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US rapper Young Dolph has been shot dead at a cookie shop in his hometown of Memphis, police have said.

The 36-year-old star, real-name Adolph Roberton Thornton Jr, was gunned down outside Makeda’s Cookies near Memphis International Airport on Wednesday in the US state of Tennessee.

Memphis Police said they had no information on the possible suspect in the shooting, but a search was underway.

A Memphis Police officer surveys the crime scene following the shooting
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A Memphis Police officer surveys the crime scene following the shooting

TMZ reported that a vehicle pulled up after Dolph entered the shop, and fired through a front window, striking the rapper.

He had been in town Monday to visit aunt who has cancer, and was also giving out Thanksgiving turkeys, his cousin Mareno Myers told The Daily Memphian newspaper.

“He was inside, and somebody just rolled up on him and took his life,” Mr Myers said.

TMZ also reported that his lawyer said Dolph had been in town for his “annual Thanksgiving giveaway” and had been living in Atlanta.

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He was scheduled to hand out a truckload of turkeys to people in his old hometown on Wednesday afternoon – and had planned on heading to the event after visiting the cookie shop, the publication reported.

Who was Young Dolph?

Young Dolph had been targeted in the past – surviving two previous shootings.

In September 2017, he was shot multiple times after a fight outside a Los Angeles hotel. He was hit in the arms and buttocks and spent two weeks in hospital. Months earlier, in February, his SUV was shot at in Charlotte, North Carolina, more than 100 times.

The February 2017 shooting was the inspiration for the song 100 Shots, with the rapper later saying he survived because of the bulletproof panels in his vehicle, according to The Commercial Appeal.

Born in Chicago on 27 July 1985, Dolph moved to Memphis when he was two. He released numerous mixtapes, starting with 2008’s Paper Route Campaign, as well as multiple studio albums, including his 2016 debut King of Memphis. He also collaborated on other mixtapes and albums with fellow rap artists including Key Glock, Megan Thee Stallion, TI, Gucci Mane, 2 Chainz and others.

The rapper had three albums reach the top 10 on the Billboard 200, with 2020’s Rich Slave peaking at number four. His music entailed stories of being a drug dealer and life on the streets of Memphis.

A video from the crime scene circulating online showed a large police presence, with people recording the aftermath on their phones. It also shows the rapper’s car parked outside the shop.

Just last week, the cookie shop posted a video on Instagram of Dolph promoting the shop’s cookies, saying he pays a visit whenever he is in Memphis.

A Memphis police officer hugs the family of rapper Young Dolph after he was shot dead
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A Memphis police officer hugs the family of rapper Young Dolph after he was shot dead

Dolph had been admired by many in the industry for his independent approach to the music business – much like Los Angeles rapper Nipsey Hussle, who was killed in 2019.

His Paper Route Empire label retained control over his material.

Tributes have been pouring in from figures across the music industry since the news of his death.

Chance the Rapper tweeted: “God bless Dolph. Real independent Memphis rapper born in chicago. loved by millions of ppl.”

Gucci Mane posted: “RIP to my friend Dolph this broke my heart.”

Singer Jacquees wrote: Rest In Peace Young Dolph [sic] Smh Dawg”.

Record producer Omen also posted tweeted a tribute, saying, “we losing too many black men to poor health, racism, jail, etc. already. we gotta find a way to heal and not add to that with our own violence. prayers for young dolph family and friends. RIP.”

Young Dolph performing in Florida in 2019
Image:
Young Dolph performing in Florida in 2019


APA, the rapper’s talent agency, said it was shocked and saddened to hear of his death.

“The world has lost an icon, a great man and beloved artist who has been taken too soon,” the agency said in a statement.

“His dedication, drive, hard work and loyalty to all those around him always came first and he will be deeply missed.”

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Trump is unlikely to take Biden’s advice on China – and it could change the world

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Trump is unlikely to take Biden's advice on China - and it could change the world

As the two most powerful countries in the world, the relationship between the United States and China is the most consequential of all bilateral ties.

Any change in interactions and behaviour by either side does not just impact security, economic activity and trade in Washington and Beijing, but also affects the rest of the planet.

President Xi Jinping chose to make this point publicly as he said hello – and presumably goodbye – to Joe Biden when the two men met on the sidelines of an economic forum in Peru in what was likely their last face-to-face sit down before the US leader hands the keys to the White House over to Donald Trump.

Joe Biden and Xi Jinping shake hands in Peru.
Pic: Reuters
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Joe Biden and Xi Jinping shaking hands in Peru earlier this week. Pic: Reuters

“As two major countries, China and the United States should bear in mind the interest of the whole world and inject more certainty and positive energy into the turbulent world,” Mr Xi said, speaking through a translator.

“It is my consistent belief that as the world’s most important bilateral relationship, a stable China-US relationship is critical not only to the interests of the Chinese and American peoples but also to the future and destiny of the entire humanity.”

Mr Biden, whose relationship with his opposite number does not just span his four years as president but also when he previously served as vice president under Barack Obama, also focused on the importance of dialogue.

“We haven’t always agreed, but our conversations have always been candid and always been frank,” he said, sitting at a long table, surrounded by aides, with Mr Xi opposite him.

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“I think that’s vital. These conversations prevent miscalculations, and they ensure the competition between our two countries will not veer into conflict. Be competition, not conflict.”

While clearly directed at him, it is doubtful that Mr Trump will heed the advice.

He has consistently criticised the Biden administration for being too soft on Beijing and has vowed to be much tougher – even saying he would impose 60% tariffs on Chinese imports.

