Justin Johnson’s Rapper Name Revealed: Young Dolph’s Killer Takes “Street Responsibility” on Instagram After Guilty Verdict

Justin Johnson was convicted for the murder of Memphis rapper Young Dolph on November 17, 2021, during a hearing that took place on September 26, 2024. Johnson, who performed under the name Straight Drop, received a life sentence for first-degree murder. He was also found guilty of conspiracy to commit first-degree murder and for having a firearm as a convicted felon.

Following the guilty verdict, Johnson took to Instagram to assert that he was “taking street responsibility.”

“These n****a taking criminal responsibility I’m taking street responsibility regardless I’m forever the biggest they can throw away the keys before I ever eat the cheese,”Johnson expressed.

Young Dolph, who was just 36 years old at the time of his death, was shot 22 times at Makeda’s Cookies located on Airways Boulevard in Memphis, Tennessee. In addition to Justin Johnson, two other individuals, Cornelius Smith and Hernandez “Quett” Govan, were arrested in connection with the murder in January 2022. A fourth suspect, Jermarcus Johnson, faced charges as an accessory after the fact.

Cornelius Smith Pleads Guilty to Young Dolph’s Murder

During the trial on September 23, Cornelius Smith testified that Anthony “Big Jook” Mims, the brother of Yo Gotti, had placed a $100,000 hit on Young Dolph. He further implicated Govan as the organizer of the hit, which Smith and Johnson were tasked to execute. Reportedly, they were each promised $40,000, though Smith only received $800 following the murder.

Cornelius admitted to committing murder and disclosed he needed the money for his daughter’s birthday, coincidentally on the same day Dolph was killed. When questioned about his motives for committing the crime on that specific day, Cornelius stated that he felt pressured to “get some money that day.”

“Man, I was trying to make it right for her. I ain’t have no money, I’m trying to get some money that day. So I’m trying to make sure my baby girl have a beautiful birthday,” said Smith.

Young Dolph and Big Jook had a nearly decade-long feud that began in 2014, which ultimately led to the hit being placed. Tragically, Big Jook was fatally shot in Memphis in January 2024, three years after Dolph’s murder. The investigation into Big Jook’s death is still ongoing, and no charges have been filed as of this report.

Justin Johnson did not testify during the four-day trial. He received a life sentence for first-degree murder after just four hours of jury deliberation. The jury will deliberate on his sentences for the other two charges in November.

Cornelius Smith and Hernandez Govan are still awaiting sentencing.

Young Dolph’s Funeral Took Place in November 2022

The family of Young Dolph held a private funeral in November 2022. Following his death, a street in his childhood neighborhood was named in his honor.

Mia Jaye, the rapper’s partner and mother of his children, issued a statement after Justin Johnson’s guilty verdict. Jaye expressed that the ruling brought her relief and renewed her “confidence in the justice system.”She reflected on the past three years since Dolph’s passing as being “incredibly frustrating”and a test of her faith.

“My faith has been tested, but Adolph’s tragic execution has only strengthened my resolve to fight for justice ‑ not only for him but for all Black men,”she stated.

Adolph Thorton Jr., known professionally as Young Dolph, had two children with his partner Mia. His eighth studio album, Paper Route Frank, was released posthumously on December 16, 2022.

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