Key Glock speaks on being hesitant to release another collab Young Dolph project [VIDEO]
Key Glock speaks on another possible Young Dolph project
Key Glock is riding high off the release of his latest album, Glockaveli, but even as his career reaches new milestones, one part of his story continues to weigh heavily: the memory and legacy of his late cousin and mentor, Young Dolph.
In a candid appearance on Cam Newton’s Funky Friday podcast, the Memphis rapper opened up about the emotional complexity behind the posthumous collaborations sitting in his vault. While fans have long hoped for a new joint project between Glock and Dolph, Glock made it clear—it’s not something he’s ready for.
“I want to do another collab tape, of course,” he said. “But it’s like, I’m not going to be as happy. I’m going to be more in the past. It really don’t feel the same.”
That honesty hit home for fans. Glock isn’t just navigating stardom—he’s carrying the emotional weight of legacy, loss, and what it means to honor someone who meant the world to him.
A Legacy Built on Brotherhood: Glock and Dolph
The connection between Key Glock and Young Dolph wasn’t just professional—it was deeply personal. The two shared blood ties, but beyond family, they were artistic partners who carved out their own lane in hip-hop through Paper Route Empire (PRE).
Their chemistry led to the 2019 project Dum and Dummer, which became an underground smash and eventually earned a Gold certification from the RIAA. That success led to the sequel, Dum and Dummer 2, released in 2021. Tragically, that same year, Young Dolph was murdered in a shooting in Memphis.
His death rocked the hip-hop community—and shattered Glock’s world.
Why Glock Is Holding Back the Music—for Now
Despite having enough unreleased material for a new joint album, Glock says releasing it would be emotionally taxing.
“Fans don’t understand, nobody will understand it,” he shared during the podcast. “I’m going to put so much work and thought into making sure it’s what he would have wanted. It would put a big hole in me, and I ain’t tryna do that right now.”
It’s a sobering reminder that posthumous releases aren’t just marketing opportunities. For those closest to the artist, they’re deeply personal decisions that require care, time, and healing.
The Pressure of Honoring a Legend
Key Glock is well aware of what Young Dolph meant to Memphis—and to hip-hop as a whole. He doesn’t take that lightly. But he also understands that doing it right means not rushing the process.
“I really don’t tap into my losses, my loved ones, too much,” Glock admitted. “I like to deal with that on my own.”
That’s a sentiment many can relate to. Grief doesn’t run on a schedule—and in Glock’s case, neither will the music.
Glockaveli: A Statement Album
While Dolph’s memory looms large, Glockaveli stands as a bold declaration of Key Glock’s continued rise. Released earlier this year, the album shows the Memphis native at his sharpest—confident, stylish, and true to his roots.
The album blends trap-heavy beats, reflective lyrics, and Glock’s signature cool delivery. It’s a step forward while still staying grounded in the foundation he and Dolph built.
Critics and fans alike have praised Glockaveli for its polish and authenticity. The album is projected to debut in the top ten on the Billboard 200, with first-week sales around 33,000 units. That’s no small feat for an artist carrying his city and his label on his back.
Touring the Legacy: Glockaveli Tour Launches
Key Glock is also taking the album on the road. His Glockaveli Tour kicks off on May 21 in Oklahoma City, with stops scheduled across the country.
Touring offers Glock not just a way to connect with fans but also a form of healing. Live performances allow him to keep Dolph’s name alive while focusing on his own evolution as an artist.
Posthumous Releases in Hip-Hop: A Delicate Balance
The topic of posthumous albums has long been a complex one in the rap world. From Pop Smoke to Juice WRLD to Mac Miller, fans often want to hear every last verse. But those close to the artist sometimes struggle with the ethics and emotions tied to releasing unfinished work.
Glock’s caution reflects that struggle. For him, releasing music with Dolph isn’t just about hype—it’s about preserving integrity and protecting memory.
And that’s an important takeaway: just because music exists doesn’t mean it’s ready—or right—to be heard.
Why Glockaveli Matters More Than You Think
Beyond chart performance, Glockaveli represents Glock’s ability to carry a legacy without being defined by it. It’s a reminder that while Young Dolph’s presence is still felt in every beat and bar, Glock has found his voice—loud and clear.
These songs show that Glock can move forward while still paying homage. That balancing act is rare, and it’s what makes Glockaveli such a significant release in his discography.
The Future of Paper Route Empire
While Key Glock is now the de facto face of PRE, the label continues to support other artists and release new music. The goal remains clear: honor Dolph by continuing the mission they started.
Glock has hinted at more solo material in the vault, and fans are eager to hear what’s next. But for now, he’s taking things one step at a time—choosing quality over urgency and purpose over pressure.
Grief, Growth & Greatness
Key Glock’s journey over the last few years has been anything but easy. He’s lost a mentor, a family member, and a creative partner. But through it all, he’s emerged as one of the most consistent and compelling voices in Southern hip-hop.
His decision to pause on posthumous releases isn’t just about sadness—it’s about respect, healing, and intentionality. And in an industry that often moves too fast, that kind of patience says a lot about who Glock is becoming.
Whether or not we ever get another full Glock x Dolph project, one thing is certain: their story—and their impact—will never be forgotten.