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Remembering Young Scooter: 5 Key Facts About the Late Rapper
Kenneth “Young Scooter” Bailey, a celebrated figure in Southern hip-hop known for collaborations with artists like Future and Waka Flocka Flame, tragically passed away in March 2025 at the age of 39. The Atlanta-based rapper, who achieved significant recognition throughout the 2010s, was mourned by fellow musicians following his death. While Atlanta authorities addressed the incident, they initially withheld Scooter’s identity. Here are five essential facts to remember about Young Scooter.
Kenneth Bailey: Young Scooter’s Birth Name
Born Kenneth Edward Rashaad Bailey in March 1986, the artist later adopted the moniker “Young Scooter” as he pursued his career in rap music.
South Carolina Roots, Atlanta Embrace
Young Scooter’s origins trace back to Walterboro, South Carolina. However, his formative years were spent in Atlanta, Georgia’s Kirkwood neighborhood, after relocating with his family during childhood.
Freestyle Versatility: Young Scooter’s Lyricism
In contrast to many rappers who meticulously write their lyrics, Young Scooter favored a more improvisational, freestyle approach to songwriting. Describing his unique method as “count music” in a 2013 interview with Complex, he elaborated on his process.
“I don’t really care what I say on a beat as long as it’s about some money,” Scooter explained to the publication. “When you try to think hard and write it out, that’s when it’s gonna be messed up.”
Family Man: Young Scooter’s Children
Publicly sharing glimpses into his personal life on Instagram, Young Scooter was a devoted father to both a daughter and a son. In February 2025, he commemorated his daughter’s 10th birthday with an Instagram post showcasing cherished moments together.
“HAPPY BDAY BABY I LOVE U TOO THE MOON AND BACK @1_prettykate THE BIG#10,” he wrote in the heartfelt caption.
Prior to that, in September 2024, Young Scooter shared a photograph of his son on Instagram, expressing anticipation for his son’s future training.
“YOUR FIRST TRAINING SESSION AROUND CORNER GET READY SON @kingkobeda1 LOVE U KID,” the caption read.
Responding to a fan’s question in the comments about having “another” child, Young Scooter playfully confirmed with laughing and muscle emojis.
Tragic Passing on 39th Birthday
Young Scooter’s life was cut short on his 39th birthday, March 28, 2025. Variety reported that his death followed a leg injury sustained while fleeing from law enforcement. Atlanta Police Department officers were responding to an emergency call regarding “a dispute with shots fired, and a female being dragged back into the residence,” as stated in a press conference reported by 11 Alive.
According to police statements, upon arrival, “a male initially opened the door [then] closed the door in the officers’ faces without communicating.” Subsequently, officers established a perimeter, and two men attempted to escape the residence. While one man returned to the home, the other, identified as Young Scooter, “jumped two fences” while evading authorities.
Officials clarified that officers did not discharge any weapons during the incident. “Just to be very clear, the injury that was sustained was not via the officers on scene. It was when the male was fleeing,” police emphasized in their public statement, as reported by Billboard.
Law enforcement further detailed, “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.”
The official cause of Young Scooter’s death remains undisclosed.