MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — A Tennessee man, Cornelius Smith Jr., 36, entered a guilty plea on Friday for his involvement in the shooting death of rapper Young Dolph during an ambush in November 2021. This plea marks the conclusion of legal proceedings related to the killing of Young Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Thornton Jr., a prominent figure in the Memphis music scene.
Smith pleaded guilty to second-degree murder in a Memphis courtroom as part of a plea agreement that resulted in the dismissal of additional charges against him. He received a sentencing of 20 years in prison under this deal. Smith was originally charged alongside another suspect, Justin Johnson, who faced first-degree murder charges for the ambush execution of Young Dolph at Makeda’s Homemade Cookies, a bakery cherished by the rapper near his childhood home.
During the legal process, Smith served as a key witness in Johnson's subsequent trial. Johnson was ultimately convicted of first-degree murder in 2024 and sentenced to life in prison. In addition, he received separate sentences for conspiracy to commit murder and possession of a firearm as a felon.
Further complicating the case, Smith also testified against Hernandez Govan, who was acquitted of charges alleging he orchestrated the murder of Young Dolph. The rapper, beloved for his community contributions and philanthropy, was in Memphis to distribute Thanksgiving turkeys to families on the day he was killed.
The shooting, which shocked the entertainment world, bore similarities to the untimely deaths of iconic rap artists such as Tupac Shakur, Notorious B.I.G., and Nipsey Hussle. Authorities reported that two men exited a white Mercedes-Benz and opened fire at Young Dolph, resulting in approximately 20 gunshot wounds, as documented by a medical examiner’s report.
In the aftermath of the horrific incident, the bakery where the shooting occurred transformed into a memorial, with murals dedicated to Young Dolph appearing across Memphis. The city also honored him with a street named in his memory and a tribute during a Memphis Grizzlies game. His assassination was depicted by prosecutors as a retaliatory act incited by Anthony "Big Jook" Mims concerning Young Dolph’s lyrical diss aimed at Mims and his affiliated record label.
Smith testified that Big Jook had allegedly issued a $100,000 hit on Young Dolph, as well as smaller bounties on artists from Young Dolph's label, Paper Route Empire. Prosecutors argued that a rival record label, Cocaine Muzik Group (later known as Collective Music Group), sought to recruit Young Dolph, who declined their offers, further intensifying tensions within the local music industry.
Notably, Big Jook was killed in January 2024, although no arrests were made in connection to his death, and he had not faced charges related to Young Dolph's murder. During the trial, Smith indicated that he had limited awareness of the hit orders against Young Dolph until Govan informed him, mentioning that he was promised $10,000 for allegedly carrying out the hits.
Despite Smith's testimonies implicating others, the jury in Govan's trial found insufficient evidence to prove that he was behind the orchestration of the killings. Following Young Dolph's passing, social media erupted with tributes, celebrating his impact and detailing his journey, which often reflected the challenges faced by individuals in Memphis.
A prolific artist, Young Dolph launched his career through numerous mixtapes and released studio albums, including his debut, "King of Memphis," in 2016. He collaborated with various notable artists such as Key Glock, Megan Thee Stallion, T.I., Gucci Mane, and 2 Chainz. His album "Rich Slave," released in 2020, even peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200 chart, solidifying his legacy as a formidable independent artist and businessman within the hip-hop industry.
