Memphis

Young Dolph is dead after a shooting in Memphis, Tennessee. Three law enforcement sources confirmed the shooting this afternoon, on the condition they remain anonymous.

Reportedly, the 36-year-old rapper was shot as he walked into a cookie shop, Makeda’s Butter Cookies. Shop owner Maurice Hill said that as the rapper entered the store around 1 p.m., someone drove by and shot at the rapper. Just last week, Dolph was featured on the business’ Instagram. In the video, the rapper said he visits Makeda’s every time he comes home to South Memphis.

FOX13 News reported that a large crowd amassed at the scene of the shooting, some falling to the ground in tears. Dolph, real name Adolph Thornton Jr., was well-known and beloved in the Memphis community. He released his debut album, King of Memphis, in 2016, which peaked at No. 49 on the Billboard charts. Dolph regularly sat courtside at Grizzlies games and narrated one of their post-season hype videos. Locals even knew him for handing out turkeys on Thanksgiving around the city and donating money to his alma mater, Hamilton High School.

At this time, authorities have not shared any further information about the shooter.

Similarly, In 2017, Dolph ended up in the hospital after a shooting. He was shot three times in an altercation outside the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles. Before that, fellow Memphis Blac Youngsta and accomplices attempted shooting Dolph, but he left unharmed. This time, the rapper wasn’t so lucky.

King of Memphis

Dolph rose to fame with his High Class Street Music mixtape, catching the eye of Gucci Mane. Called “a prolific recording artist” by Pitchfork, Dolph worked with rappers like T.I., Rick Ross and Memphis mentors Three 6 Mafia. Artists like Offset and JPEGMAFIA have responded to news of his death. Megan Thee Stallion shared her disbelief via Twitter, writing:

“I am sooo sick rn I am in disbelief! Praying for his family and friends ! Rest In Peace to my friend a true legend dolph 🙏🏾”

Above all, RIP to Young Dolph, who is gone too soon.

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Written by Hattie Lindert | Twitter: @hatlindert

Young Dolph refuses to let his community down by retiring from music

Young Dolph went on the Big Facts podcast with DJ Scream and Big Bank to discuss a few topics that have circulated his name lately. One topic was the possibility of his retirement. The Memphis rapper has released projects in the past year that promoted his name. The “King of Memphis” has recently started to see more mainstream success. He released the project “PAPER ROUTE iLLUMINATi” which collaborated with other artists under his label Paper Route Empire. He also released an album with Paper Route Empire member Key Glock titled “Dum and Dummer 2” this year. Young Dolph did not stay quiet in the first half of 2021, and his promise of not retiring soon hints at even more releases soon.

Young Dolph has hinted at possible retirement in the past, showing the desire to leave the industry and spend more time with his family. The artist hinted at retirement leading up to and following past releases but went back on his word each time. When asked about the pattern on the Big Facts podcast, Dolph said he felt like the spokesperson for people like him. He continued by saying he connected with the community of people that wanted to do their own independent thing. He wants to inspire those who are really passionate about music and are trying to leave the life they’re in. “I can’t let these folks down,” he said. Overall, his passion for music and helping those in his community feel inspired overpowers any desire to leave the industry. We know he will continue to provide us with new projects, at least in 2021.

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Written by Hannah Botnick | IG @hcbotnick | Twitter @hbbotnick