Lil Jon's Wife & Split: What To Know About Nicole Smith & DJ Young Slade

Connie Heaney 22 May 2025

Has the King of Crunk found himself in a moment of quiet reflection, as the beat of his personal life shifts tempo? The recent announcement of Lil Jon and Nicole Smith's separation, after almost two decades of marriage, has sent ripples through the music industry and beyond.

For nearly twenty years, the name Lil Jon has been synonymous with high-energy anthems and electrifying performances. From the pulsating bass of "Get Low" to the infectious call-and-response of "Yeah!" he's been a driving force in the evolution of hip-hop and crunk music. However, while his public persona thrives on volume and exuberance, his private life, particularly his marriage to Nicole Smith, has largely been kept out of the spotlight. Now, the news has surfaced that their relationship has evolved, the pair deciding to go their separate ways. This development has caused many to look more closely at the woman who stood beside one of music's most dynamic personalities.

Here's a detailed look at the life and times of Lil Jon and Nicole Smith:

Attribute	Details
Full Name	Nicole Smith (ne Unknown)
Known For	Wife of Lil Jon, Private life.
Birthdate	Unknown
Birthplace	Unknown
Marital Status	Separated
Spouse	Lil Jon (Jonathan Smith)
Marriage Date	November 2004
Children	Nathan Smith (DJ Young Slade)
Residence	Unknown
Education	Unknown
Career	Maintained a low profile, details are private.
Associated With	Lil Jon, DJ Young Slade
Notable Aspects	Married in a private ceremony in Puerto Rico. Has a son, Nathan, who is a DJ. Maintained a private life despite her husband's fame.
Reference	People Magazine

The couples wedding, which took place in November 2004, was a smaller affair held at the Wyndham El Conquistador Resort and Golden Door Spa in Fajardo, near San Juan, Puerto Rico. The ceremony, attended by approximately 80 guests, included notable figures like Usher and Snoop Dogg among the attendees. Nicole wore a dress by Monique Lhuillier, while Lil Jon sported a white tuxedo. The wedding was a testament to their desire for privacy, a theme that has continued throughout much of their relationship.

The news of their separation, which was revealed in early 2024, came as a surprise to many. A representative confirmed the news to People magazine, stating that "nearly two years ago, Lil Jon and his wife Nicole decided to separate." The statement also emphasized that it was an "amicable split" and that while Lil Jon is a public figure, his family matters would remain private. This statement reflects the couple's long-standing commitment to shielding their personal lives from the glare of the media. This is consistent with the pattern of the music industry titan, who has successfully built a public career while keeping many details of his family life out of the public eye. In doing so, Nicole's identity was shielded from the scrutiny that often comes with the spotlight.

The couple shares a son, Nathan, born in 1998, who has followed in his father's footsteps to some extent, entering the music industry as a DJ under the stage name DJ Young Slade. This connection between father and son, both in music, illustrates a family that seems to value the arts, with Nathan reportedly being around six years old during the time that Lil Jon and Nicole Smith married. Lil Jon has spoken of a close relationship with both Nicole and their son, even amidst the demands of his career.

Lil Jon, whose real name is Jonathan Smith, has built a career that has spanned decades. He began as a DJ in Atlanta, and became the frontman of Lil Jon & The East Side Boyz before embarking on a successful solo career. His distinctive style, characterized by his raspy vocals, ad-libs, and the popularization of the "crunk" sound, has earned him a place in music history. He made his fortune with albums like "Put Yo Hood Up," "Kings of Crunk," and "Crunk Juice." The news of their split brought attention to Nicole, as before, she lived a relatively private life.

The news of the separation brought increased attention to Nicole Smith, a woman who had largely stayed out of the public eye despite her husband's fame. Prior to the announcement, she maintained a low profile, and her life was largely shielded from the media scrutiny that often accompanies celebrity relationships. The separation marks a shift in their individual lives, but it also brings attention to Nicole, who lived a private life prior to this event.

This amicable separation allows both parties to move forward, preserving the privacy of their family. The couple's decision to keep their family matters private is a testament to their mutual respect and dedication to their son. Lil Jon continues his journey as a DJ, record producer, and actor. With his work ethic, he is continuing his career in music and other creative ventures. Despite the changes in his personal life, his professional life remains as dynamic as ever.

The announcement of their separation brought attention to Nicole, who has always maintained a degree of privacy. The decision to separate, made nearly two years before the official announcement, signifies a carefully considered decision. This is a stark contrast to the image of Lil Jon's high-energy stage presence. The split illustrates that even public figures value their privacy, especially when family is involved. This commitment to privacy offers a peek behind the curtain of celebrity relationships and highlights the importance of personal space.

It is important to note that the media also sometimes covers people connected to Lil Jon, such as Anitra. Anitra, is married to Adam Bret since 2013, and the pair have one son. Bret is a producer who has worked on shows starring his wife, such as "Mega dens" and "Lil Jon wants to do what?".

Ultimately, the story of Lil Jon and Nicole Smith's separation is a reminder that even within the vibrant world of music and celebrity, the basic human desire for privacy and personal growth prevails. The news of the split, although public, is handled with grace and a clear respect for their son. As Lil Jon continues to create music and expand his career, he does so with the backdrop of a personal life that, while evolving, remains guided by principles of respect and privacy.