Young Dolph believes now is the time for Black people across the nation to stand up and speak with a unified voice.
“It’s really important for everyone in our community to stand for something,” Dolph said. “And we’ve got to be more unified. The more unified we are as a people, [the more] we’ll be unstoppable. Then we’ll be able to demand certain things. But we’re fighting amongst each other. It’s not easy because it was set up for us this way. It’s not all our fault because we’re still trying to play make up. We’re just living what we’ve been given.”
Dolph has been able to turn his dreams of being a rapper and businessman into a reality. After years of achieving success as an independent artist, multiple major record labels approached him to help take his Paper Route Empire label to the next level. However, Dolph rejected a handout from those major labels and decided to remain independent. His gamble paid off. Rich Slave debuted in the top five on the Billboard album charts.
“It’s a big sacrifice,” Dolph said about remaining independent. “First of all, you’re spending your own time and spending all of your own money when you can just [as] easily take $15 million from a major label. I chose not to take the money, so I have to work harder and smarter. I have to outthink them. I have to think big.
“If I didn’t [focus] on learning how to think, I’d be in trouble. I’d just be another person screaming, ‘Oh, I’m my own boss.’ I actually put in the work. I actually structure my team to put together a play. I’m always paying invoices. I’m always doing my part as a CEO.”
Along with finding success as a solo artist, Young Dolph has opened doors for emerging talent, such as Memphis-based rapper Key Glock, who also has a tremendous following.
Young Dolph understands that setbacks and tribulations can come when living everyday life. But he believes that a path to success always starts with a person’s willingness to put a plan in motion that can change or enhance their circumstances.
“At the end of the day, it’s really all about you,” Dolph said matter-of-factly. “It’s all about your mentality and what you want. Your mouth can say one thing, and your actions can say another. I don’t care what people say or [about] their opinions because it doesn’t make you any money. I’m paying attention to what a person’s doing with their time and what a person is doing with their money. You have to know how to prioritize the things that are most important.”
Story by A.R. Shaw
Cover image by iThinkEthan
Additional images by Eddy “Precise” Lamarre for Steed Media
