Rapper Lil Jon’s son reported missing in Georgia

Nathan Smith, 27, who goes by the name DJ Young Slade, was last seen in Milton around 6 a.m. Tuesday.

DJ Young Slade at Wednesday Wind Down in the Point at Downtown Commons in East Point, Ga., on May 28.Julia Beverly / Getty Images file 

Rapper Lil Jon’s adult son was reported missing after he was last seen leaving his Georgia home on Tuesday.

Nathan Smith, 27, who goes by the name DJ Young Slade, was last seen near Baldwin Drive and Mayfield Road in Milton around 6 a.m. on Tuesday. Police said in a bulletin that he “ran out of his house and has been missing since.” He left on foot and did not have a cellphone with him, the bulletin states.

Police said he may be disoriented and in need of assistance, and his family and friends are concerned for his safety.

Lil Jon’s publicist told NBC affiliate WXIA of Atlanta that the “family is asking for privacy at this time.”

“We are also asking for continued prayers for Nathan to come home safe,” the publicist said.

The disappearance of Nathan Smith, the 27-year-old son of rapper and producer Lil Jon, continues to unfold in Milton, Georgia, with a new piece of evidence emerging in the investigation. Smith, who performs under the stage name DJ Young Slade, was reported missing on February 3, 2026, after reportedly running out of his home on Baldwin Drive around 6:00 a.m. that morning. He left on foot without his phone, prompting immediate concern from family and authorities who described him as potentially disoriented and in need of assistance.

The Milton Police Department swiftly issued a public alert, sharing details of Smith’s physical description—approximately 5 feet 9 inches tall, 150 pounds, with brown eyes and short black hair—and urging residents to review any nearby security footage, particularly around areas like Mayfield Park and Mayfield Lake. The case quickly gained attention due to Smith’s family ties to Lil Jon, the Atlanta crunk music icon known for tracks such as “Get Low” and “Yeah!” Lil Jon and his family requested privacy while appealing for prayers and information to help bring their son home safely. In statements relayed through media, the family emphasized, “Come home safe,” highlighting the emotional strain of the situation.

Previous developments included confirmation of CCTV footage from a local gas station capturing Smith walking alone at 9:42 PM on what appears to be the evening of February 2 (into early February 3). This sighting, hours before his reported departure from home, has served as a critical timeline anchor for investigators, helping to map his movements and potentially identify patterns or interactions.

Latest Breakthrough: Discovery of a Backpack

In a significant new update, investigators have located a backpack believed to belong to Nathan Smith. The item was found approximately 2.1 miles from the area where he was last seen—near Baldwin Drive and Mayfield Road. While specific details about the exact location of the recovery have not been publicly disclosed, the distance suggests it was discovered within a searchable radius of his home and the initial sighting zones, possibly along routes he may have taken on foot.

The backpack has been officially logged as evidence by the Milton Police Department. Authorities have not released information about its contents, likely to protect the integrity of the ongoing investigation and avoid speculation. The discovery marks an important physical lead in a case where Smith left without his phone or other traceable items, limiting digital tracking options. Items like clothing, personal belongings, or a backpack can provide forensic clues—such as fingerprints, DNA, or signs of environmental exposure—that help reconstruct events.

This development shifts focus for search teams and detectives. The proximity to the last known location rules out certain long-distance travel scenarios in the immediate hours after his departure and may indicate where Smith was headed or what circumstances led to him leaving it behind. Police continue to encourage tips from the public, including any sightings or additional footage from homes, businesses, or dashcams in the vicinity.

Broader Context and Challenges

Smith’s sudden exit from home without communication devices raises questions about his state of mind or possible external factors. No public evidence has suggested foul play, but the unusual circumstances—leaving abruptly and without essentials—have fueled community concern and widespread media coverage from outlets like People, Billboard, 11Alive, and local Georgia news sources.

As DJ Young Slade, Smith has pursued a career in music, building on his father’s legacy with his own productions and performances. The family’s public appeals have underscored the personal toll, with Lil Jon and relatives asking supporters to prioritize helpful information over rumors.

The investigation remains active, with the Milton Police Department continuing to coordinate searches and follow leads. Anyone with potential information is urged to contact Detective Sarah Moore or the department’s non-emergency line at 678-297-6300 (option 1). The backpack’s recovery represents tangible progress in a case that relies heavily on community cooperation and surveillance evidence.

As details emerge, the hope remains that these clues will lead authorities directly to Nathan Smith and facilitate his safe return. The situation serves as a reminder of the difficulties in missing persons cases involving adults who leave voluntarily or under duress without traceable means, and the vital role that small discoveries—like a recovered item—can play in resolving them.