JayDaYoungan

In February 2017, Scott released his mixtape Ruffwayy, which became a regional success and gave him local recognition; his song "Interstate" broke 4 million views on YouTube in under a month, he was then considered for a spot on the XXL freshman list in 2018, a list of up-and-coming rappers.[5]

Following that project, Scott issued the mixtape The Real Jumpman 23, which had 13 tracks totalling 32 minutes, including the songs "Sliding Freestyle" and "Muddy Situation". He then released mixtapes Wake Up and Taking Off, the latter of which featured rappers FG Famous and NBA 3Three.

His first nationwide hit came with the song "Elimination" on the mixtape 23, which has over 19.3 million streams on Spotify as of January 2020. He was interviewed by the lyric company Genius to break down the meaning of the song. The mixtape had 10 tracks at 28 minutes with no features.[6] He then released the mixtape Forever 23, including the tracks "Thot Thot" and "Purge", which have garnered 18.1 and 10 million streams respectively on Spotify and helped push him into international recognition. The critic site AllMusic rated the mixtape 3.5/5 stars, and despite it having no features, the mixtape reached number 86 on the Billboard 200 becoming his first entry. It also hit number 37 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums.[7]

Following this, Jay released the mixtape Endless Pain, which became known for the tracks "Repo" and "War Ready" which stand at 6.5 and 4 million streams respectively on SoundCloud as of January 5, 2020. The album peaked at number 70 and number 37 on Billboard 200 and the Top R&B/Hip-Hop albums, respectively.[8] Him and rapper Yungeen Ace then released the collaborative mixtape Can't Speak On It, which included the songs "Opps" and "Creep Behind". He then released another mixtape titled Misunderstood, which included the song "23 Island", which garnered 17.8 million streams on Spotify as of January 5, 2020, and reached number 9 of the Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop Chart. The mixtape had features from YFN Lucci, Boosie Badazz, FG Famous, JetSoo, and Lil Durk. Durk remixed the track "Dum" which was featured on the mixtape Endless Pain. It featured 19 tracks at 53 minutes, and charted on the Billboard 200, peaking at number 43.[9] JayDaYoungan and rapper Yung Bans had an online feud over the title of the album, as Bans released his debut album earlier in the year, also titled Misunderstood.[10]

On January 3, 2020, Jay reached number 36 on the Billboard Emerging Artists Chart.[11]

On June 5, 2020, Jay released his debut album Baby23, which was named after his first child who was also born the same night.[12] The album included the songs "Perky Activated" and "38k". The album featured DeJ Loaf, Moneybagg Yo, and Kevin Gates. The album featured 23 songs at 59 minutes.[13]

On May 11, 2019, Scott was charged with felony possession of a controlled substance without a prescription after being pulled over by Florida Highway Patrol in Gadsden County, Florida. When pulled over, police officers found 20 grams of marijuana, drug paraphernalia, and oxycodone pills. Someone riding with him was also found to be in possession of a firearm. The people riding with him were given various other charges relating to the drugs and firearm.[14] On May 12, Scott was released on a $2,500 bail. Scott was scheduled to perform at the Rolling Loud Music Festival and was unable to due to his arrest.[15] Scott has not yet stood trial.

After it was alleged he assaulted a pregnant woman, police raided Scott's house, seizing $24,000 in cash, Promethazine, Oxycodone, and multiple firearms. Police arrested Scott after he was allegedly "found hiding in an attic." Scott was charged with assaulting a pregnant woman and illegal drug possession, with bail set at $20,000. Another man at his house, Kardell Robertson, was arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm and granted a $100 bail.[16][17][18]