Leading by example, Young Dolph never stopped working to secure the futures of his family, his community, and the artists he took under his wing. Today, Dolph’s talented roster of artists at Paper Route Empire unite for Paper Route Empire Presents: Long Live Dolph, a new compilation project that pays tribute to the legacy of the King of Memphis.
Spanning 8 tracks, the project features contributions from almost every artist on Paper Route Empire. Jay Fizzle, PRE’s longest-tenured signee, leads the tape with the Ricco Barrino-assisted, gospel-inflected “LLD,” a tribute to the man who he credits with helping his 16 year-old self escape the streets. Kenny Muney offers a plaintive remembrance of his mentor using one of Dolph’s signature phrases on “Role Model,” and Big Moochie Grape defiantly claims his intention to take Paper Route Empire to new heights on “In Dolph We Trust.” On recent single “Proud,” Key Glock declares “F*** that humble s***, let’s go, you know I’m spazzin’ out ‘bout mine.”
Long Live Dolph showcases the talents of PRE artists, pointing to a bring future for the label that Dolph built from the ground up. Artists like Memphis natives Snupe Bandz and Paper Route Woo demonstrate the cold calculation and drawled-out bars that fit the label’s established aesthetic. Meanwhile, like Brooklyn’s Joddy Badass and Chicago’s ChiTana point to the diversified vision Dolph developed for PRE, one that extends beyond his hometown. Dolph himself makes his presence felt on the mixtape, through interview snippets, lyrical references, and “Love For Me,” a newly-released song that pairs Dolph with ChiTana.
Long Live Dolph is reflective, but it is also triumphant; Paper Route Empire will continue building on the foundation that Dolph laid. Keep an eye on the young and hungry PRE roster, as nearly every one of them plans to drop plenty of music this year. 2022 is Paper Route Szn.
“Of the many definitions of the word ‘Empire,’ the one that stands out the most is ‘a large conglomerate, ruled by a superior authority, especially an Emperor.’ And Dolph was just that. He moved through this earth with the grace of a King. He led us through this industry with strategy, knowing that there were obstacles. And with his foresight, those obstacles were, and will continue to be unsuccessful.
In this life, the measure of a man isn’t what you managed to acquire, it’s how you treated other people. Did your life have meaning. Did you give more than you received. We are so grateful that his legacy has been solidified not by what he had, but what he accomplished. Since his passing, the outpouring of love and support has been overwhelming. And for this we are eternally grateful.
As a family, we are grieving. As an organization, we have never been stronger or more prepared to continue building on the foundation that Dolph set for us.
Every artist on the label–Key Glock, Jay Fizzle, Moochie Grape, Kenny Muney, Joddy Badass, ChiTana, Big Unc, Snupe Bandz, and Paper Route Woo–were all hand picked, because beyond talent, he saw in them the same hunger and determination he saw in himself. He spent time cultivating them as artists, and mentored them until they discovered their own greatness. Each one is more than ready to fulfill their destiny. And they have the support of this entire Empire behind them.
PRE is unstoppable. And we have proven this time and time again. We thank you all again for your love and support as we continue forward.
LONG LIVE YOUNG DOLPH. LONG LIVE THE MIGHTY PAPER ROUTE EMPIRE”
— Daddyo, Paper Route Empire CEO
Buy/Stream Paper Route Empire Presents: Long Live Dolph: https://music.empi.re/
© 2022, Seth "Digital Crates" Barmash. All rights reserved.
