Nathan Carves His Own Path in Music (Image Credits: Hollywoodlife.com)
Rapper and producer Lil Jon maintains a close connection with his two children amid a career defined by high-energy anthems.
Nathan Carves His Own Path in Music
Nathan Smith, known professionally as DJ Young Slade, discovered his passion for DJing at age 11 after accompanying his father to an afterparty.[1][2]
Born on April 30, 1998, in Decatur, Georgia, he later moved to California as a preteen and pursued formal training at New York University’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music.[1]
He graduated in May 2020, reflecting on Instagram about the challenges and growth during his studies. Nathan released his latest single, “Feels,” in March 2025 and collaborated with artists like Ice Cube.[1]
Lil Jon recalled his son’s early interest in music during a 2017 interview with Paste magazine. “I remember changing his diapers, he couldn’t even talk yet, couldn’t walk yet, crawling around and coming in the back when I’m making music and hitting on the drum pads, and now he’s producing his own music in the Clive Davis program at NYU,” the rapper said.[2]
Nathan himself acknowledged his father’s influence in a March 2025 interview with The Quintessential Gentleman. “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 stated.[1][2]
The Arrival of Nahara
Lil Jon welcomed his daughter Nahara in November 2024 with girlfriend Jamila Sozahdah, marking a new chapter nearly 26 years after Nathan’s birth.[1]
The family celebrated her first birthday in November 2025 with a lavish gathering, sharing photos on Instagram in matching purple outfits. Lil Jon captioned the post: “This Thanksgiving, our hearts are full – and so is the love. Happy 1 year birthday to our baby girl, Nahara. A lifetime of blessings ahead.”[2][1]
Nahara represents fresh motivation for Lil Jon, who discussed his health journey in an October 2025 Breakfast Club Power appearance. He emphasized wanting to witness her milestones, from her first day of school to high school graduation.[1]
Recent Concerns Grip the Family
Milton Police in Georgia reported Nathan missing on February 3, 2026, after he left his home on Baldwin Drive on foot around 6 a.m. without his cellphone.[2][1]
Authorities described him as possibly disoriented and in need of assistance, urging anyone with information to contact them at 678-297-6300 or sarah.moore@miltonga.gov.[1]
A representative for Lil Jon shared a statement expressing concern. The family requested privacy and continued prayers for Nathan’s safe return.[1]
Prior to this, Nathan appeared alongside family on MTV’s Family Legacy in March 2025 and ABC’s Celebrity Family Feud later that year.[1]
Key Takeaways
- Nathan Smith, aka DJ Young Slade, born 1998, followed Lil Jon into music with NYU training and collaborations.
- Nahara, born November 2024, celebrated her first birthday amid family joy.
- The family faces uncertainty with Nathan’s disappearance reported February 3, 2026, in Georgia.
Lil Jon’s journey as a father highlights the blend of professional triumphs and personal trials, underscoring the enduring bonds that define his life beyond the stage. What are your thoughts on celebrity family stories like this? Share in the comments.
