Rising Atlanta-based rapper Young Scooter has died at the age of 39. He would later become best known for his work with fellow ATLien Gucci Mane and his influential sonic dominance over the hip-hop landscape. Born Kenneth Bailey in Walterboro, South Carolina, Scooter became a significant figure in the Atlanta music scene, releasing a series of impactful mixtapes and collaborating with major artists throughout his career.
Young Scooter’s path to rap stardom was paved in part through his many, many collaborations with the prolific Atlanta rapper Gucci Mane. He first broke through by being featured on six songs of Gucci Mane’s 2012 critical mixtape classic Trap God. This partnership did him well, establishing his footing into the industry. In 2013, Chance broke through nationally with his own breakthrough mixtape “Street Lottery,” which included the anthem-like single “Colombia.” The track’s official remix boasted features from heavy-hitters Rick Ross, Gucci Mane, and Birdman.
For the rest of the 2010s, Young Scooter released 17 additional mixtapes. He collaborated alongside heavyweights including Waka Flocka Flame, Lil Wayne, Chief Keef, Mike Will Made-It, Childish Gambino, Akon and Offset. His partnership with Future was particularly noteworthy as they worked together on projects like “Astronaut Status,” “F.B.G.: The Movie,” “The Mission,” “Beast Mode 2,” and “I Never Liked You.” One of Scooter’s standout achievements was his feature on Future and Juice WRLD’s 2018 single “Jet Lag,” which peaked on the Billboard charts and was later covered by Lil Wayne.
Into the 2020s, Young Scooter continued to hit the underground and national music scene hard. He followed up with six additional mixtapes, the latest — “Fast Lane Juugin” — released in early February. His unique blending of styles, along with his contributions as an artist and producer through countless collaborations cemented his influence.
“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.” – Kenneth Bailey Jr.
Young Scooter’s journey in music began in 2011 with his breakout mixtape “Finessin’ & Flexin,’” released under Future’s record label Freebandz. His music spoke to the masses because it was unpolished and gritty, painting a portrait of life on the streets.
