The hip-hop community and a host of other people are mourning the shooting death of the popular Memphis rapper Young Dolph. Born Adolph Robert Thornton, Jr., the 36-year-old was fatally shot in his hometown on Wednesday afternoon, FOX13 reported.
The shooting happened while the rapper was inside a cookie shop in South Memphis. The owner of Makeda’s Butter Cookies told the news outlet his workers said someone pulled up at the shop after Young Dolph entered, and opened fire. The shooter is yet to be apprehended.
The Preach rapper frequently visited the cookie shop, and he was seen standing outside the establishment and promoting the business in a video just last week.
A very familiar face in his community, Young Dolph rose to prominence in 2014 following the release of his High Class Street Music 4 mixtape. His debut album, King of Memphis, was released in 2016. Three of his subsequently released albums reached Billboard 200’s top 10.
Outside music, the deceased rapper was also known for his philanthropic endeavors in his community. He frequently gave out turkeys during the Thanksgiving season and also made monetary donations to his former high school, FOX13 reported.
The rapper leaves behind two children.
Following his death, the hip-hop community as well as other people took to social media to pay tribute to the 36-year-old and commiserate with his family. Take a look at some of the messages below:
R. I.P. to my friend Dolph this broke my heart
— Gucci Mane (@gucci1017) November 17, 2021
Lord please cover the entire @YoungDolph family, friends and loved 1z. We thank u in advance Lord in Jesus name Amen. pic.twitter.com/36fpPFlV6J
— COACH PRIME (@DeionSanders) November 17, 2021
I am sooo sick rn I am in disbelief! Praying for his family and friends ! Rest In Peace to my friend a true legend dolph ??
— TINA SNOW (@theestallion) November 17, 2021
RIP DOLPH ??????
— Yung Rénzél ? (@RickRoss) November 17, 2021
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
I ALWAYS give flowers to the living, Dolph is one of the only ppl to make me go harder believe it or not, my fuckin FAV ? this Tweet was 4yrs ago https://t.co/1O3ADW0zow
— WESTSIDEGUNN (@WESTSIDEGUNN) November 17, 2021
Damn man, me and Dolph used to be next door neighbors. Smh. RIP DOLPH.
— concrete boy boat (@lilyachty) November 17, 2021
DAMN! This One Hurt ?
— QuavoYRN (@QuavoStuntin) November 17, 2021
RIP DOLPH! ?? ??
Love ya. Bru ?? I appreciate you and gone miss ya Dolph
— Tity Boi (2 Chainz) (@2chainz) November 17, 2021
RIP Dolph. Shit sad.
— The Goat (@thegame) November 17, 2021
Damn R.I.P DOLPH PRAYER FOR YA KIDS AND FAMILY SMH
— OFFSET (@OffsetYRN) November 17, 2021
R.I.P Dolph ???
— Tee Grizzley (@TeeGrizzley) November 17, 2021
Rest In Peace King Young Dolph ? ? ?? pic.twitter.com/zHtcEoAKt8
— TrendSetter ⭐️ (@coi_leray) November 17, 2021