Young Scooter, the Atlanta rapper born Kenneth Edward Bailey, tragically passed away on his 39th birthday, March 28, 2025. Reports indicate that he sustained a fatal leg injury while attempting to flee from police during an incident in Atlanta. The Atlanta Police Department responded to a 911 call reporting a dispute involving gunfire and a woman in distress at a residence on William Nye Drive SE.
Upon arriving at the scene, officers knocked on the door, only to have a man open it briefly before quickly shutting it again. In the ensuing moments, two men were seen fleeing the house. One of them returned inside, while Young Scooter tried to escape by jumping over two fences. Unfortunately, he sustained a severe leg injury during this escape.
According to Lt. Andrew Smith of the Atlanta Police Department, officers provided immediate medical assistance to Young Scooter before he was transported to Grady Marcus Trauma Center, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arrival. Smith emphasized that no officers discharged their weapons during the incident and that Young Scooter's injury was self-inflicted during his attempt to flee.
The exact cause of death remains under investigation, with an autopsy pending from the Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office. The incident has left the Atlanta music community in shock, with many artists and fans expressing their condolences on social media.
Young Scooter was born in Walterboro, South Carolina, but moved to Atlanta at the age of nine. He began his music career in 2008, gaining prominence in the Atlanta rap scene with his 2013 mixtape, Street Lottery, which featured the hit single "Colombia." His collaborations with other notable artists such as Future, Gucci Mane, Lil Wayne, and Migos solidified his status in the industry.
His music often reflected themes of hustling and survival, earning him a loyal following. In a previous interview, he described his style as "count music," saying, "I call it count music because all I talk about is money, and hustling and trapping and doing different street stuff." This straightforward approach resonated with many fans.
Tributes have poured in following his death. Waka Flocka Flame, who signed Young Scooter to his Brick Squad Monopoly label in 2013, expressed his grief on social media, saying, "Street, you had me crying before my show… you the backbone… dama brada." Playboi Carti also paid homage to the rapper, highlighting the significant impact he had on the Atlanta rap scene.
Young Scooter's contributions to music were not limited to his solo work. He was a prominent figure in the Atlanta hip-hop community, collaborating with a range of artists and becoming a staple in the genre. His final project, Streetz Krazy, was released in October 2023 and was described by him as potentially one of his classics.
The rapper's sudden passing marks a tragic moment in the Atlanta music scene, which has seen several notable figures lost in recent years, including DJ Unk, OG Maco, and Takeoff. Many in the community have taken to social media to share their memories and express their sorrow over the loss of such a talented artist.
As the investigation continues, the Atlanta Police Department has confirmed that the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) has been asked to look into the circumstances surrounding the incident. They noted that their officers rendered aid to Young Scooter and that he was found with a severe leg injury after jumping the fences.
Young Scooter's rise in the music industry began in earnest when he linked up with his childhood friend Future and joined his Freebandz label. He was known for his raw street rap style and became a consistent presence in the Atlanta area throughout the 2010s. His mixtape Street Lottery was a breakthrough project that garnered him widespread recognition, thanks in part to its lead single, "Colombia." This success paved the way for further collaborations and features with other high-profile artists.
In the wake of his passing, fans and fellow artists are left to remember Young Scooter not only for his music but also for his influence within the community. His legacy will likely continue to resonate with those who appreciated his contributions to the genre.
As the investigation unfolds and more details emerge regarding the events leading to his untimely death, the music world mourns the loss of a significant figure in the Atlanta rap scene. Young Scooter's impact will be felt for years to come, as both fans and fellow artists reflect on his life and work.
