Memphis rapper and Billboard Top 10 artist Young Dolph shot dead
Rapper Young Dolph was shot dead in a fatal shooting in Memphis, Tennessee on Wednesday. The 36-year-old rapper was the one behind the album “Rich Slave.”
The rapper’s real name is Adolph Robert Thornton, Jr. According to reports, he was buying cookies at Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies in Memphis. When someone drove nearby and shot him.
Maurice Hill, Makeda’s Butter Cookies’ owner, released a statement according to his employees. He said that Young Dolph walked into the store to buy cookies. Before 5 pm, Memphis police released preliminary details about the shooting. Officers said that the investigation is leaning on Young Dolph as the victim. Though their identification process is still ongoing.
Rest in peace to the Memphis legend Young Dolph. pic.twitter.com/h49pkVVpDO
— Apple Music (@AppleMusic) November 17, 2021
Memphis Police Chief Cerelyn “CJ” Davis said in a statement, “This shooting is another example of the senseless gun violence we are experiencing locally and nationwide. Our hearts go out to the Thornton family and all who are victims by this horrific act of violence.”
The police chief also said that there’s still no suspect information available. She cited it was too soon to know what was the killer’s motivation.
After the news of the Young Dolph’s shooting incident broke out, hundreds of people visited the area. Tension is everywhere around the place as emotions are all over. Some even lay on the ground crying. While other onlookers called for an end to gun violence. Some expressed their anger for the loss of the Memphis rapper.
Young Dolph was killed in a shooting in Memphis. He was 36.
The rapper was reportedly shot while buying cookies at a bakery. He donated $25,000 to his Memphis high school last year and helped give out food in the area this week. pic.twitter.com/adYJn8uHnL
— AJ+ (@ajplus) November 17, 2021
As the investigation pushes through, police officers advise the Memphis citizens to stay calm.
Davis said in a press conference, “Tonight we strongly encourage everyone to stay home if you do not have to be out. We also strongly encourage everyone to remain calm as we actively perform our investigation.”
In addition, the Memphis Police Department has added extra security measures in the nearby areas of the shooting incident. This also includes any location that’s in association with Young Dolph and anyone in connection to him.
While the Memphis officials are still on their investigation, they are also speaking with witnesses. Moreover, they’re checking surveillance and security cameras in the area.
Memphis community
Davis added, “We are committed to working with the community to stop senseless murders. We’re also dedicated to bringing this responsible for today’s shooting and others to justice.”
Some of the local officials are calling for a city-wide curfew in case of revenge acts. Though Davis said police are still in talks with the city officials and will assess the situation.
The tragic shooting death of rap artist Young Dolph serves as another reminder of the pain that violent crime brings with it. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.
— Mayor Jim Strickland (@MayorMemphis) November 17, 2021
She said, “It doesn’t mean that we won’t have a curfew at some point in time. But right now, we think that the deployment of our officers in the specific areas that are impacted the most will be enough for tonight.”
Even Memphis Mayor Jim Strickland expressed his sympathy over Young Dolph’s death. He tweeted that his death “serves as another reminder of the pain that violent crime brings with it. My thoughts and prayers are with his family and friends.”
Young Dolph’s legacy
While Young Dolph is famous in the Memphis community, he became popular nationwide in 2014. This is following the release of his mixtape “High-Class Street Music 4” and his single “Preach.” He released his first album King of Memphis in 2016.
R. I.P. to my friend Dolph this broke my heart
— Gucci Mane (@gucci1017) November 17, 2021
Aside from his rapping skills, Young Dolph is also popular in Memphis for his good heart. During Thanksgiving, he hands out turkeys around his community through the Memphis Athletic Ministries. He speaks with the school children and donates money to his former high school.
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
His management company APA said in a statement, “All of us at APA are shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic loss of our dear friend and client, Young Dolph.”
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Back in 2017, Young Dolph was also in a shooting incident in Hollywood. He was in the hospital for weeks after enduring three gunshot wounds.
Young Dolph said in The Guardian interview in 2018, “I’ve been targeted since I was 17, 18, 19. I just knew that I was good.”
After news of his death broke out, fellow rappers and fans expressed their condolences to Young Dolph. The rapper has left two children.
