Young Dolph, born Adolph Robert Thornton Jr. on July 27, 1985, died on November 17, 2021, at age 36. He was shot outside a retail store in Memphis, Tennessee, and later pronounced dead at a hospital. The Shelby County Medical Examiner’s office ruled the manner homicide by gunshot wound. This verified profile clarifies his age at death, the confirmed timeline, official forensic details, and key biographical facts, drawing on law enforcement and medical examiner reports to provide a transparent, factual account.
Identity and birth details
Full name and date of birth
Young Dolph’s legal name was Adolph Robert Thornton Jr. He was born July 27, 1985, in Memphis, Tennessee. This birth date is consistently listed in official biographies, music databases, and court records used by journalists and researchers.
Public name and career context
Known professionally as Young Dolph, he was a Memphis-based rapper who rose to prominence through independent albums and mixtapes. He founded the label Paper Route Empire and remained active in music and local business ventures until his death in 2021.
Death date, age, and circumstances
Date of death and age
Young Dolph died on November 17, 2021. Based on his July 27, 1985 birth date and the date of death occurring before his July 27 birthday in 2021, he was 36 years old at the time of death.
Location and immediate events
He was shot outside a retail store in the 700 block of South Hollywood Street in Memphis. Emergency services responded, and he was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead. No arrest had been made publicly at the time of this writing from our verified sources.
Official cause and classification
The Shelby County Medical Examiner’s office classified the manner as homicide by gunshot wound. Law enforcement described the scene as a targeted shooting, and investigators reviewed CCTV footage and witness statements.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Adolph Robert Thornton Jr. | Birth certificate, official biographies |
| Date of birth | July 27, 1985 | Public records, biographies |
| Date of death | November 17, 2021 | Law enforcement reports, news confirmations |
| Age at death | 36 years old | Calculated from verified birth and death dates |
| Location of death | Memphis, Tennessee, retail store area | Police and medical examiner reports |
| Manner | Homicide by gunshot wound | Shelby County Medical Examiner |
Biographical context and legacy
Musical career and business activities
Young Dolph released numerous mixtapes and studio albums, building a regional following and later a national presence. He invested in real estate and local businesses in Memphis, often highlighting community support and entrepreneurship.
Community impact and tributes
Following his death, fans, fellow artists, and local leaders paid tribute to his influence on Memphis hip-hop and his philanthropic efforts. Memorial events and online campaigns emphasized his role as a community figure beyond music.
Common questions and clarifications
Was his age at death disputed?
No reputable source disputes that he was 36 at the time of death. Calculations from his confirmed birth date and death date yield 36.
How does this compare to other figures in the genre?
As a comparison point, contemporaries in Southern hip-hop have passed away at various ages; Young Dolph’s age at death sits within a range seen among rappers lost to homicide in the 2020s, though each case is distinct in context and impact.
Reliable sourcing and transparency
This summary relies on officially reported information, including medical examiner records, credible news coverage, and public documents. When details remain under investigation, this profile notes the absence of authoritative confirmation rather than speculation.