Memphians and the rap community are mourning the death of Memphis rapper Young Dolph. The independent rap artist was shot and killed Wednesday, in his hometown while supporting black owned local business Makeda’s Butter Cookies.
So far, nothing is known about who pulled the trigger and MPD has no leads. He was just 36 years old.
The rap community has been devastated by continuous violence. Artists’ lives are put on the line for their craft. We’re still dealing with the loss of XXXTENTACION in 2018, Nipsey Husstle in 2019, and both Pop Smoke and King Von just last year. Now in 2021, we lost another prominent artist.
In an already struggling minority group, we’re losing many of our strong, black male figures.
Real name Adolph Robert Thornton, Jr. he was a prominent member of the Memphis community. He supported local businesses, appearing at Makeda’s Cookies a week before to promote the store.
One week ago —-
Young Dolph at Makedas Cookies, showing love, promoting the place he stopped by often.
Today, he was shot and killed there. RIP Legend. pic.twitter.com/YccKCrJT0M
— Dakarai Turner (@Dakarai_Turner) November 17, 2021
Young Dolph also donated to charity. He handed out turkeys around Thanksgiving to families in need, he visited schools to speak to children, he also donated to Hamilton High School – his former high school.
He was well known in the community for his philanthropic nature. He loved his city so much, in 2016 he released his album – King of Memphis.
There is an outpouring of sadness, but also love for the Memphis rapper.
WATCH: “I love you bro” 11-year-old fan reacts to death of Memphis Rapper Young Dolph https://t.co/A0hG5W7tlc pic.twitter.com/d0YC6wCRv7
— Action News 5 (@WMCActionNews5) November 17, 2021
RIP Young Dolph, the Memphis people’s champ–the answer to what if the Delta Blues was rap and funny. An antihero whose hysterical punchlines and flashiness often overshadowed a deep conscience, introspection, generosity and dedication to building an independent empire. A legend. pic.twitter.com/X51frc4oeb
— Otto Von Biz Markie (@Passionweiss) November 17, 2021
#ICYMI UPDATE: #TKBSNATION it’s with heavy hearts that we confirm that #youngdolph has passed away after being shot in #memphis
TO HONOR THE PIFE SND LEGACY OF DOLPH WE ARE DEDICATING THE ENTIRE 3PM HOUR CELEBRATING HIS INFLUENCE.
Long live Dolph. #TKBS pic.twitter.com/RGsOLyEDu8
— The People’s Station (@V103Atlanta) November 17, 2021
Young Dolph collaborated with the likes of Migos, Gucci Mane, and Megan Thee Stallion. They took to social media expressing their sorrow for their fellow rapper being shot and killed.
God bless Dolph ? Real independent Memphis rapper born in chicago. loved by millions of ppl. Always showed love everytime I seen him this is tragic God bless his family man
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) November 17, 2021
Memphis is not unknown to gun violence – ranking number two in the nation for violent crime. Those who are hurt significantly by this are local businesses. Struggling already due to the Covid-19 pandemic, violent crimes can hinder tourism, threaten their business, or they can become victims to crimes themselves – often suffering from theft and property damage.
The local bakery, Makeda’s Cookies, has suffered many burglaries at their South Memphis location.
I’m grieving for Dolph. I’m also grieving for the Makeda’s Cookies family. The Hills are members of my church. Loved by many. That airways location has been hit several times with burglaries. They don’t deserve this dark cloud over their businesses. #Memphis pic.twitter.com/Xdm1hWHL6w
— Are You Prayin’ or Spectatin’? (@kirstinlcheers) November 17, 2021
With no answers in sight, Dolph’s death has left many fans saddened and angry. Black men are subjected to more violence, imprisonments, and deaths in this county. This plight continues to plague the black community. Our fathers, brothers, and friends are lost too soon. Dolph’s death may open the conversation of the health and well being of African American men.
With no answers in sight, Dolph’s death has left many fans saddened and angry. Black men are subjected to more violence, imprisonments, and deaths in this county. This plight continues to plague the black community. Our fathers, brothers, and friends are lost too soon. Dolph’s death may open the conversation of the health and well being of African American men.
Black men deserve to live a full life.
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