In a shocking turn of events that has left the hip-hop community reeling, Atlanta-bred rapper Young Scooter tragically passed away on Friday, March 28—his 39th birthday.
The circumstances surrounding his death have sparked confusion and speculation across social media, with conflicting reports emerging in the hours following the incident. Here’s what we know so far about the untimely passing of Kenneth Edward Bailey, known professionally as Young Scooter.
According to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, local officers were called to a home in the 200 block of William Nye Drive after receiving reports of shots being fired and a woman allegedly being dragged inside. When police arrived at the scene, Atlanta police homicide commander Lt. Andrew Smith stated that “a male opened the door and immediately shut the door on the officers.”
What happened next has become the subject of intense scrutiny. Young Scooter and another man reportedly fled the location on foot, according to APD and 11Alive, plus other sources. During this escape attempt, Scooter appears to have sustained what police described as “an injury to his leg” after jumping two fences. Officers rendered aid at the scene before transporting him to Grady Hospital, where he was, unfortunately, pronounced dead.
In the wake of swirling rumors online, the Atlanta Police Department has explicitly denied any officer involvement in Scooter’s death. Lt. Smith emphasized during a press conference: “The Atlanta Police Department (APD) has not been involved in any shootings tonight and the incident on William Nye—there was not a shooting at all. Just to be very clear, the injury that was sustained was not via the officers on the scene.”
Some media outlets mistakenly connected Young Scooter’s death to a separate shooting near State Farm Arena that same night. However, police clarified that the victim in that incident was a 42-year-old man who survived but remains in critical condition.
Despite the police’s insistence that there was no officer-involved shooting, some fans remain skeptical. The absence of clear answers has only fueled speculation, but authorities are continuing their investigation to piece together the truth of what really happened.
Due to public speculation surrounding the case, the Georgia Bureau of Investigation has been called in to review the incident. Despite the initial 911 reports about a woman being dragged into the home, police haven’t located any female victim and are continuing to investigate what occurred.
As news of Young Scooter’s passing spread, tributes began pouring in from across the hip-hop landscape. Playboi Carti shared a photo of Scooter on his Instagram Stories with the letters “SMFH,” expressing his disbelief and sadness. Other Atlanta artists and collaborators like Ralo also paid their respects to the fallen rapper.
One particularly heartbreaking tribute came from Hasm Celestial, who had wished Scooter a happy birthday earlier that same day. He later posted: “That’s why they say love on your people every chance you get, you never know when it’s over… I just told you 4ever, and every day after, never thought everyday after would be the same day.”
Born on March 28, 1986, in Walterboro, South Carolina, Young Scooter moved to Atlanta’s Kirkwood Community at the age of nine and eventually made his mark on the city’s thriving hip-hop scene.
His career in music began in 2008 following a charge for drug trafficking, which prompted him to focus on rapping instead. Scooter was closely associated with Future, whom he had known since childhood, and Gucci Mane. He ran his label, Black Migo Gang, and was affiliated with Freebandz and 1017 Brick Squad Records.
Scooter rose to prominence in 2012 with the release of several successful mixtapes, including the highly acclaimed “Street Lottery.” Throughout his career, he has collaborated with numerous high-profile artists such as Waka Flocka Flame, Chief Keef, and Lil Wayne.
From the early 2010s through his various comeback albums in the 2020s, Young Scooter established himself as one of the most consistent and sought-after voices in the Atlanta trap scene. His larger-than-life freestyle approaches influenced countless artists coming out of the city today.
Beyond his musical contributions, Scooter was known for supporting fellow Atlanta rappers without reservation, notably standing by Young Thug during his legal troubles.
As investigations continue and more details potentially emerge about the circumstances of his passing, what remains undeniable is Young Scooter’s indelible impact on Atlanta’s hip-hop culture—a legacy that will continue to resonate long after his tragic departure on what should have been a day of celebration.
Rest in peace, Young Scooter.
