The music world and a concerned family are awaiting news after Nathan Smith, known professionally as DJ Young Slade and as the son of famed rapper and producer Lil Jon, was reported missing in Milton, Georgia. The Milton Police Department has activated a missing person alert for the 27-year-old, who was last seen in the early hours of Tuesday, February 3, 2026.
Police Alert and Family Concern
According to the official police bulletin, Smith was last observed in the vicinity of Baldwin Drive and Mayfield Road at approximately 6:00 AM on Tuesday. The alert states that he reportedly ran out of his residence and may currently be in a disoriented state, potentially requiring medical or other assistance. Authorities have noted that he does not have a mobile phone with him, complicating efforts to locate him.
Smith is described as being 5 feet 9 inches tall and weighing around 150 pounds. A representative for his father, Lil Jon, confirmed to media outlets that the family is deeply worried about his safety. "Family and friends are concerned for his safety," the representative stated. "The family is asking for privacy at this time. We are also asking for continued prayers for Nathan to come home safe."
A Musical Legacy
Nathan Smith, the son of Lil Jon and Nicole Smith, has long been immersed in the music industry, adopting the stage name Young Slade. His passion for DJing began in childhood, with his father famously enrolling him in the Scratch DJ Academy. Lil Jon previously expressed immense pride, recalling, "When my son graduated from DJ academy I teared-up to see him following in my footsteps."
His career blossomed early; he started DJing at just 11 years old and graduated from the academy by age 12, reportedly being the youngest in his class. Throughout his teenage years, he performed at clubs in Los Angeles and began producing his own music. Lil Jon has often spoken about the innate musical talent in his son, suggesting it was a natural inheritance. "It’s literally in your kid’s genes to do what you do," he remarked in an interview. "It is in their DNA. We pass everything we get and we learn down to our children. So he was destined to be in the music business and do music."
The Milton Police Department continues its investigation into Smith's disappearance, and the public has been urged to come forward with any information that might aid in locating him. The family's appeal for prayers and privacy underscores the gravity of the situation as the search intensifies.
