Young Scooter Dies at 39 Following Encounter with Atlanta Police

Tragedy struck the hip-hop community on Friday, March 28, when rapper Young Scooter (real name Kenneth Bailey) died on his 39th birthday after an encounter with Atlanta Police. The Freebandz rapper, known for his collaborations with industry heavyweights such as Future, Young Thug, and Gucci Mane, was reportedly fleeing from police officers on foot after they were called to a residence in Atlanta due to reports of shots being fired and violence involving a woman.

According to police reports, when officers arrived at the scene, they knocked on the door, and a male opened the door before quickly shutting it. As police were establishing a perimeter around the house, two males reportedly fled from the rear of the residence. One of the men returned to the house, while Young Scooter attempted to jump two fences while fleeing. Police later found him on the other side of the fence, suffering an injury to his leg.

Lieutenant Andrew Smith confirmed the details during a press conference, stating: “Once officers arrived, they knocked on the door. A male opened the door and immediately shut the door on the officers. During [the officers’] process of [then] establishing the perimeter, two males fled out of the rear of the house.” He continued, “One male returned back into the house. The other male jumped two fences as he was fleeing. When officers located him on the other side of the fence, he appeared to have suffered an injury to his leg. Officers rendered aid, and he was transported to Grady Hospital where he was pronounced deceased.”

Smith clarified that the injury sustained by Scooter was not caused by any officers on the scene but occurred while he was fleeing the area. The rapper was taken to Grady Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. An autopsy was scheduled for March 29 to determine the cause of death, but further details have not yet been revealed.

The news of Young Scooter’s untimely passing has shocked fans and the hip-hop community, with tributes flooding in from various artists who respected the rapper’s contributions to Atlanta’s music scene. Playboi Carti posted a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, sharing a picture of Scooter and writing, “I GREW UP ON DIS SHIT SMH RIP.”

Fellow Georgia native Quavo also expressed his disbelief with several heartbreak emojis on X (formerly Twitter), adding, “Ion understand.”

Meek Mill, who collaborated with Scooter on the track “Hustlin” in 2017, shared a heartfelt message: “RIP TO SCOOTER……. CRAZY TEARS FOR YOU!!!!!!!” He continued, “Rip young scooter a Atl generational leader that help keep a lot of energy pumping out and into Atl….. prayers to your kids family and the whole freebandz family! I love you and god bless your soul!!!”

Producer ATL Jacob, who worked closely with Scooter, expressed his admiration for the rapper’s influence, writing: “Wtf not scooter man wtf. ATL Jacob ATL Jacob came from Young Scooter man brudda you forever Legendary.”

Other hip-hop figures, including Boosie Badazz, Lloyd Banks, and Sonny Digital, also took to social media to mourn the loss of the Atlanta icon.

Young Scooter was widely recognized for his contributions to the Atlanta music scene, and his work with artists like Future and Gucci Mane helped define the sound of the city. His legacy in the trap music genre and his influence on the next generation of artists will not be forgotten.

As the investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death continues, the loss of Young Scooter is felt deeply across the hip-hop community. Fans, friends, and collaborators alike are mourning the passing of a talented rapper and a respected figure in the culture. His death serves as a somber reminder of the dangers that can arise from confrontations with law enforcement and the fragility of life.