Young Dolph will be remembered not only for his music but for his mission to uplift Memphis, as his family and foundation call on supporters nationwide to give back in his name.
The Ida Mae Family Foundation announced the 2025 “Dolph Day of Service” to honor the late rapper’s legacy through acts of kindness and community support. The date marks four years since Dolph, born Adolph Thornton Jr., was gunned down inside Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies in Memphis. The call for service comes after a years-long legal saga surrounding Young Dolph’s murder reached its conclusion, though not without lingering questions.
In September 2024, Justin Johnson, known in the rap world as Straight Drop, was sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of murder, conspiracy to commit murder and illegal firearm possession. Prosecutors alleged that Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, the brother of Yo Gotti, arranged a $100,000 contract to kill Dolph. Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman claimed Big Jook lured Johnson with the promise of a CMG record deal, suggesting Dolph’s murder was a condition of the offer. His co-defendant, Cornelius Smith, testified that both men were promised $40,000 each for the hit, but only received a fraction of that amount. Smith said he was paid just $800 before being arrested.
