Young Scooter, an Atlanta-based rapper, was pronounced dead on March 29th, 2025. The rapper, whose real name is Kenneth Edward Bailey, was celebrating his birthday late Friday night when tragedy struck.
Young Scooter was signed by the rappers Future (Freebandz Label) and Waka Flocka Flame (Brick Squad Monopoly). He is best known for his songs “Jugg King” and “Hard to Handle” as well as his feature on “Jet Lag”, which reached the Billboard Top 100. He has collaborated with numerous artists, including Gucci Mane and Young Thug, and uses a distinctive freestyle rap style. His most recent album, “Trap’s Last Hope”, was released in March of 2024.
What Happened to Young Scooter?
Late in the evening on March 29th, Young Scooter was celebrating his 39th birthday with friends. According to police, officers were dispatched to a private residence after reports of a fired weapon were made. Allegedly, a female was seen being dragged back into the house by a resident. When the police were not let into the home, they set a perimeter up around the property.
Several men present at the scene then allegedly attempted to run from police, including the Atlanta rapper. As the man attempted to flee the scene, he hopped a fence and suffered a traumatic leg injury. Law enforcement and first responders attempted to administer first aid. The rapper was brought to Grady Marcus Trauma Center, where he later died as a result of his injuries.
Police deny reports that Young Scooter was shot and wounded by any officers. Although a shot was reported, the alleged shot happened before police arrived. Further, the Fulton County medical examiner’s office confirmed to multiple media outlets that the cause of death has been determined to be the injury to his leg, sustained in an attempt to flee. Young Scooter is the latest rapper to pass away unexpectedly.
Social Media Reaction to the Shocking Death
Several famous rap artists were shocked at the news. They took to social media to express their reactions. Playboi Carti and Quavo are two of the most well-known artists so far to post about the tragic incident. Quavo posted a video of him and Young Scooter performing, with the caption “ion understand” on X.
Other celebrities, including rapper YNWB Slime, producer Zaytoven, and artist M Dot Taylor, flocked to Instagram to leave the late artist a message of love. Fans have also gone to Young Scooter’s personal social media pages to express their support and condolences. His most recent post has thousands of messages of love in the comments, expressing sympathy, condolences, and heartbreak.
Family Reaction
Young Scooter leaves behind his five children, who he often shared on his social media. His son, Kenneth Bailey Jr., left a series of emotional posts on his personal Instagram. Speaking directly to his dad, he promised to leave a legacy like his father, and that his siblings will be okay. He also expressed anger towards the Atlanta Police Department, and people who were lying on his father’s name. Any statements alleged by Bailey Jr. cannot be confirmed at this point in the investigation.
Kenneth Bailey Jr. shared that he will be away from social media. It can be assumed that the family requests privacy at this tragic time and asks for respect from the public.
More information may be made available by the Atlantic Police Department as the investigation concludes.
