The murder trial of rapper Young Dolph has taken a shocking turn. Prosecutors claim that the 2021 killing of the Memphis rapper wasn’t random, but part of a conspiracy involving Yo Gotti’s brother, Anthony “Big Jook” Mims. They say Big Jook offered $100,000 to have Young Dolph killed.
On Monday (September 23), during the opening of the trial, Shelby County Assistant District Attorney Paul Hagerman told the jury that suspects Justin “Straight Drop” Johnson and Cornelius Smith met with Big Jook before the murder. Hagerman said Big Jook, who was a big figure at Yo Gotti’s label, CMG, offered the money to whoever would kill Dolph.
The Plot Behind Young Dolph’s Murder
Hagerman told the jury: “Big Jook…the number two guy at CMG, put out a hit, $100,000 to whoever kills Dolph.” He explained that Johnson, who was also an aspiring rapper, wanted the money to help his music career.
The beef between Young Dolph and Yo Gotti wasn’t new. Their feud had been going on since 2016. In 2017, someone close to Yo Gotti was arrested after a shooting involving Young Dolph, but that person was let go without charges. Many people have thought for years that the tension between the two rappers would lead to something like this.
Big Jook’s Death Adds to the Drama
To make things even more complicated, Big Jook was shot and killed in January of this year in what police believe was a planned attack. There’s no clear connection between Jook’s murder and Dolph’s, but it does add another layer to this dark story. The investigation into Jook’s death is ongoing, but police have not made any major updates so far.
The Court Case So Far
Because of how much media coverage Young Dolph’s killing received in Memphis, the jury for this trial comes from outside Shelby County, Tennessee. The defense requested this to ensure a fair trial, since many locals may have already formed opinions based on what they’ve seen in the news.
Johnson and Smith are both charged with first-degree murder for the killing of Young Dolph. They also face several other felony charges. A third suspect, Hernandez Govan, is accused of ordering the hit on the rapper.
The murder happened in November 2021, when two men got out of a stolen Mercedes-Benz and fired shots at Young Dolph while he was inside a bakery in Memphis. The incident was caught on camera.
Another person involved, Jemarcus Johnson, has pleaded guilty to being an accessory after the fact but has not been sentenced yet.
A Beef That Turned Deadly
The feud between Young Dolph and Yo Gotti went public in 2016, with diss tracks and public shots fired at each other. Things escalated over time, and many feared that the beef would eventually turn violent. Now, with the murder of Young Dolph and the trial shedding light on new details, the full story may finally come out.
If prosecutors are right, Big Jook, who was very close to Yo Gotti, played a major role in the deadly plot. This raises big questions about how much of the feud was more than just rap battles.
A Tragic Loss for Hip-Hop
Young Dolph’s death shocked the music world. Known not just for his music, but also for his generosity and love for his community, his loss has left a big hole in Memphis. Fans are still mourning, and this trial is keeping Dolph’s name in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
As the trial continues, people are hoping for justice, not just for Dolph’s family, but for the entire hip-hop community. This trial is about more than just Young Dolph—it’s about the senseless violence that has affected so many lives in the rap world.
What Happens Next?
The trial is just getting started, and there’s sure to be more explosive details in the days to come. If the jury believes the prosecutor’s story, it could mean serious consequences for Yo Gotti’s CMG crew and the future of Memphis rap.
For now, all eyes are on the courtroom as the hip-hop world waits to see if justice will be served for Young Dolph.