How Young Dolph built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.
Young Dolph, born Adolph Robert Thornton Jr., was a prominent American rapper and songwriter. He gained initial recognition for his feature on O.T. Genasis' hit song "Cut It" in 2015, which reached the Billboard Hot 100's top 40. His debut album, 'King of Memphis' in 2016, charted on the Billboard 200. Dolph achieved further success with his fifth album, 'Rich Slave' (2020), which peaked at number four on the Billboard 200 chart. He was a significant figure in the Memphis rap scene.
2008: Release of First Mixtape
In 2008, Young Dolph, encouraged by his friends, released his first mixtape, Paper Route Campaign, marking the beginning of his serious involvement in rap.
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2010: Establishment of Paper Route Empire and First Mainstream Mixtape
In 2010, Young Dolph formally established his independent record label, Paper Route Empire, and released his first mainstream mixtape, Welcome 2 Dolph World.
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2011: Development of Unique Rap Flow
In 2011, Young Dolph began developing his unique rap flow with the release of mixtapes High Class Street Music and High Class Street Music 2.
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2012: Release of Mixtapes "A Time 2 Kill" and "Blue Magic"
In 2012, Young Dolph released two mixtapes, "A Time 2 Kill" on April 12th and "Blue Magic" on November 14th, further establishing his presence in the rap scene.
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March 15, 2013: Release of Collaboration Mixtape "EastAtlantaMemphis"
On March 15, 2013, Young Dolph released the collaboration mixtape EastAtlantaMemphis, featuring Young Scooter and Big Bank Black.
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May 13, 2013: Release of "High Class Street Music 3: Trappin' Out a Mansion"
On May 13, 2013, Young Dolph released the third installment of the High Class Street Music series, titled Trappin' Out a Mansion.
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October 15, 2013: Release of "South Memphis Kingpin"
On October 15, 2013, Young Dolph released the mixtape South Memphis Kingpin, which included the popular song "South Memphis."
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April 15, 2014: Release of "Cross Country Trappin"
On April 15, 2014, Young Dolph released the mixtape Cross Country Trappin.
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July 8, 2014: Release of "High Class Street Music 4: American Gangster"
On July 8, 2014, Young Dolph released the fourth installment of the High Class Street Music series, American Gangster, featuring the popular song "Preach".
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February 24, 2015: Release of "High Class Street Music 5: The Plug Best Friend"
On February 24, 2015, Young Dolph released the fifth installment of the High Class Street Music series, "The Plug Best Friend", including a "Preach" remix.
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July 28, 2015: Release of Mixtape "16 Zips"
On July 28, 2015, Young Dolph released the mixtape "16 Zips" with features from T.I., Slim Thug, Paul Wall, Jadakiss, and Jay Fizzle.
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September 2015: Featured on "Cut It"
In September 2015, Young Dolph was featured on O.T. Genasis' hit single "Cut It," which became a double platinum record.
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October 8, 2015: Release of "Shittin on the Industry"
On October 8, 2015, Young Dolph released "Shittin on the Industry", an 11-song mixtape featuring the hit single "Get Paid".
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2015: Mainstream Attention with "Cut It"
In 2015, Young Dolph gained mainstream recognition for his guest appearance on O.T. Genasis' single "Cut It," which became a Top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100.
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February 2016: Release of Debut Album "King of Memphis" and Subsequent Controversy
In February 2016, Young Dolph released his debut album "King of Memphis", which led to controversy with other Memphis rappers, including Blac Youngsta.
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February 2018: Release of "Niggas Get Shot Everyday" EP
In February 2018, Young Dolph released the extended play "Niggas Get Shot Everyday", referencing the prior shooting incident.
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September 2018: Release of "Role Model" Album
In September 2018, Young Dolph released his album Role Model, under Paper Route Empire, in a joint venture with Empire Distribution.
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2018: Release of "Major" and Rejection of Label Deal
In 2018, Young Dolph and Key Glock released the single "Major" and Young Dolph turned down a $22 million label deal to maintain independence.
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July 2019: Release of "Dum and Dummer" Collaborative Album
In July 2019, Young Dolph collaborated with Key Glock to release their first collaborative album, entitled "Dum and Dummer."
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2019: Release of "Dum and Dummer" Collaborative Album
In July 2019, Young Dolph collaborated with Key Glock to release their first collaborative album, entitled "Dum and Dummer."
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May 2020: GQ Interview on Music Release
In May 2020, Young Dolph explained in a GQ interview that he released new music because his son wanted to hear it and because he was focused on promoting his artists.
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August 14, 2020: Release of "Rich Slave" Album
On August 14, 2020, Young Dolph released his seventh album, Rich Slave, which became his highest-charting album, peaking at 4th on the Billboard 200.
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2020: Philanthropic Activities and Increased Time in Memphis
During the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Young Dolph spent more time with his family in Memphis, engaging in philanthropic activities such as donating to his alma mater and giving away Thanksgiving dinners.
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2020: Release of "Rich Slave" Album
In 2020, Young Dolph released his fifth studio album, "Rich Slave", which peaked at number four on the Billboard 200 chart, marking a high point in his career.
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2020: Rumors of Retirement and COVID-19 Pandemic Response
In early 2020, Young Dolph considered retirement to spend time with his children and addressed the COVID-19 pandemic by releasing the single "Sunshine" and altering album covers to promote mask-wearing.
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March 5, 2021: Release of "Aspen" Single
On March 5, 2021, Young Dolph and Key Glock released the single "Aspen", preceding their collaborative album.
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March 26, 2021: Release of "Dum and Dummer 2" Album
On March 26, 2021, Young Dolph and Key Glock released their second collaborative album, Dum and Dummer 2.
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January 10, 2022: Announcement of Posthumous Album "Long Live Young Dolph"
On January 10, 2022, the posthumous tribute album "Long Live Young Dolph" was announced by Paper Route Empire.
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January 21, 2022: Release of Posthumous Album "Long Live Young Dolph"
On January 21, 2022, the posthumous tribute album "Long Live Young Dolph" was officially released through Paper Route Empire.
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February 2022: Proposal for Adolph Thornton Day of Service
In February 2022, Tennessee lawmakers proposed a bill to make November 17, the day of Young Dolph's death, "Adolph Thornton Day of Service" to celebrate his philanthropy and community service.
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December 16, 2022: Release of "Paper Route Frank" Posthumous Album
On December 16, 2022, a posthumous album from Dolph, titled Paper Route Frank, was released, adding to his legacy.
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