Lil Jon's Kids: What to Know About His Son Nathan and Daughter Nahara
Lil Jon's Kids: What to Know About His Son Nathan and Daughter Nahara
Jordana ComiterWed, February 4, 2026 at 9:17 PM UTC
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Lil Jon and Nathan Smith attend the Pencils of Promise 10th Anniversary Gala on Oct. 24, 2018, in New York City.
Kevin Mazur/Getty
Lil Jon, born Jonathan Smith, is a father to his son Nathan and daughter Nahara
Nathan, who is widely known as DJ Young Slade or just Slade, has followed in his dad's footsteps in the music industry
On Feb. 3, the Milton Police Department issued a missing person report for Nathan in Georgia
Lil Jon is a father of two.
The rapper became a father in 1998 when he welcomed his first child, son Nathan Smith, with his estranged wife Nicole Smith. Over two decades later, Lil Jon, who was born Jonathan Smith, welcomed daughter Nahara in 2024 with his girlfriend, Jamila Sozahdah.
Nathan has followed in his father's footsteps as a DJ and musician, performing as DJ Young Slade or just Slade. In a March 2025 interview with The Quintessential Gentleman, Nathan spoke about being part of his father's legacy but also working to build his own career.
"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 told the outlet. "Because it’s like it comes from him, but also I’m definitely taking it and making it my own."
More recently, the Milton Police Department issued a missing person report for Nathan via social media on Feb. 3. A rep for Lil Jon told PEOPLE in a statement that their family is "asking for privacy at this time," as well as "continued prayers for Nathan to come home safe."
Here's everything to know about Lil Jon's children, Nathan and Nahara.
Nathan and Nahara were born nearly two decades apart
Lil Jon and his son on the set of DJ Drama's "Daydreamin" Video Shoot on Feb. 4, 2009, in Los Angeles.
Chelsea Lauren/WireImage
Nathan was born on April 30, 1998, per Lil Jon's Instagram. According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Nathan was born in Decatur, Ga., though moved to California as a preteen.
In November 2024, Lil Jon became a father of two when he welcomed daughter Nahara with his girlfriend, Sozahdah.
In November 2025, the musician shared photos from Nahara's birthday party on Instagram, writing, "This Thanksgiving, our hearts are full—and so is the love. 💜💜💜 Happy 1 year birthday to our baby girl, Nahara."
Nathan graduated from New York University in 2020
Nathan Smith, also known as DJ Young Slade, in May 2020.
Slade/Instagram
In May 2020, Nathan graduated from New York University, as he shared on Instagram. He studied at NYU Tisch School of the Arts' Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music, per The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.
"4 years of hard work, finding myself, figuring life out, ups and downs, all the usual human struggles but it was hard at times. Loved every moment tho," he captioned the post, going on to give a shout-out to his professors, classmates and friends.
"Ill never forget all the experiences i’ve shared with you all," Nathan added.
Lil Jon inspired Nathan to be a musician
Nathan Smith, also known as DJ Young Slade, and Lil Jon perform during 97.1 AMP RADIO's Amplify 2014 concert on March 22, 2014, in Hollywood, Calif.
Kevin Winter/Getty
After seeing his dad DJ an afterparty as a kid, Nathan was inspired to pursue a career of his own in the music industry.
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“[My dad] brought me to an after-party he was DJing, and I just saw him rocking the crowd. He was on the mic, and he was just playing all the jams where everybody was dancing," Nathan told The Quintessential Gentleman. "Telling them to put their hands up, they put their hands up, telling them to put them down, they put them down. And I was like, Oh my God, I’m so excited to be here."
Nathan recalled being "impressed," and going home to download an app called Serato that allowed him to experiment with some beats and songs. After that, his dad set him up with some turntables and the rest "was history," Nathan said.
"He just taught me a few things and just let me do my thing," he added.
Nathan has since collaborated with Ice Cube and released his latest single, "Feels," in March 2025.
Nathan appeared on MTV's Family Legacy and Family Feud
Shawty Putt, Young Slade, E-40, Too $hort and Lil Jon on 'Celebrity Family Feud'
Wilford Harewood/Disney via Getty
In March 2025, Nathan appeared on season 2 of MTV's Family Legacy, a docuseries that profiles high-profile musicians through the perspectives of their children.
Later that year, he appeared on ABC’s Family Feud alongside his dad and other family members.
Nahara motivated Lil Jon to focus on his health
Lil Jon attends Pencils Of Promise 2019 Gala: An Evolution Within on Nov. 4, 2019, in New York City.
Slaven Vlasic/Getty
In an October 2025 appearance on Breakfast Club Power, Lil Jon spoke about wanting to be a "good role model" to his son and the importance of being present — and healthy — to raise his young daughter.
"I got to be here for her first day of school. I got to be here for her high school graduation, walk her down the aisle," he said, noting that "health is even more important" to him now.
The musician said that while he was previously focused on his health "to live a long, full life," he now has "even more motivation because of [his] daughter and her mother."
Nathan was reported missing in February 2026
Lil Jon and DJ Young Slade attend Sujit Kundu's 21st birthday celebration on Aug. 29, 2016, in New York City.
Chance Yeh/Getty
On Feb. 3, the Milton Police Department issued a missing persons report for Nathan via social media. They noted that Nathan was last seen in the area at 6 a.m. that day, and he was "in the vicinity of Baldwin Dr./Mayfield Rd. in Milton."
"Subject ran out of his house and has been missing since. Subject left on foot and does not possess a phone," the statement from officials reads. "He may be disoriented and in need of assistance. Family and friends are concerned for his safety."
They urged anyone with information to call 678-297-6300 or send an email to Detective Sarah Moore at [email protected].
on People
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
