RAP BEEF TIMELINE · 2014–2026
Young Dolph vs. Yo Gotti
Independence, “King of Memphis,” and a tragic end
Young Dolph’s decision to remain independent instead of joining Yo Gotti’s CMG becomes the publicly reported origin of a Memphis rivalry sharpened by the “King of Memphis” title and “Play Wit Yo’ Bitch.” Multiple violent incidents follow. Dolph’s 2021 murder ends the personal conflict tragically; later trials establish convictions for several defendants, while testimony about the alleged bounty is kept attributed and does not establish Yo Gotti’s involvement.
THE RECORD
The moments
Music industry · disputed account
Dolph says he declines CMG to stay independent
Young Dolph later says Yo Gotti’s camp wanted him to join CMG, but he chose to build Paper Route Empire independently. The account becomes the commonly reported origin of their friction, though the private business discussions are not independently documented.
Read the receipt ↗Music industry · disputed account
“King of Memphis” turns a title into a challenge
Dolph’s independent debut King of Memphis makes a public claim to the city’s rap crown. Coverage and later accounts place the title in the wider tension with Gotti, who had long been associated with the same status.
Read the receipt ↗Diss track
“Play Wit Yo’ Bitch” makes the record-side conflict explicit
On Gelato, Dolph releases “Play Wit Yo’ Bitch,” a direct diss aimed at Yo Gotti and his circle. The song moves the rivalry from reported business friction into an unmistakable public music exchange.
▶ Watch Young Dolph’s “Play Wit Yo’ Bitch”Physical altercation · disputed account
Charlotte shooting hits Dolph’s bulletproof SUV
During CIAA weekend, more than 100 rounds are reported fired at Dolph’s vehicle in Charlotte. No one is injured, and Dolph performs later that night; he subsequently turns the survival story into the Bulletproof album campaign.
Read the receipt ↗Physical altercation · disputed account
Dolph survives a Hollywood shooting
Dolph is shot multiple times outside the Loews Hollywood Hotel and hospitalized. Police say they want to speak with Yo Gotti, who is reported as possibly staying at the hotel; that reporting does not establish responsibility for the attack.
Read the receipt ↗Legal case
Young Dolph is killed in South Memphis
Dolph is fatally shot outside Makeda’s Homemade Butter Cookies in South Memphis. His death ends any possibility of a personal reconciliation and shifts the public story into a criminal case.
Read the receipt ↗Legal case · disputed account
Trial testimony and later convictions close the charged cases
At Justin Johnson’s 2024 trial, co-defendant Cornelius Smith testifies that Anthony “Big Jook” Mims offered a $100,000 bounty. Johnson is convicted and sentenced to life; the last charged defendant pleads guilty in 2026. The testimony is attributed, and the record does not establish Yo Gotti’s involvement.
Read the receipt ↗
THE RECEIPTS