Memphis rapper Young Dolph has been reportedly shot and killed at the age of 36 in his hometown on Wednesday, according to FOX13 Memphis.
The musician was reportedly shopping at a bakery called Makeda’s Butter Cookies when someone drove up and shot the victim to death around 1 p.m., says bakery owner Maurice Hill to FOX13. Young Dolph shopped regularly at the bakery store, recording a video expressing his love for the brand in front of it just a week before the incident.
The rapper released his debut album King of Memphis in 2016, featuring his hit song “Get Paid.” He later released Rich Slave in 2020, which peaked at no. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart. In 2015, the musician was featured on O.T. Genasis’ double-platinum song “Cut It,” which peaked at no. 35 on Billboard Hot 100. Over the course of his career, Young Dolph collaborated with other renowned artists such as 2 Chainz, Gucci Mane, Megan Thee Stallion, Migos and Snoop Dogg.
Young Dolph is survived by his daughter and his son.
Young Dolph’s past shooting incidents
Adolph Robert Thornton, Jr. has been the target of another shooting before in 2017 in Los Angeles that left him in critical condition. Rapper Yo Gotti’s friend Corey McClendon was arrested on an attempted murder charge but was later released. Yo Gotti was also suspected to be a person of interest, but LAPD later dismissed the belief.
Earlier that year, Young Dolph’s SUV was shot over 100 times in Charlotte. However, no passengers were injured due to the vehicle’s bullet-proof material. Yo Gotti’s signee Blac Youngsta was hit with six charges for the incident, but they were later dropped.
Community leader
Young Dolph is well known in Memphis for giving back to his community following his fame. Every Thanksgiving, the musician handed out turkeys to locals. A graduate of Hamilton High School, the rapper used to collaborate with the high school frequently, donating $25,000 in 2020 for new equipment.
In 2018, two Duke University students were fired from the university’s coffee shop for playing Young Dolph’s song “Get Paid.” Once he heard of the incident, the rapper paid for the students’ travel arrangements to see him perform at Rolling Loud and gave them $20,000.
