Atlanta Rapper Young Scooter Dies on His 39th Birthday After Hospitalization
Rapper Young Scooter, known for his collaborations with Future and Waka Flocka Flame, has tragically passed away on his 39th birthday. The Atlanta-based artist reportedly died on Friday, March 28, following an incident that led to his hospitalization.
Tragic Incident in Southeast Atlanta
According to the Atlanta Police Department, a 39-year-old man sustained a severe leg injury while attempting to flee from officers responding to a 911 call. The incident occurred at a residence on William Nye Drive in southeast Atlanta.
Police received reports of a dispute involving gunshots and a woman being forcibly taken back into the home.
Upon arrival, officers were met by a man who initially opened the door but quickly shut it without engaging with them.
A perimeter was established, leading to two men attempting to flee the scene.
One of the individuals jumped over two fences, suffering a leg injury in the process.
Officers found him injured on the other side of a fence, provided medical assistance, and transported him to Grady Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Authorities have not confirmed why the men fled the scene, and the woman mentioned in the initial call was not located. Officials also clarified that no shots were fired by the police during the incident.
Identity Confirmed as Young Scooter
While police have yet to officially release the deceased’s identity, reports from 11 Alive, Variety, and Atlanta News First confirm that the individual was Kenneth Edward Bailey, professionally known as Young Scooter. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office corroborated these reports.
Scooter’s family has acknowledged his passing, although the exact cause of death has not been officially determined.
Young Scooter’s Legacy in Hip-Hop
Born in Walterboro, South Carolina, Young Scooter moved to Atlanta’s Kirkwood community at the age of nine. His music career took off in 2008 following a drug trafficking charge, and he quickly made a name for himself in the rap industry.
He collaborated extensively with Future, his childhood friend, and signed with Future’s label in 2012.
In 2013, he also signed with Waka Flocka Flame, further cementing his presence in the rap scene.
Known for street anthems and raw lyricism, Scooter’s music resonated with fans of Southern hip-hop.
Tributes from the Hip-Hop Community
Following the news of his passing, several prominent figures in the rap industry paid tribute to Young Scooter on social media:
Waka Flocka Flame shared an emotional message on Instagram Stories, writing, “Street, you had me crying before my show … you the backbone … dama brada.”
Playboi Carti reacted with “SMFH” on Instagram Stories.
Quavo posted on X (formerly Twitter), writing, “Ion understand”, along with a video of Scooter performing and emojis of a broken heart and praying hands.
Ongoing Investigation
As of now, authorities continue to investigate the events leading up to Young Scooter’s tragic death. The Atlanta Police Department and the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office have not yet provided additional comments.
For further updates, sources include:
11 Alive
Variety
Atlanta News First
Young Scooter leaves behind a legacy of influential music and a loyal fan base. His contributions to hip-hop will be remembered, and his sudden passing is a tragic loss for the rap community.