Young Dolph remembered on anniversary of his death with charitable efforts, new music
On the first anniversary of Young Dolph’s death, the focus among his family, friends and fans was on the rapper’s commitment to supporting his community in Memphis and beyond.
The artist born Adolph Thornton Jr. — who was gunned down on Nov. 17, 2021, inside of South Memphis’ Makeda’s Butter Cookies at the age of 36 — had emphasized his work helping the less fortunate as his own hip-hop star rose.
On Thursday, Young Dolph’s IdaMae Family Foundation teamed up with The Confess Project of America to honor his legacy with a series charitable activities throughout the Bluff City and across the country. The efforts were part of official Adolph “Young Dolph” Thornton Jr. Day of Service events recognized in Tennessee, where Dolph was raised, and in Georgia, where he had been based prior to his passing.
In an Instagram post Thursday, Dolph’s partner and mother of his children, Mia Jerdine, remembered the rapper’s generosity and pledged to continue his efforts.
“Though God allowed you to be taken from us on this day, we will forever honor you on this day and carry out the loving, giving, heart and spirit that you walked in for 36 precious years,” Jerdine wrote. “The world will be reminded on this day to pay it forward, be kinder, give to those in need… your spirit will continue to walk before us all.”
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At Memphis’ Hospitality Hub — which recently opened a new building on Washington, as part of its efforts to help those experiencing homelessness and trauma victims — the IdaMae Family Foundation set up, offering free meals and winter kits including coats, blankets, socks and gloves.
The IdaMae Family Foundation's Dolph Day efforts included free haircuts and mental health resources being offered at Supreme Kuts and other barbershops across the country in the afternoon and evening. Dolph got his start as a teenage barber in his Castalia Heights neighborhood, which “allowed him to provide for his grandmother, Ida Mae, and also purchase his first music equipment,” according to the foundation.
The IdaMade Family Foundation also encouraged fans across the country to do acts of service “in remembrance of the man who was deeply committed to serving communities for so many years.” Fans began posting photos of their work, with the hashtags #DolphDay and #DolphServiceDay.
The one-year anniversary of Dolph’s passing comes as the investigation into the rapper’s murder continues. Last week, police arrested a third suspect, 43-year-old Hernandez Govan, on first-degree murder, attempted first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit first-degree murder charges in Dolph's death. On Thursday morning, Govan pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In January, Justin Johnson and Cornelius Smith were arrested and charged in connection with the shooting. They face first-degree murder, attempted-first degree murder, weapons charges and theft charges. They were also charged Thursday with conspiracy to commit first-degree murder.
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Also on Thursday, Dolph’s record label, Paper Route Empire, marked his passing with a previously unreleased track titled “Get Away.” The song will appear on a forthcoming posthumous release, “Paper Route Frank,” which is set to release on Dec. 9. The record had largely been completed before Dolph’s passing. Guests on the album include Gucci Mane, Peewee Longway and Key Glock.
As part of a tribute to Dolph, the label also released new music from his longtime collaborator, Key Glock. Glock’s five-song EP, “PRE5L,” features production from Memphis producers Tay Keith and newly minted Grammy nominee HitKidd, among others.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Young Dolph death anniversary marked with new music, charity efforts
