Tennessee man testifies Young Dolph was killed in hit allegedly ordered by Yo Gotti’s brother

A Memphis man testified on Monday, revealing that he and another person shot and killed rapper Young Dolph following a hit allegedly orchestrated by Big Jook, the brother of rapper Yo Gotti. 

Cornelius Smith identified himself and Justin Johnson as the two people seen in a 17 November 2021 surveillance video exiting a white Mercedes outside a Memphis cookie store just 30 seconds after Young Dolph entered. They opened fire on the rapper in broad daylight.

Smith’s testimony came during the first day of Justin Johnson’s trial on charges of murder, conspiracy to commit murder, and possession of a firearm by a felon. 

Smith, who also faces similar charges, testified that Big Jook was behind the killing, offering money for the hit. 

"I wasn’t feeling nothing at the time. I’m not gonna lie. I was trying to get some money," Smith confessed.

The defense attorney, Luke Evans, questioned the credibility of Smith’s testimony, arguing that Smith was merely trying to save himself. 

Evans maintained that Johnson is innocent, stating that photos of him in clothes similar to those in the video do not prove his guilt.

Deputy district attorney Paul Hagerman described Young Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Thornton Jr., as an independent artist who founded Paper Route Empire. 

He claimed Young Dolph had enemies due to his decision to stay independent, rejecting offers from Yo Gotti’s label, Cocaine Muzic Group (now Collective Music Group). 

Young Dolph was the target of previous shootings, including a 2017 attack in Los Angeles.

Smith also testified that he received only $800 before his arrest and claimed that Big Jook later paid $50,000 to his attorney. 

The case has drawn national attention, given Young Dolph’s successful music career, which included collaborations with Key Glock, Megan Thee Stallion, Gucci Mane, and 2 Chainz. His 2020 album 'Rich Slave' peaked at No. 4 on the Billboard 200.