Hip-hop was evidently hit hard following the tragic death of Memphis rapper Young Dolph.
The rap pioneer was killed outside Makeda’s Cookies on Nov. 19, sending shock waves throughout his hometown as well as those who’ve worked alongside him.
Perhaps one of the those most affected by his passing was his cousin and longtime partner in crime Key Glock. To honor him, Key released a new track titled “Proud” — the first single from Paper Route Empire’s (Young Dolph’s label) upcoming tribute album Long Live Dolph.
On the emotionally-charged track, Key raps about his mentor and the overall grief he feels regarding the loss of his friend. The hook lays out the pain and overall anger he feels, but knows that even if he were to retaliate, Dolph is still gone.
I lost my dawg, I lost my mind
No lie, I’m really lost inside
I can get it back in blood, but still,
I can’t get back the time
Key Glock – “Proud”
Key continues detailing the emotions that he’s had to face throughout the song. At one point, he raps how he caught himself crying one day but knows he has to keep grinding just like Dolph would have wanted.
The video focuses on Key rapping in front of the impromptu memorial for Dolph, but is also intertwined with footage of the late-rapper as well as murals made in honor of him.
Young Dolph’s legacy will continue to live on thanks to tributes like these and the overall effect he had on the Memphis rap scene. Key Glock may be grappling with this loss now, but he knows that Dolph is still looking down on him and hopes to make him “Proud.”
Paper Route Empire’s tribute compilation Long Live Dolph is set drop Friday (Jan. 21) and will feature Key Glock, Snupe Bandz, Big Moochie Grape, Kenny Muney, and Jay Fizzle.
Listen to Key Glock’s new track below!
