#meekmill #millyz #hiphop Young Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Thornton Jr., was an American rapper and entrepreneur. Born on August 11, 1985, in Chicago, Illinois, he later moved to Memphis, Tennessee, where he spent most of his life. Dolph's childhood was marked by the challenges and adversities that would later shape his music and career.
Growing up in a rough neighborhood in Memphis, Dolph witnessed violence, crime, and poverty firsthand. His upbringing was characterized by the struggles of a low-income household, and he often had to make do with limited resources. These experiences compelled him to find an outlet for his emotions, and at the age of 16, he turned to music as a form of expression.
Thornton’s parents moved to Memphis, Tennessee when he was two years old. Growing up, Thornton experienced his parents getting addicted to crack cocaine which resulted in him being raised by his grandmother. Thornton attended Hamilton High School in Memphis, Tennessee where he graduated in 2003.
Dolph's early musical influences ranged from classic hip-hop artists like Tupac Shakur and OutKast to more contemporary acts such as Gucci Mane. He began writing his own lyrics and recording tracks, eventually releasing his first mixtape, "Paper Route Campaign," in 2008. The mixtape garnered local attention and set the stage for his subsequent releases.
However, Dolph's path to success was not without obstacles. In 2010, he survived a near-fatal shooting incident where he was shot multiple times. The incident only fueled his determination to succeed in the music industry and to overcome the challenges he faced in his personal life.
Dolph's music often reflected his experiences and the harsh realities of the streets. He gained recognition for his gritty lyrics, distinctive flow, and unapologetic delivery. His mixtapes, such as "High Class Street Music" and "South Memphis Kingpin," gained him a loyal fan base and solidified his status as an independent artist.
One of Dolph's breakthrough moments came with the release of his mixtape "16 Zips" in 2015, which included the popular single "Preach." The mixtape showcased his ability to craft catchy hooks and deliver raw, introspective verses. His subsequent projects, including "Gelato," "Bulletproof," and "Role Model," further solidified his position in the rap scene.
Apart from his music career, Dolph also ventured into entrepreneurship. He founded his independent record label, Paper Route Empire, through which he released his own music and supported other artists. He also had various business ventures, including a clothing line and a successful chain of cookie stores called "Makks Cookie Company."
In 2017, Thornton was shot three times outside a retail store in Hollywood, Los Angeles but survived. Eventually, Corey McClendon was arrested for the shooting and charged with attempted murder but was later cleared of the charges. On November 17, 2021, 36-year-old Thornton was shot and killed by two identified gunmen in Memphis while he was picking up cookies for his mother at Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies. The case remains unsolved. Many tributes from fellow artists and the general public in the Memphis community came out following his murder.
Thornton was survived by his longtime girlfriend, Mia Jaye, and two children, Tre Tre and Aria.
Dolph's untimely death served as a reminder of the violence that often permeates the streets and the challenges faced by artists who rise from such environments. His music continues to resonate with listeners, offering a glimpse into his life and the struggles he endured.
Young Dolph's legacy as a rapper, entrepreneur, and community figure lives on through his music and the impact he made during his career. His story serves as a testament to the power of determination and resilience in the face of adversity, and his music remains a source of inspiration for many. #meekmill