On November 17, 2021, the hip-hop community was shaken by the tragic murder of rapper Young Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Robert Thornton Jr. The 36-year-old Memphis native was gunned down in broad daylight while visiting Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies, a local bakery he was known to frequent in his hometown.
Justin Johnson was found guilty of murder on Thursday after a jury heard explosive testimony revealing that the killing was part of a larger feud between rival record labels, according to CBS News. The trial, held in Shelby County Criminal Court, provided new insights into the circumstances leading up to the November 17, 2021, murder of Young Dolph.
Jurors deliberated for just under four hours before delivering a verdict that found Johnson guilty of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and being a felon in possession of a firearm. Judge Jennifer Mitchell sentenced Johnson to life in prison, bringing some measure of closure to a case that had captivated the Memphis community and the hip-hop world.
During the trial, co-defendant Cornelius Smith testified that the murder was ordered by Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, the brother of fellow Memphis rapper Yo Gotti. According to Smith’s testimony, Mims placed a $100,000 bounty on Young Dolph and also put bounties on other artists signed to Dolph’s independent label, Paper Route Empire. The testimony suggested that the rivalry between Young Dolph’s label and Yo Gotti’s camp had escalated into deadly violence..
Young Dolph launched his career by dropping a series of mixtapes, beginning with 2008’s Paper Route Campaign. Over the years, he built a reputation for his raw lyrics and independent hustle. His debut studio album, King of Memphis, was released in 2016, solidifying his place in Southern hip-hop. Throughout his career, Dolph collaborated with prominent artists like Key Glock, Megan Thee Stallion, T.I., Gucci Mane, and 2 Chainz, showcasing his versatility and influence in the industry.
Three of Young Dolph’s albums broke into the top 10 on the Billboard 200 chart, with his 2020 album, Rich Slave, reaching an impressive No. 4. This success highlighted his rise from the underground scene to mainstream recognition.
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