What was Young Dolph's net worth?
Young Dolph was an American rapper, producer and recording artist who had a net worth of $3 million at the time of his death. Young Dolph, born Adolph Robert Thornton Jr. on August 11, 1985, in Chicago, Illinois, was an American rapper known for his distinctive voice, gritty lyrics, and tales of life on the streets. Dolph gained prominence in the mid-2010s with a series of successful mixtapes and albums that solidified his position in the Southern hip-hop scene. He was the founder of the record label Paper Route Empire and often worked with rapper Gucci Mane. Despite facing numerous challenges and legal troubles throughout his career, Young Dolph remained dedicated to his craft and left a lasting impact on the rap community. Tragically, Dolph was shot and killed on November 17, 2021, in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee, at the age of 36.
Early Life and Influences
Raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Young Dolph grew up in a challenging environment marked by poverty, crime, and a lack of opportunities. He found solace in music, particularly rap, which allowed him to express his experiences and emotions. Dolph was heavily influenced by Southern rap legends such as Three 6 Mafia, 8Ball & MJG, and Playa Fly, as well as national acts like Jay-Z and Tupac Shakur.
Rise to Fame
Young Dolph began his career by releasing mixtapes independently, starting with "Paper Route Campaign" in 2008. He continued to build his fan base with a series of mixtapes, including "Welcome 2 Dolph World" (2010), "High Class Street Music" series (2011-2014), and "South Memphis Kingpin" (2013). It was his mixtape "High Class Street Music 5: The Plug Best Friend" (2015) that garnered widespread attention and helped solidify his position in the Southern rap scene.
Commercial Success
Dolph's first commercial success came with the release of his debut studio album "King of Memphis" in 2016. The album, which peaked at number 49 on the Billboard 200, featured tracks like "Get Paid" and "It's Goin Down." He followed up with "Bulletproof" in 2017, an album inspired by a shooting incident he survived in Charlotte, North Carolina. The same year, Dolph released "Thinking Out Loud," which included collaborations with artists like Gucci Mane, Ty Dolla $ign, and DRAM. "Role Model" followed in 2018 with "Dum and Dummer" releasing in 2019, "Rich Slave" in 2020, and "Dum and Dummer 2" in 2021. In December 2022, a posthumous album titled "Paper Route Frank" was released.
Business Ventures
Throughout his career, Young Dolph remained fiercely independent, opting to release his music through his own record label, Paper Route Empire (PRE). Dolph's commitment to maintaining creative control allowed him to build a loyal fan base and establish himself as a successful entrepreneur. In addition to his music career, Dolph had his hands in various business ventures, including a partnership with a Memphis-based coffee company.
Philanthropy and Community Work
Despite his tough exterior, Young Dolph was known for his philanthropic efforts and commitment to giving back to his community. He regularly donated to various causes, such as providing scholarships to students and supporting families in need during the holidays. Dolph's generosity extended to his fans as well, with instances of him giving away cars and other prizes to show his appreciation.
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Death
In February 2017, Young Dolph was the target of gunfire when several dozen, potentially up to 100, rounds, were fired at him in Charlotte, North Carolina. He spent two weeks in the hospital recovering from his wounds. Some speculated that the attack was connected to a rivalry with rapper Yo Gotti. Yo Gotti was named as a person of interest but was soon cleared.
Young Dolph chose the name Bulletproof for his second album based on the incident.
Tragically, Young Dolph was murdered on November 17, 2021, in a shooting incident in Memphis, Tennessee. He was gunned down by two men in a white two-door Mercedes outside of a bakery. The autopsy revealed he had been shot 22 times, and he was laid to rest in a service on November 30th. In early 2022, the two suspects were identified as 23-year-old Justin Johnson and 32-year-old Cornelius Smith. In February, the two pleaded not guilty to charges of first-degree murder. In November 2022, a third suspect was indicted for the murder of Young Dolph and the conspiracy to murder 43-year-old Hernandez Govan, whom is alleged to have ordered the murder of Dolph. The murder trial is set to take place in March 2024.
