Following the unexpected death of Memphis rapper Young Dolph, born Adolph Robert Thornton Jr., fans proceeded to offer an outpouring of grieving messages and support for the "100 Shots" rapper's family. Dolph was killed unexpectedly in a fatal shooting on Wednesday. He was 36 years old.
Along with many celebrities who highlighted the rapper's influence and legacy, fans further proved the point by sharing touching moments from the artist's life, reposting some of his iconic lyrics and sharing opportunities for people to support some of his community investments.
The rapper was gunned down outside of a local business he was known to frequent in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee. Dolph posted a video right outside of the business, Makeda’s Butter Cookies, last week.
Just a week ago, Young Dolph made this video shouting out Makeda’s cookie shop and said every time he back in Memphis he always goes there. A week later he died at the same store ???? pic.twitter.com/bvDLqe0O9d
— DJ Akademiks (@Akademiks) November 17, 2021
Along with tributes, fans brought attention to the nonprofit that Dolph’s family ran, called the IdaMae Family Foundation in Memphis, adding that anyone wanting to offer assistance could donate clothing items to the organization.
young dolph's family operates a community non-profit in memphis called the ida mae family foundation. they hold a youth conference, donate clothing to victims of domestic violence, and run thanksgiving programs, too. you can donate here:https://t.co/qbs5T0WS0o
— ???????????????????? ???????????????????????????? (@grantrindner) November 17, 2021
Ebro Darden, who hosts Ebro in the Morning, penned a tribute to the late artist thanking him for showing up in the studio for interviews.
Damn. Young Dolph really built a great team w/ dope music and was helping … NVM #RIPYoungDolph thank you for always coming on our shows.
— Ebro (@oldmanebro) November 17, 2021
As some may recall, Young Dolph was involved in a previous shooting a few years ago, in which he faced 100 bullets. Dolph earned a new level of legendary status by releasing an album retelling the situation.
Never forget when Young Dolph got shot at in his Bulletproof car then Proceeded to drop a album with every track forming a sentence pic.twitter.com/Twn4CwN25t
— ???????????????????? (@NotSleepyLeems) November 17, 2021
Several fans lit up the timeline on Twitter with some of his prolific lyrics.
KEEP IT REAL WITH YO DAWG NO MATTER WHAT (preach) SAME BITXH THAT CLAIM SHE LOYAL SHE’LL SET YOU UP (preach) rip young dolph man ???? pic.twitter.com/sUrDL731bd
— JaiVibez???? (@daystack) November 17, 2021
Man @YoungDolph gave us one of the best quotes ever
“Rule Number One….Get the money first
Rule number two….don’t forget to get the money”
RIP man smh
— Every Girls Favorite (@DJTrellz336) November 17, 2021
Hip-hop writer Jeff Weiss wrote a touching tribute in light of Dolph’s passing, commemorating all of his contributions to the genre and recognizing his Southern roots.
RIP Young Dolph, the Memphis people's champ–the answer to what if the Delta Blues was rap and funny. An antihero whose hysterical punchlines and flashiness often overshadowed a deep conscience, introspection, generosity and dedication to building an independent empire. A legend. pic.twitter.com/X51frc4oeb
— Otto Von Biz Markie (@Passionweiss) November 17, 2021
The rapper had two children, a daughter and a son, whom he shared with Mia Jaye. Fans proceeded to lift the surviving family up in prayer following Young Dolph's unexpected death.
Rip young dolph man, yo family in my prayers ❤️ pic.twitter.com/ahHI6D0HiR
— pb (@yung_pb) November 17, 2021
you will be missed, young dolph. ???????? pic.twitter.com/3mdkIrJnnM
— ✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨ (@merelynora) November 17, 2021
Gone Way Too Soon Smfh Rest Easy Young Dolph ???? pic.twitter.com/N6S65Oe7E1
— DJ First Class™ ???? (@1DJFirstClass) November 17, 2021
Known as a supporter of his community, Dolph recently visited a local football team, making sure to walk out with them to one of his songs, prior to his death.