Atlanta’s hip-hop community is mourning the loss of Young Scooter, who died on his 39th birthday following a confrontation with police.
The rapper, known for his work with Future, Gucci Mane, and Young Thug, suffered a fatal injury while fleeing from officers late Friday night (March 28).
According to Atlanta police, officers responded to reports of gunfire and domestic violence at a residence. Upon arrival, they were met with resistance at the door.
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As officers attempted to establish a perimeter, two men ran out through the back of the home. While one returned inside, the other, later identified as Young Scooter, born Kenneth Bailey, attempted to escape by jumping over multiple fences.
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Authorities say Scooter sustained a leg injury while making his way over a second fence. Officers found him on the other side, where they immediately provided medical assistance. He was transported to Grady Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Police have not yet disclosed an official cause of death, and an autopsy was scheduled for Saturday (March 29) to determine what led to the tragedy.
Investigators have confirmed that his injury was not the result of any police action but occurred during his attempted escape.
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News of Young Scooter’s passing sent shockwaves through the hip-hop world, with artistes and fans flooding social media with tributes.
Playboi Carti shared a photo of Scooter with a heartfelt caption, expressing disbelief over the loss. Quavo, visibly shaken, simply wrote, ‘Ion understand,’ accompanied by heartbreak emojis.
Meek Mill, who collaborated with Scooter on 2017’s ‘Hustlin,’ reflected on his impact, calling him ‘a generational leader’ in Atlanta’s rap scene. He also sent prayers to Scooter’s family and the Freebandz crew, the label co-founded by Future.
Producer ATL Jacob paid homage to the late rapper, crediting him for coming up with his now-famous producer tag. ‘Young Scooter, man. Brudda, you forever legendary,’ he wrote.
Boosie Badazz, Lloyd Banks, and Sonny Digital were among the many who also shared their grief, recognizing Scooter’s lasting influence on the streets and the music industry.
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Young Scooter rose to prominence in the early 2010s with his gritty, reality-driven lyrics and collaborations with some of the biggest names in Southern rap. His ability to blend street narratives with melodic flows earned him a loyal following and cemented his place in Atlanta’s music history.
