From Complex · · 50s
Lil Jon Learns to Smile After Son's Death
Lil Jon shares how he overcame grief after his son's accidental death.
In brief
Lil Jon shares how he overcame grief after his son's accidental death. Lil Jon learned to smile again after his son Nathan Smith died by accidental drowning in February 2026. Originally reported by Complex.
Grief After Son's Death
Lil Jon explained how he felt after his son Nathan Smith died by accidental drowning in February 2026.
“Going through my grief, going through my loss of my son, I realized I was just in a very down place.”
Learning to Smile Again
Lil Jon said he had to learn to smile and laugh again after his son's burial.
“I had to learn to smile again and I had to learn to laugh again.”
Tour Breakdown
Lil Jon broke down on his last tour date with Pitbull but needed the energy of fans to heal.
“I needed to be out on the road. I needed to feel all of that energy from all of those people in every city.”
Memoir Release
Lil Jon released his memoir I Only Shout So You Can Hear Me on October 20, 2026, detailing his son's passing.
“Among memories shared with his son, the entertainer recounted giving Smith a final apology shortly before he went missing.”
What matters most
Lil Jon learned to smile again after his son Nathan Smith died by accidental drowning in February 2026.
