The impact of Young Dolph’s life will forever be remembered in the numerous hearts he has touched with his incredible talent and superb character. He was born into a world of hardship, but grew up to make the best out of what he was given with hopes and aspirations to do better. He was truly one of a kind and his journey will live on forever in the souls who felt touched by his music and overall inspired by all of his acts of generosity. It is unfortunate that he had to leave this earth at such early stages of life leaving his legacy of his children, music, and talent behind, but today we can pause and reflect upon our time spent with this superstar from a spinning star.
True beauty shines through in the music of Young Dolph, an influential hip-hop artist and legendary figure who has impacted the music world.
The life of a fallen legend, leader, and inspiration to not only just his fans but as well as his two children he left behind. How the aftermath shocked the world when the unexpected news traveled like wild fire across every news channel sweeping the nation. Never forgotten and beloved American rapper and songwriter, Young Dolph, or otherwise addressed by his loving family, main main Adolph Robert Thornton Jr.
Born in the summer of '85, in southern Chicago, and later adopted to his deeply rooted native hometown, the "home sweet home" of Memphis when he was just nearly a 2 year old. Taken in by his grandmother and raised, which during that time was seen as acceptably normal due to the "crack baby"/ crack cocaine epidemic in the 80's. Infact most of his peers in his crime-ridden, drug abused neighborhood was living with grandparents, or being brought up only by grandparents, and this was a well know way of living.
Thornton only would visit his parents once every couple of weeks, which taught him young that he would strive for a xbetter life.
Thornton's goal ever since he could remember actually, was to earn enough money to get out of his bad neighborhood and earn enough money for his self and his family, never to face unfortunate circumstances again.
His time spent being raised by his grandmother, taught Thornton how to be a respectful, independent, providing leader. He once described his grandmother as “the meanest motherfucker in the world”. His grandmothers tough parenting style stuck with him through his life, and when it was time to father children, he began to show the same parenting technique as she once did.
Dolph said in an interview,
"I didn't get that shit at the time... All the shit she was telling you, you get to seeing that shit when you hit about 15."
Dolph's grandmother also didn't allow him to have friends come visit or stay the night. On occasion though, she would find it in her heart and let homeless friends stay over or even sleep.
Dolph attended high school at Hamilton High school.
After being influenced in his early impressionable years, Dolph was introduced to the fast and shiny life that drug involvement offered. The street life became a part of an equation to the biggest solution, on the surface it seemed quick and easy, but reality would hit hard, and the hard truth came out—the facts on empty promises and unfulfilled expectations about lifestyles, statistically proving to end young black men's lives in jail, prison or unfortunately leading to their deaths.
Thornton wasn't easily manipulated when it came down to fitting in with what was cool; after all, his grandmother had a huge impact on his life. His grandmother was basically all he had with no rewards, besides her friendship and words of wisdom. She was the glue that held the family together.
Some time went by, and Thornton was restless, he was fully aware that his time to step up and start contributing income was near, and at 12 years old, the entrepreneur opened up a small and self made barber shop, making $20-$30 per cut, in contributions to narcotics against cocaine. Not too long after, Thornton had to accept the hard realization that, his little earnings where no match in comparison to the kids around him hustling off the corner. Accepting and taking the loss for what it was, he ended his hair cutting services.
After witnessing friends and peers carry around serious cash, Young Dolph couldn't ignore the need to make money, so he fell into the streets, desperate to make it. He stayed sharp, never risking his freedom, and kept home life separate, including his grandmother's house, staying clear of crack addicts and crack cocaine in general. As far as drugs went, he would only sell narcotics.
Dolph still tried to keep his life on the right track without hurting anyone, including his grandmother, who had lived a hard life as is, and deserved better than living around drug users and violence. Unfortunately, she found out sooner rather than later, and the fact that he wasn't able to protect her from the hard reality was disappointing. He wanted to make her proud, but he knew that he couldn't do it with his current lifestyle.
Realizing what he had done to his grandmother, the thought made him cry. He decided to find another way to earn money.
After deciding what going to prison would likely mean, and what he risked losing by selling drugs, that wasn't something he could make as a career path for the rest of his life.