The president-elect’s picks for top jobs in the White House, such as with China hawks Senator Marco Rubio as his desired secretary of state, and Representative Mike Walz as national security adviser, also point to a hardening in the US’ position on Beijing – which is on a trajectory to overtake Washington as the world’s number one superpower.

This moment of re-ordering in global dominance – something the UK was once forced to absorb when the sun set on the British Empire – is on course to happen regardless of who is in the White House.

But a more hostile and combative commander-in-chief in the White House makes it an increasingly perilous time for everyone.

It is perhaps why the current leaders in Beijing and Washington are so keen to stress that while their feelings towards one another go up and down, the ability to keep talking is critical.

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Xi Jinping says China is ‘ready to work’ with Donald Trump during last meeting with Joe Biden

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Xi Jinping says China is 'ready to work' with Donald Trump during last meeting with Joe Biden

Joe Biden has met with Xi Jinping for the last time as US president, where the Chinese leader said he is “ready to work” with Donald Trump.

Speaking at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Lima, Peru, Mr Biden said the US and China’s relationship should be about “competition, not conflict”.

“We haven’t always agreed, but our conversations have always been candid and always been frank,” he said.

“We’ve never kidded one another. These conversations prevent miscalculations, and they ensure the competition between our two countries will not veer into conflict.

“We’ve been level with one another. I think that’s vital.”

Their last-ever meeting comes as president-elect Donald Trump vows to introduce blanket 60% tariffs on US imports of Chinese goods as part of a series of “America First” trade measures.

Pic: Reuters
Image:
Pic: Reuters

But despite Mr Trump’s proposed measures, Mr Xi said his country’s goal “of a stable, healthy and sustainable China-US relationship remains unchanged”.

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“Our commitment to mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and… cooperation as principles for handling China-US relations remains unchanged,” he added.

The Chinese president then said the country is “ready to work with the new US administration to maintain communication, expand cooperation and manage differences, so as to strive for a steady transition”.

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Neither Mr Xi nor Mr Biden responded to a question about whether there were concerns about Mr Trump’s proposed tariffs.

The president-elect has also named several China hawks to his transition team, such as Senator Marco Rubio as secretary of state and Representative Mike Waltz as national security adviser.

Read more:
Team Trump: Who is in and out?

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Under Mr Biden, Washington has introduced restrictions on US investment in Chinese artificial intelligence, quantum computing and semiconductors.

Former house speaker Nancy Pelosi also visited the island of Taiwan – which China views as a breakaway province – in April 2022.

In their meeting at this time last year – which followed a surge in tensions when an alleged Chinese spy balloon was shot down over the US – both leaders said direct communication between American and Chinese military forces would be restored.

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Mike Tyson reveals he ‘almost died’ ahead of fight with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul

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Mike Tyson reveals he 'almost died' ahead of fight with YouTuber-turned-boxer Jake Paul

Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson says the health scare in June, which forced the postponement of his boxing match with Jake Paul, almost cost him his life.

“I almost died in June,” Tyson wrote on X, adding that he “had 8 blood transfusions. Lost half my blood and 25lbs in hospital”.

The 58-year-old, who lost to the YouTuber-turned-boxer in a unanimous points decision in Texas, tweeted that the situation was far worse than people had realised.

Following Tyson’s recovery, after reportedly suffering an ulcer flareup, he reflected on the result of the fight.

“This is one of those situations when you lost but still won… no regrets to get in the ring one last time,” he said.

That contrasts with Tyson’s comments after the match in which he refused to confirm whether it would be his last fight.

“It depends on the situation,” Tyson said before suggesting a fight with Paul’s older brother, Logan Paul, who was standing near him in the ring.

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Critics argued that the revised match – which involved fewer and shortened rounds, as well as heavier gloves – fell short of entertaining.

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Paul beats Tyson by unanimous decision

Some claimed it appeared more like a glorified sparring session.

It was Tyson’s first sanctioned pro bout since 2005, when he lost to Kevin McBride and then went into retirement – only briefly reappearing for an exhibition match in 2020 against Roy Jones Jr.

Jake Paul is driven to the ring before a heavyweight boxing match against Mike Tyson, Friday, Nov. 15, 2024, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)
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Jake Paul believes he can fight for a championship belt within two years. Pic: AP

Paul has plenty to prove

Paul, 27, still has plenty to prove. The social media influencer wants to be a championship fighter and compete for a championship belt within two years. “I think it could happen in the next 24 months,” Paul said.

“I truly, truly believe in my skills and my ability and my power. And the cruiserweight division is seemingly open for the taking on that timeline,” he added.

The only professional match he has lost so far has been to Tommy Fury, the less-accomplished brother of former heavyweight champion Tyson Fury.

But there are questions about when Paul will fight a contender in his prime, as opposed to former champions or mixed martial artists.

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Could Paul really take on Alvarez?

Intriguingly, in the days before his fight with Tyson, Paul mentioned super middleweight champion Canelo Alvarez, considered one of the best boxers in the world.

According to reports, the Texas bout earned Paul $40m (£31.7m) versus $20m (£15.8m) for Tyson.

Netflix said 60 million households worldwide viewed the contest on its streaming platform, and nearly 50 million tuned in to watch the undercard which saw Ireland’s Katie Taylor beat Puerto Rico’s Amanda Serrano.

Even so there were some technical glitches. More than 90,000 users reported problems on Netflix at its peak, according to the website Downdetector, which tracks outages.

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