Adolph Robert Thornton became an influential rapper under the stage name Young Dolph. Two gunmen tragically murdered him in November 2021.
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Young Dolph released his debut album ‘King of Memphis’ in 2016 and became an important figure in the rap and hip-hop scene with his self-styled rap flow that separated him from his fellow Memphis contemporaries.
We bring you some of Young Dolph best songs that highlight his talents. Although his music career ended, his influence carried on. He collaborated with rap legend O.T. Genasis on “Cut it.” Dolph also used his star power to record with his cousin Key Glock on the song “Major,” which charted at 47 on the Hot R&B/Hip Hop Songs
“100 Shots”
Young Dolph knew all about 100 Shots, though, at the time of the release of this epic hit, which reached #10 on the US Bubbling Under 100 Hot Singles, that shooting incident lay in his future.
The song’s theme discusses finding your focus and staying the course regardless of the obstacles. Dolph certainly understood the dynamics of his lyrics and the power they imparted to listeners. One could say this hit contains the best lyrics from Young Dolph’s old songs.
Poetic and to the point, “100 Shots” allows outsiders to glimpse a world that resonates or causes astonishment. It’s another great hit with a number in the title.
“Major”
“Major” is the successful collaboration with his cousin-in-law Key Glock featured on the album ‘Role Model’, released in 2018. The tune charted at #47 on RIAA and made platinum.
Young Dolph had a gift of storytelling through his music. Using his skill, “Major” tells the story of how a young man navigates on the journey of success. The song’s popularity is evident, with over 114 million YouTube views. Major is a hit from Young Dolph’s Best Album.
The song’s catchy vibe and intense video make this a must-have tune.
“Play Wit Yo Bitch”
Young Dolph had a knack for showcasing his sultry voice above his unfiltered rap beat. Pay Wit Yo Bitch is another example of how Young Dolph is the boss of his empire.
Digging deeper into the lyrics, listeners may discover that the tune rehashes his feelings about rapper Yo Gotti who tried to sign him to his record label. While the song doesn’t insinuate anything, it states the obvious that Dolph felt no respect toward Gotti.
“Facts”
Dolph’s strong vocals dominate this track and deliver another insight into the artist’s thought process. Anyone new to the rap realm of Young Dolph and wondering about the PRE bling swinging from his neck: it’s promoting his record label Paper Route Empire.
While Dolph was a talented musician, he also had a knack for inventing successful business empires. The song has a sad undertone, and if you translate the lyrics, you might discover that the singer had strong emotions and connections to his family. Not sure the line about Ike Turner appeals to everyone’s sensibilities.
“Preach”
Young Dolph had a powerful impact on his audience, and “Preach” speaks to a common ground he shared openly. The song was hugely successful upon release, becoming another classic that portrays Dolph’s strong character and survival instinct.
One of his earlier hit songs, “Preach,” looks at giving control of your life away to others. Young Dolph and his family faced many struggles that he convincingly shared through his music and cemented his courage to stand on his own. It’s definitely a top 5 Young Dolph song.
“I Pray For My Enemies”
Young Dolph certainly experienced many influences in his life but remained true to himself even when success knocked. With fame also came an entourage of haters who wanted nothing more than to tear him down.
Dolph understood hardships and the courage it takes to climb above. The powerful lyrics detail how despite everything, he wouldn’t succumb to the hate that others try to entrap him with. Dolph stuck to his music and family and watched his success thrive despite the angst.
“Water on Water on Water”
This spunky tune is another collab with Key Glock and reached over 42 million YouTube views. It’s a track on the ‘Dum and Dummer’ album, spoofing the movie Dumb and Dummer.
The video is entertaining and has a solid sound beat that makes a listener instantly like the song. Dolph and Key Glock encapsulate the treacherous route of the rap game with the insinuations hidden beneath the lyrics. The video is worth watching and listening to with a set of mini-speakers.
“Real Life”
If anyone understood the challenges of real life, Young Dolph certainly had a solid grasp. Released on his ‘King of Memphis’ album, the song is another version of how his life struggles turned him into the man he became.
Money, and the lack of it, motivated Dolph to take chances. When money came, it changed and influenced his thinking. Watching the video, viewers see a rawness that almost makes him vulnerable.
Dolph fans adore this song because it resonates with their own dreams.
“Gelato”
Who doesn’t love licking a gelato cone, but this song has an edge that is authentic spitter rap. The song is another rendition of his life and what it took to scale the challenges. It’s also a diss on Yo Gotti and the power of turning down a deal that isn’t right.
Gelato signifies wealth and how he’s still dealing with the fallout. The background keyboard is spooky but suits the track. Young Dolph has seen his share of violence. In 2017, he took several bullets that nearly killed him. In November of the same year, he was fatally shot by two gunmen at a local store. The murder suspects were later arrested.
“Sunshine”
This song contains Young Dolph’s best lyrics. There is a real maturity in the music about his feelings and experiences during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Young Dolph reached not only his fans with this song’s message. The lyrics emphasize how the pandemic connects us while separating us simultaneously. It’s also one of the hardest Young Dolph songs to listen to because a year later, he died.
Final Thoughts
Many fans are left to mourn in silence over the untimely and senseless death of a talented musician and philanthropist. Young Dolph never forgot his roots or his people.
Listing the best Young Dolph Songs doesn’t do justice to his immense talent. Hip Hop and Rap aren’t on everyone’s playlist, but Young Dolph deserves respect and a listen. If circumstances were different, we’d all listen to many of Young Dolph’s number-one hits.
Photo: Young Dolph performing at Rolling Loud in Miami (Photo by Dan Garcia)