Hip-Hop Mourns: Young Scooter Dies in a Tragic Incident on His 39th Birthday

By 

Jeremiah Duchine-Khauli

29 March 2025

Atlanta rapper Young Scooter, born Kenneth Edward Bailey, was tragically declared dead on his 39th birthday, March 28, 2025. The Fulton County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed his passing, reporting that he was taken to Grady Marcus Trauma Center in Atlanta, where he succumbed to his injuries. The exact cause of death remains unknown, as an autopsy has yet to be performed.

The incident reportedly began when Atlanta police responded to reports of gunshots and a woman being forced inside a residence. Two men fled the scene before officers could engage with them. During the commotion, Bailey jumped two fences, sustaining a leg injury. He was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Authorities have confirmed that no shots were fired by officers during the incident.

Young Scooter was well known in the Atlanta hip-hop scene. He rose to prominence following the release of his 2013 mixtape Street Lottery, with his single Colombia helping to thrust him into the public eye. Throughout his career, he collaborated with various artists, including Future, Gucci Mane, Lil Wayne, Chief Keef, and more.

His sudden passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from fans and fellow artists, honoring his legacy and mourning the loss of an influential figure in the music community.

Sources

Atkinson, K. (2025, March 29). Rapper young scooter dies on 39th birthday in Atlanta: Report. Billboard. https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/young-scooter-dead-atlanta-police-birthday-1235934551/

Bell, B. (2025, March 29). Rapper who worked with future, Gucci Mane dead at 39 from fatal leg injury after fleeing police: Report. Page Six. https://pagesix.com/2025/03/29/celebrity-news/rapper-young-scooter-dead-from-fatal-leg-injury-after-fleeing-police-report/

Galvin, S. (2025, March 29). Rapper young scooter dead on 39th birthday in freak accident while fleeing Atlanta police: Reports. New York Post. https://nypost.com/2025/03/29/entertainment/rapper-young-scooter-dead-on-39th-birthday-in-freak-leg-accident-while-fleeing-atlanta-police/

Stenzel, W. (2025, March 29). Young Scooter, Atlanta rapper and Gucci Mane collaborator, dies at 39. EW.com. https://ew.com/young-scooter-dead-atlanta-rapper-11705602

Strauss, M. (2025, March 29). Atlanta rapper Young Scooter dies at 39. Pitchfork. https://pitchfork.com/news/atlanta-rapper-young-scooter-dies-at-39/

Yang, M. (2025, March 29). Rapper young scooter dead after jumping fence in Atlanta police chase. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/mar/29/rapper-young-scooter-dead-atlanta

YouTube. (2018, January 15). Young Scooter - Jugg King (Official Music Video). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BN2sjS_GVPs

YouTube. (2023, October 3). Young Scooter, Future - Hard To Handle (Official Video). YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RqMdECZi4Wg

YouTube. (2025a, March 28). Rapper Young Scooter reported dead | APD explains what happened at scene. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YsPKCYxcN1w

YouTube. (2025b, March 29). Rapper Young Scooter Dead at 39 on His Birthday. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3CFFuk1o0L4