Mon Sep 23 21:58:47 UTC 2024: ## Memphis Man Testifies He Killed Rapper Young Dolph on Behalf of Rival Label

**MEMPHIS, Tenn.** – In a shocking turn of events, a Memphis man, Cornelius Smith, has testified that he and another individual, Justin Johnson, shot and killed rapper Young Dolph on November 17, 2021, at the behest of Anthony Mims, known as “Big Jook”, the brother of rapper Yo Gotti.

Smith’s testimony came on the first day of Johnson’s trial on charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and being a felon in possession of a gun. Smith, who also faces murder and conspiracy charges, identified himself and Johnson as the two men seen on surveillance footage exiting a white Mercedes outside a Memphis cookie store shortly after Young Dolph entered. They then opened fire on the rapper in broad daylight.

The prosecution argued that Young Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Thornton Jr., was determined to be an independent artist, even starting his own label, Paper Route Empire. This ambition, however, created enemies. Young Dolph had previously turned down an offer to work with Yo Gotti’s rival label, Cocaine Muzic Group (now Collective Music Group), and had subsequently released diss tracks targeting the label and its associates.

Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman emphasized the rivalry between the two labels, stating that Young Dolph’s refusal to work with Yo Gotti’s label fueled the animosity and ultimately led to the tragic killing.

Smith’s testimony also revealed that he received a mere $800 before his arrest and that his attorney was later paid $50,000 by Big Jook. He admitted that his conscience began to bother him after he sobered up in jail, confessing that he was “trying to get some money” at the time of the shooting.

Meanwhile, Johnson’s attorney, Luke Evans, urged the jury not to trust Smith’s testimony, suggesting it was merely an attempt to save himself. He maintained that Johnson is innocent, arguing that photos of him wearing similar clothing to the person in the video do not prove his involvement.

The trial is still ongoing. This case has deeply shaken the Memphis community and the world of hip hop, highlighting the dark side of the music industry’s fierce competition.

**UPDATE:** Big Jook, Anthony Mims, was shot and killed outside a restaurant in January 2024, according to media reports.

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