Young Scooter, a notable figure in the Atlanta rap scene, has tragically passed away at the age of 39, coinciding with his birthday. The Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office confirmed his death to Variety, stating he was transported to Grady Marcus Trauma Center in Atlanta, though the cause of death remains undetermined pending an autopsy.

Early Life and Musical Journey

Birthed Kenneth Edward Bailey in Walterboro, South Carolina, he relocated to Atlanta’s Kirkwood Community at just nine years old. His music career began in earnest in 2008 following a drug trafficking charge, prompting connections with his childhood friend, Future. Young Scooter quickly became a prominent voice in Atlanta hip-hop, securing a spot as one of the first artists signed to Future’s Freebandz label and later joining Waka Flocka Flame’s Brick Squad Monopoly under Gucci Mane’s 1017 Records.

Impact and Collaborations

Throughout his career, Young Scooter cultivated a loyal fan base by consistently releasing mixtapes. His collaborations included working with notable figures such as Gucci Mane, Zaytoven, Young Thug, Juicy J, Kodak Black, and Rick Ross. Notably, he made his debut on the Billboard Hot 100 in 2018, featuring on the track “Jet Lag” alongside Future and Juice Wrld.

Distinctive Style and Recent Work

In a 2013 interview with Complex, Scooter discussed his unique flow, which he referred to as “count music.” He expressed, “I don’t really care what I say on a beat as long as it’s about some money. When you try to think hard and write it out, that’s when it’s gonna be fucked up.” Despite not achieving mainstream chart-topping success, his influence resonated deeply within the hip-hop community.

Legacy

Young Scooter’s most recent project, “Trap’s Last Hope,” was released independently in March 2024 and featured appearances from Future, EST Gee, and Peewee Longway. His dedication to his craft and consistent output solidified his status as a cornerstone of the Atlanta rap scene.