The hip-hop world is in mourning following the tragic passing of rapper Young Scooter, on his 39th birthday, March 28, 2025. The Atlanta-based rapper died from fatal injuries sustained while trying to escape from police officers who had arrived following an emergency call. His unexpected demise has left members of his family, friends, and fans stunned, with his eldest son, Kenneth Jr., in distress and frustrated about how his life was taken.
Police reports showed that police answered a call in a residence in Atlanta’s Zone 3 after receiving reports of gunshots and a woman being shoved into the residence. Upon arrival, the police attempted to make contact at the residence, but two men fled from the rear of the residence. While one of them returned, Young Scooter continued to flee in an attempt to get away from police by leaping over a number of fences. During the process, he sustained a bad leg injury.
The officers found Bailey on the other side of a fence and provided medical assistance by using a tourniquet. He was transported to Grady Marcus Trauma Center, where he was later declared dead.
Contrary to online speculations, the police authorities affirmed that no shots were fired during the chase. Lt. Andrew Smith, Homicide Commander of the Atlanta Police Department, again explained at a press conference that Bailey’s injuries were sustained during the chase and not from gunshots. The manner of death will be established by the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office, which is conducting an autopsy.
Young Scooter’s eldest son, Kenneth Jr., has publicly addressed his grief, sharing emotional posts on social media. On Instagram Story, he condemned the actions of the Atlanta Police Department, writing,
“F*K APD. I just wanted to make sure you good dats all I kept asking and they he ass kept lying.”
He also expressed the pain of his loss of his father,
“Damn my best friend gone. Happy Birthday, too.” He reassured his father, amidst his sorrow, that he would take care of his siblings, “You know I got my sisters and brothers they overly good yo son a hustla just like you.”
Kenneth Jr.’s devastation is particularly heartbreaking considering the close relationship he shared with his father. Young Scooter had earlier shown great pride in his son’s accomplishments, most prominently after Kenneth Jr. graduated from Phoenix High School in May of 2024. The rapper often posted words of encouragement and admiration for his son, which showed how close he was with him.
The hip-hop community is stunned after learning of Young Scooter’s death, and several big-name artists have spoken out in tribute to the late rapper. Quavo, a fellow rapper from Atlanta, and Meek Mill from Philly were two of the bigger names to issue public condolences.
Fans have also been honoring Scooter’s memory on social media, remembering him as a devoted artist and father. His influence on the rap community, his legacy in the Atlanta hip-hop community particularly, have been widely described as lasting and substantial.
During a press conference, Lt. Andrew Smith did not release Young Scooter’s identity until the Fulton County Medical Examiner’s Office had completed its next of kin notification. Reporter Cody Alcorn later confirmed Bailey’s death, tweeting,
“I can confirm 39-year-old Kenneth Bailey, aka Atlanta-based rapper Young Scooter, passed away tonight. @Atlanta_Police said they were chasing Bailey after receiving a call about a disturbance with weapons. Bailey was one of two suspects that fled a residence on William Nye Drive.”
Officials have not provided additional information about the nature of the first emergency call or if any other arrests were made in relation to the incident.
