NEED TO KNOW
Lil Jon’s 27-year-old son Nathan Smith, known professionally as DJ Young Slade, has been reported missing in Georgia.
The Milton Police Department issued a missing person report for the “Turn Down for What” rapper’s son via social media on Tuesday, Feb. 3, noting that he was last seen in the area at 6 a.m. the same day “in the vicinity of Baldwin Dr./Mayfield Rd. in Milton.”
“Subject ran out of his house and has been missing since. Subject left on foot and does not possess a phone. He may be disoriented and in need of assistance. Family and friends are concerned for his safety,” read the statement from officials, which urged anyone with information to call 678-297-6300 or send an email to Detective Sarah Moore at sarah.moore@miltonga.gov.
The report describes Nathan as having brown eyes, short black hair, a height of 5’9″ and weight of 150 lbs.
A rep for Lil Jon tells PEOPLE in a statement, “The family is asking for privacy at this time.”
“We are also asking for continued prayers for Nathan to come home safe,” continues the statement. “Thank you.”
Lil Jon, who was born Jonathan Smith, shares Nathan with estranged wife Nicole Smith. The couple married in 2004, and the rapper announced their “amicable split” in February 2024, noting they broke up nearly two years prior.
The “Snap Yo Fingers” rapper also shares daughter Nahara with girlfriend Jamila Sozahdah.
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Nathan is a DJ and musician who performs as DJ Young Slade or just Slade. His latest single, “Feels,” was released in March 2025.
The performer’s most recent Instagram post, a photo of him with manager Lil Will and rapper Bow Wow at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, was shared on Jan. 6.
Last year, Nathan appeared on MTV’s Family Legacy. In an interview with The Quintessential Gentleman around the show, he spoke about growing up with Lil Jon as a father.
“It’s dope to appreciate my dad, show respect, and just look at all the things he’s done, and it’s nice to get the torch passed down and do my own thing,” he said at the time. “Because it’s like it comes from him, but also I’m definitely taking it and making it my own.”
