The music world is holding its breath as Nathan Smith, the 27-year-old DJ son of hip-hop legend Lil Jon, has disappeared under mysterious circumstances in Georgia, leaving his family pleading for privacy and prayers.
In a chilling development, the Milton Police Department issued an urgent missing person alert on Tuesday, revealing that Smith—known professionally as DJ Young Slade—was last seen in the Baldwin Dr./Mayfield Rd. area of Milton. Authorities report he left his home on foot around 6 a.m. on February 3 without his phone, sparking fears he may be disoriented and in need of immediate assistance.
A representative for Lil Jon broke the family's silence in an emotional statement to TheEntBase, saying, "We are asking for privacy during this incredibly difficult time and continued prayers for Nathan to come home safe. Thank you." The statement underscores the deep concern gripping the family as search efforts intensify.
Lil Jon, Nicole Smith, and DJ Young Slade in 2019. Steven Ferdman/Getty
The disappearance comes amid a period of personal transition for the family. Lil Jon, born Jonathan Smith, shares Nathan with his estranged wife Nicole Smith; the couple married in 2004, separated in 2022, and announced their "amicable split" publicly in February 2024. Lil Jon, famed for hits like "Snap Yo Fingers" and "Turn Down for What," also has a daughter, Nahara, with girlfriend Jamila Sozahdah.
Nathan Smith has been forging his own legacy in the music industry, following in his father's footsteps. He released his latest single "Feels" in March 2025 and has performed on platforms like BET's Looped In Live and MTV's Family Legacy. In a 2025 interview with The Quintessential Gentleman, he reflected on his journey, saying, "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."
Lil Jon and DJ Young Slade in 2016. Chance Yeh/Getty
Lil Jon once highlighted Nathan's prodigious talent in a 2023 interview with The Big Podcast, noting he started DJing at age 11, graduated from Scratch DJ Academy by 12, and was performing in Los Angeles clubs as a teen. "It's literally in your kid's genes to do what you do," Lil Jon said. "We pass everything we get and we learn down to our children. So he was destined to be in the music business."
As the search continues, authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward. Contact the Milton Police Department at 678-297-6300 or email Detective Sarah Moore at sarah.moore@miltonga.gov. The community and fans worldwide are rallying with hopes for a safe return.
