Young Scooter, born Kenneth Edward Bailey on March 28, 1986, is now 39 years old and remains one of Atlanta’s most authentic voices in the world of hip-hop. Known for his raw freestyling ability and his unapologetic “count music” style, Scooter built a solid reputation as a rapper who never needed a pen to spit bars that reflect real life in the streets. With an estimated net worth of $2 million in 2025, Scooter’s career has been shaped by grit, resilience, and unwavering loyalty to his roots.
From South Carolina to Atlanta: A Rough Road to Stardom
Though born in Walterboro, South Carolina, Young Scooter was raised in the Kirkwood community of Atlanta, Georgia—a neighborhood that not only shaped his life but became the backdrop to much of his music. Growing up surrounded by poverty and crime, Scooter became involved in drug trafficking early on. These experiences heavily influenced his lyrics and persona, setting the foundation for a career rooted in street realism.
His upbringing also led him to a lifelong friendship with fellow rapper Future, whom he met in Atlanta. That connection would later help launch Scooter’s career into mainstream recognition.
Early Career: The Mixtape Hustle Begins
Young Scooter officially stepped into the rap game in 2008, but it wasn’t until 2012 that things really started to move. That year, he dropped his debut mixtape, “Plug Talkin”, which received limited attention. However, his follow-up project, “Finessin and Flexin”, sparked momentum and introduced Scooter to a wider audience.
Later that year, he released “Married to the Streets” and “Voice of the Streetz”, further growing his fan base and catching the attention of major Southern rappers like Gucci Mane, Rocko, Alley Boy, and Waka Flocka Flame.
“Columbia” and the Breakthrough Moment
Scooter’s breakout came with the 2012 release of “Columbia”, a gritty anthem that rapidly gained traction in Atlanta and across the Southern hip-hop scene. The track, infused with raw trap energy, became an underground hit and helped Scooter secure national visibility.
The buzz surrounding “Columbia” laid the groundwork for the release of his iconic 2013 mixtape, “Street Lottery”. It was a defining moment in his career. Media outlets like Spin Magazine named it “Rap Release of the Week,” while XXL listed it among January’s best mixtapes. Music writer Eric Diep even declared Scooter one of the hottest rappers rising out of Atlanta.
The tape included more high-profile collaborations and eventually garnered over 100,000 downloads on DatPiff. A remix of “Columbia” featuring Rick Ross, Birdman, and Gucci Mane followed, cementing Scooter’s place in the trap music elite.
The Setbacks: Legal Trouble and Jail Time
Despite his musical success, legal issues interrupted Scooter’s momentum. On April 8, 2013, he was arrested for parole violations and reportedly shared a jail cell with Gucci Mane. Even from behind bars, Scooter stayed active. He released the mixtape “Free From The Cell Block To Your Block”, featuring heavyweights like Future, Wale, YG, and Lil Boosie.
Scooter served six months in jail and was released in October 2013. His probation was later lifted in 2015, allowing him to resume his career without legal barriers.
Reclaiming His Spot in the Game
Scooter’s post-jail years were busy and productive. In 2016 and 2017, he dropped several mixtapes, including “Street Lottery 2”, “Jugg King”, and “Trippple Cross”, the latter featuring Future and Young Thug. His ability to continue creating music that resonated with fans proved his staying power.
Even after the peak of the “Columbia” era, Scooter never compromised his style. His music consistently explores themes of survival, street economics, and loyalty—elements that keep him connected to his core audience.
Entrepreneurial Moves: Black Migo Gang
Scooter isn’t just a rapper—he’s also a CEO. He founded Black Migo Gang, a record label and brand that embodies the independent hustle mentality. Under his leadership, the label has released numerous mixtapes and collaborations, further extending Scooter’s reach in the rap scene.
While Black Migo Gang hasn’t reached the commercial heights of some other rap labels, it’s become a respected name in trap music circles.
Personal Life and Artistic Style
Young Scooter is known for his freestyle-heavy, off-the-dome approach to music, which he dubs “Count Music.” He rarely writes lyrics down, instead relying on instinct and street knowledge to drive his flows. His lyrical themes often touch on money, drugs, trust, betrayal, and the hustle of everyday street life.
He has cited Jay-Z, 50 Cent, and Diddy as his biggest influences, not just for their music but also for their business acumen. Scooter’s music stands out for its authenticity—there are no gimmicks, just raw stories from a man who’s lived what he raps.
Net Worth in 2025: The Breakdown
As of 2025, Young Scooter’s net worth is estimated at $2 million, largely earned through:
- Music sales and streams
- Mixtape distribution and online downloads
- Live performances and club appearances
- Collaborations and features
- His label, Black Migo Gang
- Endorsements and branded content deals
Though he’s never been a chart-topping mainstream artist, Scooter’s consistent output and loyal fan base have earned him a steady and respectable income.
Final Thoughts
Young Scooter has carved out a space for himself in hip-hop by staying true to his roots. In an industry full of trends, he’s kept his focus on reality, loyalty, and the grind. At 39, with a legacy already stamped in Southern rap history, a $2 million net worth, and a catalog of street anthems, Young Scooter remains a symbol of resilience and authenticity.
As long as there’s a street story to tell, Scooter will keep rapping it—freestyle, unfiltered, and unforgettable.
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