Lil Jon is opening up about one of the most painful moments of his life, sharing the final text messages he exchanged with his son, Nathan Smith, before the 27-year-old's tragic death earlier this year.

The Grammy-winning rapper reflects on their last conversation in his upcoming memoir, I Only Shout So You Can Hear Me, set for release on October 20.

Nathan, who pursued a music career under the name DJ Young Slade, died in February after accidentally drowning in a pond near his home in Milton, Georgia.

In the book, Lil Jon recalls how their final exchange centered on Nathan's anxiety, career ambitions and fears about releasing new music.

According to excerpts from the memoir, Nathan had been struggling with anxiety surrounding his music career and how audiences might respond to his work.

During their final text exchange, Lil Jon encouraged his son to push through those fears and pursue his goals.

The rapper explained that his expectations came from wanting Nathan to recognize his potential rather than allowing self-doubt to hold him back.

Nathan responded with a message that would become particularly meaningful following his death.

"I'm going to stop letting fear hold me back," he wrote.

The exchange offered a glimpse into their relationship, with Lil Jon attempting to support his son's ambitions while Nathan expressed a desire to overcome the challenges he was facing.

Following their final conversation, Nathan was reportedly scheduled to attend a therapy appointment that never took place.

Lil Jon learned the following day that his son was missing.

Nathan's body was eventually recovered by divers on February 6, 2026, from a pond near his home in Milton, Georgia, three days after he was initially reported missing.

Authorities later ruled his death an accidental drowning.

Nathan was 27 years old.

The young musician had graduated from New York University and was building his own career in the music industry under the stage name DJ Young Slade.

Following Nathan's death, Lil Jon and Nathan's mother, Nicole Smith, released a statement remembering their son and the impact he had on those around him.

"He was immensely caring, thoughtful, polite, passionate, and warmhearted," Lil Jon said.

"We loved Nathan with all of our hearts and are incredibly proud of him."

The family also described Nathan as an exceptionally talented young man whose passion for music was an important part of his life.

In his upcoming memoir, Lil Jon shares the personal significance of their final messages while reflecting on the relationship they shared.

Beyond the loss of his son, I Only Shout So You Can Hear Me will explore Lil Jon's journey from his early years in Atlanta to becoming one of hip-hop's most recognizable producers and performers.

The 304-page memoir, published by Atria and Black Privilege Publishing, will revisit his role in popularizing crunk music and the career that followed.

It will also examine his evolution as an artist and the experiences that shaped his personal life.

Lil Jon has expressed his intention to honor Nathan's memory through future projects and by carrying forward the lessons from their final conversation.

I Only Shout So You Can Hear Me is scheduled to be released on October 20, 2026.