Memphis man sentenced for Young Dolph's murder

In a high-profile case, Justin Johnson was convicted of murdering rapper Young Dolph in Memphis on November 17, 2021. The incident occurred during a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway event, where Young Dolph was targeted as part of an ongoing feud between rival record labels. Co-defendant Cornelius Smith testified that Anthony 'Big Jook' Mims, brother of rapper Yo Gotti, had placed a $100,000 hit on Young Dolph, indicating the severity of the conflict within the music industry. The prosecution presented substantial circumstantial evidence, including surveillance footage and cell phone records linking Johnson to the crime. Smith's testimony revealed that he and Johnson were actively searching for Young Dolph when they encountered him. Despite Johnson's defense arguing that the evidence was circumstantial and that Smith was attempting to save himself, the jury found Johnson guilty. In addition to Johnson's conviction, Smith also faces charges of murder and conspiracy. The case has drawn attention to the dangerous rivalries in the music scene, particularly among hip-hop artists. Young Dolph, known for his independent approach to music, had previously released diss tracks targeting rival labels, which may have contributed to the animosity. Ultimately, Johnson was sentenced to life in prison, serving as a stark reminder of the potential consequences of violence in the pursuit of success in the music industry.