The King of Memphis Gets Ready for His Close-Up in a Stylish New Video for a Role Model Highlight
Critical Praise:
“Young Dolph has cultivated that formula that makes the bando jump” – XXL
“Dolph’s new album…feels like a starmaking moment for someone who was well on his way.” – Stereogum
“What makes Dolph exemplary is his affinity for memorable hooks and catchy call-and-response punch lines” – Complex
“King of Memphis is worth myriad repeat listens: Dolph bridges the gap between his hometown and the Atlanta production that dominates rap’s mainstream.” – SPIN
“Start paying attention to Young Dolph before you look stupid as shit,” – Noisey
The Video:
With his ascent to rap stardom in the rearview mirror, Young Dolph seeks to redefine the commercial and cultural expectations of what an independent rapper can accomplish. Hot on the heels of Role Model, which debuted last week at #15 on the Billboard 200 with 33,000 in sales equivalent units, Young Dolph shares “Playin Wit a Check,” his latest video. Packed with close-up shots of Dolph and his diamond-encrusted jewelry, Dolph lives the life of a boss in the new video, relaxing with a squad of models amidst a mutating and arresting background, transforming from the New York skyline, mountains, to burned-out forests. Produced by Budda Bless, “Playin Wit a Check” is one of the most infectious tracks on Role Model, juxtaposing Dolph’s jet-setting, playboy lifestyle with his life as a family man.
Asserting himself as an everyman-turned-superman, Dolph levels up to star status in Role Model, his new studio album. Role Model provides a new context for Dolph’s braggadocio and sets an example for rising independent rappers and anyone else trying to get out the mud. Telling the unlikely story of Dolph’s success, the album kicks off with “Black Queen,” a beautiful introductory track that finds Dolph recounting his difficult childhood and declaring his love for his mother, who ably accompanies him on piano: “Even though you was a crack fiend, momma/You gave birth to a trap king, momma/You gon’ always be my trap queen, momma/Damn, I mean you’ll always be my black queen, momma.” After the emotional intro, Role Model finds Dolph glowing up, experimenting with new flows and raising his boastful bars to a Herculean level: “Parked the Rari in the crib and came back in a Bentley,” says Dolph on “How U Luv It,” “Codeine with no sippin’ (pour up)/Gelato I’m twistin’ (roll up)/Got on too much ice, hard for the bitch to pay attention/Menace just like Dennis/I got racks like Venus (Williams!).” Featuring appearances from Snoop Dogg, Offset, Key Glock, and Kash Doll, RoleModel, released by Paper Route EMPIRE/EMPIRE, is Dolph’s origin story, establishing him as a symbol of hope to kids in the hood who desperately want to improve their lives.
Role Modeltracklist: 1. Black Queen (feat. Moma Gabbana) 2. By Mistake 3. Major (feat. Key Glock) 4. Lipstick 5. How U Luv Dat 6. I Think I Can Fly (feat. Snoop Dogg) 7. Break The Bank (feat. Offset) 8. On God 9. Still Smell Like It 10. Whole World (feat. Kash Doll) 11. Playin Wit A Chek 12. Muhammad 13. Space Jam 14. Trap Baby
Young Dolph Background
Born on the South Side of Chicago and raised in notoriously known Castalia Heights neighborhood in South Memphis, Young Dolph emerged in the urban music scene and amassed a large dedicated fan base.
Dolph grew up in a hectic environment, surrounded by drugs and alcohol, but that never completely defined him. He always had a passion for music, but it wasn’t until his peers recognized his talent and suggested that he take rap seriously. Eventually his hustle mentality and creativity led him to consistently dropping mixtape after mixtape. With authentic punch lines and stern club bangers, he created his own lane of High Class Street Music.
On the strength of releasing consistent quality mixtapes, Dolph became one of the only independent musicians to have multiple Top 20 records with “Cut It,” “Preach,” “California” and Top 40 records with “Make the World Go Around” and “PulledUp.” Yet to release an album, the success Dolph has gained from his mixtapes have led to collaborations with some of the most influential artists in hip-hop including 2 Chainz,Juicy J, Young Jeezy, and Rick Ross. In 2015, Dolph headlined his own tour selling out throughout the country. – HotNewHipHop
EMPIRE Background
Founded in 2010, EMPIRE has grown to become one of the leading independent music companies. Its partners include labels and artists, both developing and veteran stars, across hip hop, R&B, Latin, reggaer, pop, rock, gospel, and country. The company has developed and released projects for artists including Anderson .Paak, XXXTENTACION, Cardi B, Kendrick Lamar, DRAM, Fat Joe & Remy Ma, Kodak Black, Migos, Tyga, Shaggy, Snoop Dogg and many more. Find out more at: https://www.empi.re/
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