MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Prosecutors said Monday the man on trial for the murder of Memphis rapper Young Dolph wanted to be the next big bluff city rapper. The trial began Monday, Sept.
23, 2024, for Justin Johnson, who goes by the rap name ‘Straight Drop.’ He faces charges including first-degree murder, unlawful carrying and possession of a firearm, and theft of property in the death of Young Dolph, whose real name was Adolph Thornton Jr. During opening statements, prosecutors said Cornelius Smith Jr.
, also charged in the murder, would testify against Johnson. The defense said Hernandez Govan, accused of ordering the hit against Dolph, would also testify against Johnson. During his opening statements, Deputy District Attorney Paul Hagerman said Dolph had been trying to make it on his own and help other artists under the label Paper Route Empire (PRE).
The attorney said Dolph had rejected those at another music label, CMG, who had wanted him on their label. CMG is Collective Music Group , also known as ‘Cocaine Muzik Group’ according to Hagerman’s statements. CMG is Memphis rapper Yo Gotti’s label, which features other acts like Moneybagg Yo, Blac Youngsta, and EST Gee.
Hagerman said Govan would try to identify young rappers to ‘shop’ to CMG. The Deputy DA claimed Johnson and Smith were not well acquainted, knowing each other only through the rap scene. During his opening, Hagerman said Dolph had ‘diss tracks’ against CMG, and claimed CMG made threats against Do.