Rest In Peace, Young Dolph.
Young Dolph’s record label Paper Route Empire honored the memory of its late CEO with a tribute album Long Live Young Dolph (Jan. 21).
The new collaborative effort brings together PRE’s Key Glock, Jay Fizzle, Snupe Bandz, Big Moochie Grape and Kenny Muney. Paper Route’s current CEO Daddyo released a statement about the tribute tape via Rolling Stone before its release.
“My best friend, brother, and loyal business partner, Dolph was loved and admired by people all over the world. He led by example and influenced so many people both near and far. The world will never be the same without Dolph but I know he’d want me to continue his legacy by working hard to push all our artists to the next level and make PRE an international brand.”
Daddyo, Paper Route CEO via Rolling Stone
Along with the album’s announcement last week (Jan. 10), Jay Fizzle dropped the lead single and title track ‘LLD’ featuring Ricco Barrino. The track opens with a subdued piano-infused instrumental as Fizzle controls the track reflecting on the unexpected death of Dolph.
Barrino changes the paces as he emotionally sings about the legacy of Dolph living on through his music. Dubbed as the “Memphis King,” Fizzle picks it up on the second verse reflecting on how Dolph showed him he had options in life.
Soon after, close friend Key Glock released the album’s second single “Proud,” letting out his pain and every emotion he felt stemming from Dolph’s passing.
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 would still be 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”
Dolph tragically passed away on Nov. 17 in his hometown of Memphis outside of Makeda’s Cookies. The two suspects connected to the shooting have both been arrested as of Jan. 11.
Justin Johnson — also known as rapper Straight Drop — was captured after claiming he would turn himself in via Instagram. The other suspect, Cornelius Smith, has been in police custody since the night of the shooting and has since been charged with first-degree murder.
On Long Live Young Dolph, the Paper Route CEO also makes a posthumous appearance on “Love For Me.” Dolph speaks on the meaning of “real love” with his significant other, creating an ethereal feeling around his short but potent otherworldly verse.
As Dolph’s memory will be forever cherished in hip-hop, Long Live Young Dolph is a touching tribute to the fallen Memphis legend.
Listen to ‘Long Live Young Dolph’ below!
