Young Scooter: Atlanta Rapper and Gucci Mane Collaborator Dies at 39
Honoring the Life and Legacy of a Trap Music Pioneer
A Legacy in Trap Music, Cut Short on His Birthday
Atlanta’s hip-hop community is mourning the loss of Young Scooter, a beloved rapper and frequent collaborator of Gucci Mane and Future, who passed away at the age of 39. Born Kenneth Bailey, the musician died on his birthday, Friday, as confirmed by his representatives.
According to local reports from 11Alive and Atlanta News First, Bailey was transported to Grady Marcus Trauma Center in Atlanta, where he was later pronounced dead. Authorities have revealed that his death followed an attempt to flee police. During a press conference, Atlanta Police Department Lieutenant Andrew Smith stated that the rapper “jumped two fences as he was fleeing” and sustained a leg injury. Smith clarified, “The injury that was sustained was not via the officers on the scene. It was when the male was fleeing.”
Tributes Pour In for a Trap Music Icon
Bailey’s passing sent shockwaves through the hip-hop world, with his son, Kenneth Bailey Jr., sharing a heartfelt tribute on Instagram. “Damn, my best friend gone,” he wrote. “I know exactly what to do fasho, tho you know I got my sisters and brothers. They overly good. Yo son a hustla just like you.”
Fellow artists also expressed their grief. Quavo, who worked with Scooter on Migos’ 2013 track Holmes, honored him by posting their song’s music video alongside two broken heart emojis and the words, “My Holmes.”
A Career Built on Hustle and Authenticity
Born in 1986 in Walterboro, South Carolina, Young Scooter rose to prominence in Atlanta’s trap music scene. His breakthrough came in 2011 with Finessin’ & Flexin’, released under Future’s Freebandz record label. He quickly gained recognition, appearing on six tracks from Gucci Mane’s 2012 mixtape Trap God.
His 2013 mixtape Street Lottery catapulted him into mainstream hip-hop, featuring the hit single Colombia, which later received a high-profile remix featuring Rick Ross, Gucci Mane, and Birdman. The song even caught the attention of Lil Wayne, who covered it that same year.
Over the years, Scooter solidified his status as a respected figure in Southern rap, releasing more than 20 mixtapes. His most recent project, Fast Lane Juugin, dropped in February 2025. Among his most successful collaborations was Jet Lag, a 2018 track with Future and Juice WRLD, which peaked at No. 72 on the Billboard 200 albums chart.
A Fixture in the Atlanta Hip-Hop Scene
Scooter’s influence extended through his long-running partnerships with Gucci Mane and Future, appearing on projects such as Trap House III, Beast Mode 2, and I Never Liked You. His collaborations spanned across a wide range of artists, including Lil Wayne, Waka Flocka Flame, Chief Keef, Mike Will Made-It, and even Childish Gambino.
His music embodied the grit and authenticity of the Atlanta trap scene, chronicling the struggles and ambitions of street life. Through his lyrics and collaborations, he left an undeniable mark on hip-hop.
As fans, friends, and family reflect on his legacy, Young Scooter’s music will continue to resonate, immortalizing his contributions to the genre he helped shape.
