New Footage of Young Dolph’s Killers Goes Viral, Raising Questions About Memphis Rap Feuds

Memphis, TN — The tragic murder of rapper Young Dolph on November 17, 2021, continues to reverberate throughout the hip-hop community as new footage of the accused killers has gone viral, reigniting debates about who was ultimately responsible for the shooting.

Born Adolf Robert Thornton Jr., Young Dolph was a self-made Memphis legend and independent rap mogul. On that fateful day, Dolph was shot 22 times in broad daylight while visiting Makita’s Homemade Butter Cookies, a local favorite spot. Surveillance footage captured two masked shooters in a white Mercedes carrying out the attack, shocking the city and the music world alike.

The Arrests and Trial

Within months of the murder, Memphis authorities arrested four suspects: Justin “Straight Drop” Johnson and Cornelius Smith, alleged shooters; Hernandez Govin, accused mastermind; and Jamarcus Johnson, who allegedly helped the shooters escape and facilitate payments.

During the trial of Justin Johnson in September 2024, Cornelius Smith testified that Anthony “Big Jook” Mims—Yo Gotti’s brother and a CMG label figure—allegedly orchestrated a $100,000 bounty on Young Dolph. Smith also claimed some payments were made for legal fees, possibly linked to CMG, although details remained murky.

Despite inconsistencies in Smith’s testimony, the jury found Justin Johnson guilty of first-degree murder, conspiracy to commit first-degree murder, and being a felon in possession of a weapon. He was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 51 years. Jamarcus Johnson took a plea deal, while Hernandez Govin was acquitted in August 2025.

The Memphis Rap Feud

The murder ties back to an ongoing feud between Young Dolph and Yo Gotti dating as far back as 2014. The rivalry intensified after Dolph rejected a proposed record deal with Gotti’s CMG label and began releasing music directly challenging Gotti’s influence in Memphis rap. Diss tracks, public disses, and previous assassination attempts—including being shot multiple times in 2017—set the stage for the eventual tragedy.

Big Jook’s subsequent murder in January 2024 outside a Memphis restaurant removed a key potential witness in the case, leaving many questions about the true scope of the conspiracy unanswered. Observers continue to speculate about whether the CMG leadership or other powerful figures were involved in planning Dolph’s death.

The Human Cost

Young Dolph’s murder underscores the deadly intersection of hip-hop beef and street violence. Both Dolph and Big Jook left behind families impacted by the violence, while the convicted and accused individuals face decades behind bars. Beyond the courtroom, the tragedy highlights the risks of mixing music industry rivalry with real-world criminal elements.

Despite partial justice being served, the question of who ultimately ordered Young Dolph’s assassination remains unanswered. The case continues to be a cautionary tale about ambition, loyalty, and the consequences of unresolved conflicts within the music industry.

Sources:

YouTube – Young Dolph’s Killers New Footage Are Going Viral

Memphis Commercial Appeal – Young Dolph Shooting Coverage

XXL Magazine – The Life and Legacy of Young Dolph

Billboard – Young Dolph Murder Trial Updates