DJ Young Slade, son of Atlanta rapper Lil Jon, reported missing in Milton

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DJ Young Slade (Source: Milton Police Department)

The Brief

DJ Young Slade, son of Lil Jon, reported missing in Milton
Police say he left home on foot without a phone and may be disoriented

Authorities ask anyone with information to contact Milton police

MILTON, Ga. – Atlanta rapper Lil Jon’s son has been reported missing in Georgia, according to local police and a member of the son’s management team.

What we know:

The Milton Police Department issued a missing persons alert around 4 p.m. Tuesday for 27-year-old Nathan Murray Smith, who performs under the name DJ Young Slade. Police say Smith ran out of his home around 6 a.m. and has not been seen since.

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DJ Young Slade attends Wednesday Wind Down In The Point at Downtown Commons on May 28, 2025 in East Point, Georgia. (Photo by Julia Beverly/Getty Images)

Authorities say Smith did not have his phone with him and may be disoriented or in need of assistance. Police stressed there is no threat to the public, but family and friends are concerned for his safety.

Earlier in the day, the police department notified the community of “police activity” in the Mayfield Park area. At the time, they only said it was part of an “active police matter.”

Smith is described as 5-feet-9 inches tall and weighing about 150 pounds.

The backstory:

DJ Young Slade has been building his own career in music, following in the footsteps of his father, Lil Jon, a Grammy-winning artist who helped define Atlanta’s crunk sound and rise in the early 2000s.

Lil Jon joined FOX 5 Atlanta’s Good Day Atlanta in March 2025 to talk about MTV’s reality series”Family Legacy.”

The popular docuseries ”Family Legacy” is back with more stories from the kids of some of the most influential musicians and bands. DJ Slade, the son of Lil Jon, has made quite a name for himself in the music industry, and he sat down with Alyse Eady to talk about being featured in the series.

TMZ reports it has reached out to Lil Jon for comment but has not yet heard back.

The disappearance of Nathan Smith, the 27-year-old son of renowned rapper and producer Lil Jon, remains a developing story in Milton, Georgia. 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 departed on foot without his phone, leading authorities from the Milton Police Department to describe him as potentially disoriented and in need of assistance.

Early alerts from the Milton Police Department highlighted the abrupt nature of his exit, urging the public to check home security systems, business cameras, and other sources around key areas like Mayfield Park and Mayfield Lake. Smith’s physical description—5 feet 9 inches tall, approximately 150 pounds, brown eyes, and short black hair—was widely circulated to aid in identification.

The case drew immediate national interest due to Lil Jon’s prominence in the music industry, particularly for pioneering crunk music with hits including “Get Low,” “Snap Yo Fingers,” and “Turn Down for What.” Lil Jon and his family issued statements requesting privacy while pleading for prayers and any information that could lead to Smith’s safe return. A representative conveyed the family’s message: “Come home safe,” reflecting the deep concern felt by loved ones.

Timeline of Key Developments

Investigators have pieced together a clearer picture of Smith’s movements leading up to his disappearance. CCTV footage from a local gas station confirmed Smith walking alone at 9:42 PM—likely on the evening of February 2 into the early hours of February 3. This footage, treated as a pivotal reference point, established that Smith was mobile and visible in the community several hours before his reported departure from home, helping authorities narrow timelines and search zones.

A subsequent breakthrough came with the recovery of a backpack believed to belong to Smith, located approximately 2.1 miles from the area where he was last seen (near Baldwin Drive and Mayfield Road). The item has been logged into evidence, though details about its contents remain undisclosed to preserve investigative integrity. The backpack’s discovery provides a tangible physical clue in a case otherwise limited by the absence of Smith’s phone or other digital traces.

New Witness Account: Final Verified Contact

In the latest update, police have revealed details from the final known witness who interacted with Nathan Smith around 8:55 PM (presumably on February 2). According to authorities, the witness described Smith as appearing calm and unhurried during their brief exchange. This statement now serves as the last verified human contact in the investigation, anchoring the timeline prior to the 9:42 PM gas station sighting and the eventual early-morning exit from home.

The witness’s description of Smith’s demeanor—calm and composed rather than agitated—offers valuable insight into his state of mind during the evening hours. It contrasts with later concerns about possible disorientation and may help investigators assess whether his departure stemmed from an acute episode, voluntary action, or other factors. This account has become a cornerstone for reconstructing events, guiding interview follow-ups, and evaluating potential routes or encounters after 8:55 PM.

Ongoing Investigation and Public Appeal

No evidence of foul play has been publicly confirmed, and the case continues to focus on locating Smith safely. The combination of surveillance footage, the recovered backpack, and the witness statement provides investigators with multiple points to cross-reference. Searches have emphasized the surrounding Milton area, including parks, lakes, and roadways, though challenges persist due to Smith’s lack of phone and the possibility of disorientation.

The Milton Police Department continues to urge community members with any information—particularly additional footage, sightings, or details from the evening of February 2—to come forward. Tips can be directed to Detective Sarah Moore or the department’s non-emergency line at 678-297-6300 (option 1).

Smith’s background as DJ Young Slade has added a layer of visibility to the case. Having built a career in music production and performance, he carries forward elements of his father’s influential legacy in Atlanta’s hip-hop scene. Family appeals have emphasized support over speculation, highlighting the personal impact on relatives and friends.

Missing persons cases involving adults who leave without communication devices often rely heavily on community cooperation, physical evidence, and witness recollections. The 8:55 PM interaction stands out as a critical human element in an otherwise tech-limited inquiry. As the investigation progresses, authorities and loved ones maintain hope that these accumulating details will lead to Nathan Smith’s safe return.

The situation underscores broader challenges in such cases: the importance of timely reporting, the value of everyday surveillance, and the power of small observations—like a witness noting someone’s calm demeanor—to shift investigative focus. For now, the priority remains clear—bringing Nathan Smith home safely.