The Memphis rap scene has birthed some of the most influential and respected artists in the hip-hop world. Among them, Young Dolph and Yo Gotti stand out as two of the biggest names. However, their legacies are not just defined by their music but also by a highly publicized feud that spanned several years, leading to tragedies that rocked the industry.

2014: The Yo Gotti and Young Dolph Feud Begins

In 2014, the Memphis rap scene was buzzing with success stories, and Yo Gotti had already cemented himself as one of the top-tier artists from the city. On the other hand, Young Dolph was quickly rising, gaining recognition with his street anthems and independent hustle. It seemed like a perfect recipe for collaboration, but instead, tensions began to form.

The Roots of the Feud

The beef between the two rappers is believed to have started as a clash of egos. Young Dolph, who prided himself on his independent grind, turned down an offer from Yo Gotti to sign with his Collective Music Group (CMG) label. Dolph, in multiple interviews, spoke about his desire to remain his own boss, which was perceived by some as a slight towards Gotti, who had built a successful label and roster.

Diss Tracks Begin

The feud escalated beyond private discussions when both rappers began taking shots at each other through music. Diss tracks became the medium for airing grievances, with Young Dolph being more vocal. In songs like “Play Wit Yo’ B****,” Dolph directly dissed Gotti, referring to personal matters and stirring the pot further.

2017: Young Dolph Targeted in Two Shootings, Injured in One

By 2017, the feud had reached dangerous levels. The rivalry was no longer just verbal, but violent confrontations started to emerge. That year, Young Dolph became the target of two separate shootings, bringing the beef into a much darker territory.

Charlotte Shooting Incident

In February 2017, Young Dolph’s SUV was shot at over 100 times in Charlotte, North Carolina. Miraculously, Dolph walked away unscathed due to his bulletproof vehicle, but the incident only intensified the beef. It was rumored that associates of Yo Gotti were behind the attack, although nothing was ever officially confirmed. Dolph later referenced the shooting in his album Bulletproof, showing his resilience and capitalizing on the publicity of the incident.

Los Angeles Shooting

Later in 2017, the rivalry would take an even more violent turn. In September, Young Dolph was shot multiple times in Los Angeles outside of a hotel. He survived the attack but required surgery and a significant recovery period. Once again, rumors swirled about Yo Gotti’s involvement. Although Gotti was not directly linked, his associate Corey McClendon was arrested in connection to the shooting, though he was later released.

2021: Young Dolph Killed in a Shooting in Memphis

The tragic end to this long-standing feud came in November 2021. Young Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Thornton Jr., was shot and killed in broad daylight at Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies, a beloved local spot in Memphis. The news sent shockwaves through the music community and beyond, with fans mourning the loss of an artist who had not only built a successful career but also frequently gave back to his community.

Community Reaction

Young Dolph’s death led to an outpouring of grief, with memorials held in Memphis and tributes flooding in from across the music world. His philanthropic efforts, including annual Thanksgiving turkey giveaways and contributions to local schools, were highlighted, showing the depth of his connection to his hometown.

Investigation and Arrests

In the months following Dolph’s death, multiple suspects were arrested in connection to the shooting. While the exact motivations behind the killing remain murky, many believe it was the culmination of years of tension and rivalry within the Memphis rap scene, including the long-standing feud with Yo Gotti. However, as of now, there is no concrete evidence linking Gotti directly to the murder.

2024: Big Jook Shot and Killed in Memphis

The latest tragic chapter in this ongoing saga unfolded in 2024 when Big Jook, Yo Gotti’s older brother, was shot and killed in Memphis. His death added yet another layer of sorrow to an already painful history of violence and loss in the city’s hip-hop scene. Though details surrounding Big Jook’s death are still emerging, it has only intensified the speculation around the continuing tension between factions within Memphis.

Impact on the Memphis Rap Scene

The loss of both Young Dolph and Big Jook has undoubtedly left a mark on Memphis’ rap landscape. Fans and artists alike have called for an end to the violence, urging for peace and unity within the community. As the rap world reflects on the consequences of these feuds, many wonder if the cycle of violence will ever truly come to an end.

Conclusion: Lessons from a Tragic Feud

The rivalry between Young Dolph and Yo Gotti, and the violence that followed, serves as a reminder of the darker side of fame and success in the music industry. While both artists contributed immensely to the culture of Memphis and hip-hop, their feud, fueled by personal differences and escalating violence, left behind a trail of devastation.

As we reflect on the lives lost and the music they left behind, the hope is that the next generation of artists will learn from this tragic chapter and prioritize unity over division. The legacy of Young Dolph and Yo Gotti’s contributions to music will endure, but so too will the lessons from their conflict.

FAQs

1. What started the feud between Young Dolph and Yo Gotti?
The feud is believed to have started in 2014 when Young Dolph turned down an offer to sign with Yo Gotti’s label, CMG, and began making public remarks about his desire to remain independent.

2. Was Yo Gotti directly involved in the shootings of Young Dolph?
While Yo Gotti was never officially charged or linked directly to the shootings, rumors have swirled about his involvement due to the long-standing feud between the two rappers.

3. How did Young Dolph’s death impact the Memphis community?
Young Dolph’s death deeply affected the Memphis community, as he was not only a successful artist but also a philanthropist who regularly gave back to his hometown.

4. Who was Big Jook, and what is his connection to Yo Gotti?
Big Jook was Yo Gotti’s older brother. His death in 2024 further intensified the ongoing tensions in the Memphis rap scene.

5. What has the rap community said about the feud between Yo Gotti and Young Dolph?
Many in the rap community have expressed sorrow over the feud and its violent consequences, with calls for peace and unity in the wake of the deaths of both Young Dolph and Big Jook.