YOUNG DOLPH 'PAPER ROUTE FRANK' KEEPS HIS LEGACY ALIVE

This is a celebration of both his own story, and the larger history of a city that’s had an integral role in shaping rap and R&B music.The murder of Young Dolph was an incalculable loss for his family, the city of Memphis, and the music industry. Nevertheless, Dolph was able to build a secure and stable foundation for himself and those around him. This foundation has allowed Paper Route Empire to continue to thrive with releases from new artists such as Big Moochie Grape and Kenny Muney.

Dolph's final album, Paper Route Frank, was completed before his death. The album does not attempt to make a memorial or tribute to him, but instead pays tribute by allowing Dolph to speak for himself. The title of the album references Frank Matthews, a drug kingpin in American history and the inspiration for the film Black Caesar.Dolph's music has always been luxurious, regal, and befitting of his title as King of Memphis. Paper Route Frank amplifies this elegance by drawing from old Memphis traditions like Isaac Hayes and Al Green. This album celebrates both Dolph's story and the larger history of the city that has shaped rap and R&B music.

Young Dolph's soulful presence and voice shines through on "Old Ways," the O'Jays flip courtesy of Bandplay. The beat is laid-back and mellow, featuring twinkling pianos and tactile percussion. On other tracks like "Love For The Streets," an eerie effect is created with a distorted string fragment combined with glistening jingle bells. Synthesized voices offer an ethereal backup on "Blind Fold" and "Smoke My Weed," while "Thats How" opens with a dignified string quartet before transitioning to a sci-fi synthesizer to add a sense of foreboding. Dolph's music often displays a duality, ranging from luxury and opulence to the trenches and frontlines. Despite his materialist aspirations, Dolph never loses touch with the fire and hunger that brought him to the top.