’s truly important in life.
The rapper opened up about his final trip to Japan with his late son, Nathan Smith. Nathan Smith, named DJ Young Slade, died of accidental drowning in February 2026 at the age of 27.
Two years before the tragedy, Nathan asked his father what he wanted for his birthday, and the answer was simple: a trip to Japan.
This father-son experience was memorable for all the right reasons. Together they visit museums, food tours and Michelin-starred sushi restaurants to explore everything the country has to offer.
They watched the forging process of katana swords and actually used them, took anime drawing classes because Nathan is a huge anime fan, and even learned to drift drive on the streets where drift culture originated.
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Lil Jon wrote that the trip was expensive but he didn’t care at all.
“I see how happy this makes him,” Lil Jon wrote in the caption. “He told me it was the most fun he’d ever had on any trip. It feels different now because we know we won’t make those memories again.”
The rapper’s words elicited strong reactions because they captured something that many people take for granted.
“Don’t let your family down,” he wrote. “Don’t say ‘I’ll see them later’ or ‘We can do this later.'” Don’t skip long hugs and don’t skimp on them. Make memories that last as long as possible. “
He continued: “We all think we have time, but we don’t know Allah’s plan. Love your people hard. You never know when the last hug will come.”
The 55-year-old rapper concluded with “Daddy,” a simple gesture that carried the weight of everything he wanted to convey.
Nathan’s body was found in a pond in Georgia on February 6, 2026, three days after he disappeared from his home.
Lil Jon, who also has a daughter, Nahara, born in 2024, with girlfriend Jamila Sozahdah, made his message a reminder that time with loved ones is the only currency that truly matters.