Always having an ear for music, it was not hard to be influenced, especially when there were rappers such as Master P and Jay Z to get encouragement from. Not to mention, music was always something Dolph had a passion for. From there on, Dolph set it as a personal goal to accomplish wealth through his own style.
At the age of 16, Young Dolph became obsessed with making music. To this end, he had no TV in his room—he only wanted a radio to keep himself focused on his goal. Since he wasn't making money off that music yet, he was unable to give 100 percent potential, leading into him still in and out of the streets. He shot his first gun during this time period.
After Young Dolph met rap partner and best friend Daddy O, Young Dolph's life turned around completely. Young Dolph and Daddy O became so popular that the neighbors would gather outside to listen to them rap battle and freestyle. Dolph's neighbors encouraged that he should put his music out for the world to hear.
On March 5th, 2008, the unimaginable had happened, forever affecting Young Dolph, He was crushed. His heart was broken. No preparations could've made his pain and suffering any easier from the of a loved one, especially someone as significant to the one women who raised him—raising him into an outstanding young man. The pain that came after losing someone so sincere and dear had him dealing with some deep pain in he had to get through, and that forever changed him. From that day on, the determination to make something out of himself was unreal and it was almost like t put a supercharged battery in his back.
Going hard in hopes that his music would take off at any given day, he grewbere eassuh curious into finding out how well his music was received, rapper Young Dolph adopted an experimental approach, releasing singles from time to time.
In 2008, one of Dolph's friends from the neighborhood got him to come along on a hangout session with him and Boozie Badazz. Dolph had been going through a phase in his career where he was less and less enthusiastic about the money potential music. But when he met Boozie, his tone changed completely. While hanging out with Boozie, he quickly learned that Boozie was making Drea serious bank with his music. Then Lil Boozie went on to explain to Dolph why his music was worth pursuing, and how it would generate serious revenue if he were patient and focused.
By the time the hangout was over and Boozie and Dolph went there separate ways, Dolph knew one thing for sure, and that was knowing he would rap professionally one day, to stop questioning his career, and completely devoit his life to making music.
Young Dolph dropped his first mixtape, “Paper Route Campaign,” in late 2008 with Daddy O. The two created their independent music label, Paper Route Entertainment, shortly thereafter.
Young Dolph started pushing his CDs none stop, so much that eventually it was the same people getting handed the same cds 4 or 5 times before, so much that during shows he would throw them at the crowds and go back the next day just to pick the ones back off the floor and do it all over again. Dolph would even have these bigger guys working for him, wearing backpacks full of his cds, stand outside of shows. After while the same people were repeatedly given the same cds and decided to just plug the cd in and listen.
While booking shows around Memphis, the word started spreading, creating heavy buzz about him and his developing career, along with having his music being exceptional. He faced many trials and tribulations that helped shape his career as an artist and as a person, but nothing could shake this man's drive for success. Young Dolph had rapping in his bloody and it wasn't long before he caught the attention of some big names in the game
even like yo Gotti, Drumma Boy and Juicy J, who would go on to feature him on some of their own albums.
Two years have passed, continuing pushing on his Paper Route Compaign mixtape, and eventually with hard work that pays off, his popularity began to branch out all over the south, and even reaching spots in Atlanta, GA.
Going into 2010, Young Dolph dropped "Welcome to Dolph World" and it was listed as his official second mixtape. DJ Scream ended up hosting Dolphs show, investing serious cash for him to do be able to, and since 2-chainz featured with Dolph the prior time before. Dolph began getting paid making 5,000 a show. Dolph ended up throwing $10,000 back into the crowd just for publicity, creating more buzz than what he really had at the end, also so he could start being seen more as a serious rapper.
Dolph worked relentlessly to grow his name bigger and better that ever, and not soon after that he ended up meeting Drumma Boy, who introduced him and Gucci Mane. Immediately Gucci Mane and Dolph hit it off, even though Gucci was having Dolph pay for a feature, he invited Dolph to his studio out in Atlanta right after the song blew up.
