You know how some families just have "it"? That unshakeable, genetic gold mine of talent that makes the rest of us feel like we’re lagging? Well, when your aunt is Beyoncé and your mom is Solange, "it" isn't just a vibe—it’s a massive, high-stakes inheritance. But for Daniel Julez Smith Jr., the kid we all remember as a toddler on his mom’s hip, the transition from "nephew of a legend" to a legitimate fashion force has been anything but predictable. Honestly, most people still think of him as the little boy at the 2011 Billboard Music Awards, but that kid is long gone.
Now 21, Julez is carving out a space that has almost nothing to do with the music charts. While the internet spent years speculating if he’d be the next rapper in the family—thanks to some viral TikTok snippets that got a mixed reaction—he’s actually pivotting hard toward the high-fashion runway. And he’s doing it with the kind of low-key nonchalance that only a Knowles-descendant could pull off.
The Runway Debut That Stopped the Internet
It happened in February 2024. If you follow fashion even a little bit, you saw the photos. Julez walked for Luar during New York Fashion Week. It wasn't just a "celebrity kid" moment; it was a full-blown family event. Beyoncé herself was there, tucked away in the front row next to Tina Knowles, looking like a proud auntie in a massive Stetson and a silver Luar getup.
That debut wasn't a fluke.
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Since then, Julez has been everywhere. He’s walked for Versace in Milan and became a regular for Bluemarble in Paris. Just this past June 2025, he was back on the Paris runways for the Spring/Summer 2026 collections, walking for 3.Paradis. It’s funny because, for a long time, the narrative was that Julez wanted to be a basketball star. He even told 97.9 The Box back when he was 14 that basketball was his "whole life."
But life changes. Now, he’s represented by Next Management, one of the biggest modeling agencies in the world. He isn't just "Beyoncé and her nephew" appearing in a tabloid; he's a working model earning his own stripes in an industry that can be notoriously brutal to "nepo babies" if they don't have the walk to back it up.
Behind the Scenes: The Real Relationship with "Auntie"
People always ask him the same thing: What’s it like to have Beyoncé as an aunt? His answer is usually some variation of "she’s just my auntie." He told followers on TikTok a while back that they text just like any other family. It sounds almost boring, right? But that’s the charm. Despite the private jets and the global tours, the bond seems grounded. When Julez turned 16, Beyoncé and Jay-Z threw him a party at their Bel Air mansion.
But it’s not all parties. Julez has spoken about being in "protector mode" for his younger cousins—Blue Ivy, Rumi, and Sir. He’s the oldest of that generation. In a rare 2025 interview with Teen Vogue, he shared a sweet story about Rumi finally realizing he had a "real job" when she saw him packing for Paris.
"She was like, 'Where are you going?' and I was like, 'I'm going to Paris.' And she was like, 'Oh, you're going to work.' That was the first time any of them recognized I wasn't just the 15-year-old cousin anymore."
Navigating the Shadow of Fame
It hasn't been a perfectly smooth ride. Let’s be real. Being Beyoncé and her nephew means every mistake you make as a teenager is magnified by a million. A few years ago, there was drama involving a leaked video of Rumi that Julez allegedly took, which caused a bit of a stir with the family's security team. Then there were the inevitable "he’s only here because of his name" comments when he started modeling.
The pressure is weird. You’ve got Solange, who is basically the patron saint of "cool, indie-alt" R&B, and Beyoncé, the biggest pop star on the planet. Where do you fit?
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Julez seems to be finding that fit by being, well, quiet. He doesn't post much. His Instagram is mostly work-related. He doesn't seem desperate for the "influencer" life. He’s leaning into the "Knowles mystery." It’s a smart move. In an era where everyone is oversharing, Julez is staying elusive, much like his mom.
What’s Next for Julez Smith?
As we move through 2026, the trajectory for Julez is looking increasingly global. He isn't just doing the "celeb kid" appearances anymore; he’s a fixture at Paris Fashion Week. There’s also the music side. While he’s focused on modeling, he hasn't totally killed the idea of producing. He’s mentioned making beats for fun.
Could we see a Julez-produced track on a future Beyoncé or Solange album? Maybe. But for now, he seems content letting his stride do the talking.
If you're watching his career, here’s the takeaway: Julez Smith is proof that legacy is a tool, not a cage. He’s used the door his family opened to walk into a room that is entirely his own.
Next Steps to Track Julez's Rise:
- Follow the Runway Calendars: Keep an eye on New York and Paris Fashion Week schedules; specifically brands like Luar, Versace, and Bluemarble where he’s a frequent collaborator.
- Check Agency Portfolios: Visit the Next Management official site to see his latest editorial work—this is usually where his most high-end photography drops before it hits social media.
- Watch the "Renaissance" Legacy: As Beyoncé continues to evolve her brand, Julez is often spotted in the inner circle of her major launches; look for his presence in upcoming luxury fashion campaigns.
The "nephew" title will always be there, but Julez is making sure that when you hear his name, you think of the clothes, the walk, and the hustle—not just the family tree.