I can’t believe I’m writing this.

Memphis rapper Adolph ‘Young Dolph’ Thornton Jr. was truly one of the last real ones left. He was not only the CEO of his own very successful record label, Paper Route Empire, but he was also a family man and often times a mentor to troubled youth in his community.

Young Dolph, known as simply “Dolph” was shot & killed on November 17, 2021 while entering Makeda’s Cookies in his hometown of Memphis, TN. He was 36 years old.

Back in 2017, Dolph was shot in Hollywood and survived with non life threatening injuries. So far there is not a lot of official details as to who killed Dolph & more importantly — why. The internet is already talking and connecting his murder to long-standing beefs Dolph may have had with other Memphis rappers. The streets are such a dirty place, it’s really no telling what the motive behind this is. Sometimes pure hate and jealousy will do it.

I’m a firm believer that when you ‘make it big’ you leave your hometown — especially if you’re from small towns and/or poverty ridden areas aka “the hood”. We have seen time and time again where people make it out and they go back “home” to show love and they end up dead. Nipsey Hussle to give a recent example.

As someone who left my hometown over 20 years ago, I completely understand wanting to stay connected to your roots and give back, etc. — but do it discreetly and sparingly. I don’t recommend being too visible or trackable these days. Be extremely mindful of who you allow in your space as you begin to elevate. Dare I say it, but some friends and family must be left behind.

Sure crime happens any and everywhere, but it’s something extremely dangerous about the people you started with watching you become successful. It creates envy and envy is sometimes deadly.

What are your thoughts? Do you agree that people should leave their old stomping grounds for good once they make it out? Why or why not?

REST IN PEACE YOUNG ADOLPH.