During the time at Gucci Manes studio, Dolph was offered a spot on Gucci Manes label. respectfully declining the offer and went to further explain his vision and views on being an independent Memphis rapper, Gucci didn't see any disrespect towards his decision and respected his loyalty to his streets.ucci settled to just becoming his mentore, and was greatful to have an opportunity to work with him and all his potential talent he had to offer.
Gucci Mane and Young Dolph's relationship grew over that year, and in 2011 they put together 2 mixtapes, High Class Street Music. It featured the official Gucci Mane track named "I'm booked up", and High Class Street music 2: Hustlers Paradise.
Later in 2011, Daddy O and Dolph came to the conclusion to make the business decision of changing the label "Paper Route Entertainment" to "Paper Route Empire" and creating the famous "PRE" chain Dolph is seen wearing in his music videos.
November 2011, was the release of "High Class Street Music II- Hustlers Paradise" Which mentioned all the Memphis artist that rose to fame. Featured Juicy J in "I Think I'm Sprung". This is Where Yo Gotti and Dolph's first reported relationship going south started, since Yo Gotti is a fellow Memphis rapper
2012 Dolph countined to make and release music, and he eventually made his single "preach" making it the first success song of his career. The single hit R&B charts peaking number 24 on the Billboards. April 6th of 2012, was the release of "A Time To Kill" and on November 14th of 2012 Dolph dropped "Blue Magic", making it his and Futures first track together.
On March 16, 2013 was the release of "EastAtlantaMemphis", Dolph and Gucci's collaboration mixtape. May 13, 2013 was the sequel to the third High Class Street Music: "Trapping out the Mansion", which was the mixtape that gave him his first taste of what going viral felt like, Then again in 2013, Dolph's mixtape features From DJ Screw "South Memphis Kingpin".
2014 was the release of the 4th High Class Street Music-American Gangsta. In 2015, High Class Street Music, Vol. 5: Plug Best Friend was released, featuring 2 Chainz; the album peaked at number 39 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart and earned platinum status. The single "Cut It" reached number 35 on the Billboard Hot 100 and received double platinum certification.
2016 was the release of Young Dolph's debut studio album, "King of Memphis", hitting #49 on Billboard 200.
2017 was an eventful year for Dolph, not only for his career, but also on a personal level as well. From Surviving gunshots, to creating two studio albums back to back. Dolph discovered a long lost relative during his visit in Chicago, where his mother's side of the family lives, realizing who his second cousin was, a fellow rapper originated from Chicago known by as Juice Wrld. The two rappers never really got the chance to become close after all, Juice Wrld did end up overdosing and dying late 2019, and the difference of style they both had probably wasn't something they could bond over easily.
During the course of 2017, Young Dolph had some to close for comfort situations in reference of his life. Not one but two failed attempts to murder Dolph occured just months in between of each other. Although As everyone knows, the entrepreneur was a success independently, and with that in itself comes rivals and jealousy. Not to mention Dolph was known for refusing large amounts of money that were offered in hopes he would give in and sign with a record label upsetting quite a few rappers that might have taken offense to his self titled "king of Memphis", making him not the only successful rapper out of Memphis. It was with no surprise that Young Dolph had enemies and hidden snakes amongst him. In Dolph's single "Play Wit Yo Bitch", witch featured on his studio album "Gelato", was a diss track calling out and taking shots towards Yo Gotti (a fellow Memphis rapper). Not long after the release of the diss track dropping, was the first failed attempt to murder Young Dolph. While riding in his SUV, Dolph found himself a target of multiple gunshots, as an assailant unloaded a clip full of bullets towards Dolphs vehicle. Thankfully, Dolph survived with a minor wound to his arm. Feeling pretty untouchable and cocky, he considered himself somewhat as "bulletproof". Dolph went on to perform at his concert, despite the gunshot he had to his arm, he showed up as scheduled to keep from any disappointment and to deliver a message, that nothing would keep him from rising. He premiered his hit single "100 Shots" (which went gold) and became number one on his second studio album labeled Bulletproof.
