When rapper Young Dolph, born Adolph Robert Thornton Jr., tragically passed away, it wasn’t just the music world that mourned. Beyond his lyrical prowess and entrepreneurial spirit as the head of Paper Route Empire, Young Dolph was known for his distinctive taste in cars. His untimely death while buying cookies for his mother in Memphis highlighted a life cut short, a life that had risen from humble beginnings to multi-millionaire status, all by the age of 36. He left behind his partner Mia Jaye and their children, and a legacy punctuated by generosity, ambition, and a truly unique collection of vehicles.
Young Dolph’s journey wasn’t without its challenges. His ascent in the rap industry included a well-documented feud with Yo Gotti and other rivals, leading to dangerous situations. Despite these threats, he carried himself with a bold confidence, reflected perhaps most strikingly in his choice to customize his luxury cars with full camouflage wraps. These weren’t just any camo wraps; they were a statement.
The Signature Camo Car Wraps of Young Dolph
At first glance, Young Dolph’s camo wraps might seem like standard military-style camouflage, blending olive, brown, and beige. However, a closer look, especially at his 2018 Dodge Demon SRT, reveals a personalized touch. Within the brown patterns, a dolphin wearing a crown is subtly integrated. This wasn’t just a random design choice. The dolphin was a nod to his first name, Adolph, and his stage moniker, Young Dolph. The crown symbolized his self-proclaimed “King of Memphis” title, the very album that ignited his feud with Yo Gotti.
Despite the controversy surrounding his “King of Memphis” album title and the dangers he faced, Young Dolph doubled down on his persona. The camo wraps became a signature, a rolling declaration of his brand. As he explained to Dub Magazine, it started with his Mercedes G-Wagon, and from there, the concept exploded across his entire fleet. It became the “PRE (Paper Route Empire) shit,” a bold and consistent aesthetic for his automotive possessions.
Young Dolph’s rise to fame was rapid, and his car collection mirrored his success. He didn’t just dream of owning luxury cars; he acquired them and made them undeniably his own. The Mercedes G63 AMG, an almost obligatory purchase for a rapper reaching his first major financial milestones after years of hustle, was present and accounted for, naturally cloaked in camo. The Rolls-Royce Wraith, another symbol of rap royalty, also received the camo treatment. This Wraith famously featured in a YouTube video where Young Dolph nonchalantly dismissed a $22 million record contract, tossing it onto the hood of the car with a defiant “Fuck the $22 million.”
The last reported addition to his collection before his passing on November 17, 2021, was a Rolls-Royce Cullinan, further solidifying his taste for British luxury. A Bentley Continental GT also held a prominent place in his garage, extending the camo theme across his high-end vehicles.
More Camo-Wrapped Machines in Young Dolph’s Garage
Beyond the British marques, Young Dolph’s collection included staples of the supercar and luxury car world. A Lamborghini, practically a prerequisite for rappers showcasing their wealth, was present. His choice was a Lamborghini Aventador S, a vehicle he famously gave away in the “Rich Slave Lambo Contest” in 2020 to promote his “Rich Slave” album. The family who won the Aventador reportedly sold it for nearly half a million dollars, a decision Young Dolph publicly endorsed with a simple “GET PAID” on social media.
Ferrari also featured in his lineup with a 488, and a Mercedes-Benz Maybach completed the European contingent. To round out his collection, Young Dolph remained true to American muscle and performance. He owned a Dodge Demon SRT (in addition to the camo one mentioned earlier, suggesting he might have had two), a Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, and a C8 generation Chevrolet Corvette. Tragically, it was this Corvette that he was driving on the day of his death.
The Fate of Young Dolph’s Car Collection
Following the tragic events, Young Dolph’s Corvette was taken from the scene, standard procedure in such circumstances. While it’s unlikely to be held as evidence indefinitely, the exact status of the investigation remains unclear.
Rumors have circulated about the fate of the rest of Young Dolph’s impressive car collection, with unsubstantiated reports suggesting his partner, Mia Jaye, might have sold them. Details regarding Young Dolph’s will are private, but it is known that he ensured his children would be beneficiaries of his extensive assets. It’s widely assumed that Mia Jaye and their children are financially secure.
Mia Jaye appears to be focused on her children’s well-being and her activism, particularly through her “Black Men Deserve to Grow Old” campaign, which addresses violence in Black communities. The cars, while valuable, are likely not her primary concern. From a practical standpoint, selling most of the collection might be a sensible move, especially considering storage costs for such a large number of vehicles. The Ferrari 488 and Lamborghini Aventador, potentially appreciating assets, might be exceptions, possibly kept for the children’s future.
Alternatively, given Mia Jaye’s commitment to her cause, it’s conceivable that she might auction off the camo-wrapped cars, perhaps even retaining the unique wraps, to raise funds for the “Black Men Deserve to Grow Old” campaign. This would transform Young Dolph’s automotive legacy into a powerful force for positive change, a fitting tribute to a man who, despite his tough exterior, was known for his generosity and community spirit.