Again in 2017, yet another attempt to bring Dolph down was a bust. More life threatening than the first incident, this should have woke Dolph up, bringing him to be more cations and careful. During the altercation it quickly became far more life serious, when two men began a fight with Dolph outside of an hotel on the night of September 26th, it resulted in shooting the rapper three times in his upper body. Dolph was rushed to the nearest hospital and medics stated his life was in critical condition. Three hours of undergoing surgery, Dolphs doctors finally made another statement, indicating he would pull through. Yo Gotti became a person of interest, and soon was arrested. Due to not enough evidence, Yo Gotti was released.
He spent two weeks recovering in the hospital, and despite almost dying, Dolph seized the opportunity to use his downtime productively. During his recovery he managed to create his third studio album "Thinking Out Loud", and even put together a music video shoot during his stay. Impressively enough all that came with two studio ms with just seven months between te two attempted murders on his life, a single going gold, along with putting out mixtapes such as "Tracking numbers", "Rare" in collaborations with K Camp, and "I'm Innocent" with Black Yougsta grew Dolphs fan base and gave him more popularity ever than before. Just to finish it all up with a music video shoot for his third studio album from the time spent at his hospital stay.
In 2018, Dolph created hit single "Get Paid" which climbed to #35 on Billboard charts. After Dolph caught ear of the news going around about two university students losing their jobs after playing the hit single Get Paid, he flew the two Young men out to his concert, brought them up on stage, did a shout out and thanked them, finally giving them $20 thousand total, $10 thousand each.
Young Dolph went on creating his fourth studio album "Role Model" selling 31 thousand copies sold. Role Model also featured single "Major", which was first track with Dolph's very own newest signed artist and family member by marriage, Key Glock" reaching Billboard 200, along with "Niggas get shot everyday"
Two years before his life is tragically taken from us, he begins to make his acts of kind disturbtions more public, creating challenges on social media, for example, #thatsmajorchallenge, was for social media and encouraged contestants to submit a music video doing the craziest stunts to the hashtagged challenge. From there on Dolph would pick a winner. Flying the winner out, so he could meet the major challenge winner gave him two options for his prize, either $30 thousand cash or one of Dolphs many of vehicles he owned. The winner picked the the cash.
More of Young Dolphs many of ways he gave back and shared his fortunes was that he would ride around his neighborhood, and stop at basketball courts, where kids would be playing, and make bets for cash, purposely loosing of course just for a reason to give those kids a good amount of money. He even made another random challenge on social media for a reason to give away his blue and yellow Lamborghini to a woman in need. Young Dolph also was constantly purchasing properties and houses, fixing up and giving them away for a lot cheaper to families less fortunate. He owned over 100 properties that were completely his.l Always having his kids best interest at heart, he bought four closures for both of his children on their birthdays.
At the end of 2019, he made mixtape with Key Glock named "Dum and Dummer" in efforts to boost the popularity of Key Glock. Over the course of meeting and signing Key Glock, the two had gotten extremely close, and had made quite a few songs together, and today you can tell just by Key Glocks music videos and songs how much Dolphs death affected him, and how he pays respect and loyalty to his fallen family, friend, and mentore.
Young Dolph's murder had happened during Memphis's largest increased record high murder cases crisis. There was reports of 241 killings in just that single day alone.
On November 17th, 2021, the day Young Dolph was gunned down outside of his favorite place back home, cookie bakery in his hometown of Memphis was one that the world and the srret45 With over twenty shots fired directly into his body, it seemed as if the killers wanted to be certain that the job was done right this time—as if there was an award to getting the job done the third time. Aware that the first and second attempt had been unsuccessful.
From his remarkable stories to tell to his outstanding leadership skills, it was all in efforts to make the world a better place. Remembering the life of Young Dolph and his most inspirational accomplishments, leading a life his children can proudly follow, and recognizing his acts of gratitude, generosity, and humbleness. A undoubtedly known legend taken from this world way to soon, and with only 4 months passing since the unimaginable assassination of his life has gone by, he is now and will forever be deeply missed and never forgotten for the true leader and talent he really was. Who took an unspeakable tragedy and loss to soon from this world leaving many shocked and devastated once again by the current state of today’s society. RIP young Dolph.
Website : www.youngdolph.com
Instagram : @youngdolp
