If you were outside in 2016, you remember the energy. Memphis was undergoing a massive sonic shift, and right at the center of that tectonic plate movement was Adolph Thornton Jr., better known to the world as Young Dolph. While everyone else was chasing radio-friendly hooks, Dolph was busy perfecting a brand of "get money" music that felt more like a blueprint than entertainment.
Young Dolph Want It All wasn't just another song on a mixtape. It was the eleventh track on Rich Crack Baby, a project that essentially solidified his status as the king of independent hustle.
Produced by the legendary DJ Squeeky—a man whose fingerprints are all over the foundation of Memphis rap—the track is a masterclass in relentless ambition. It’s gritty. It's loud. Honestly, it’s exactly what you’d expect from a man who famously turned down a $22 million record deal just to keep his soul and his masters.
The Sound of Unfiltered Ambition
When you press play on "Want It All," the first thing that hits you isn't the lyrics. It's that trunk-rattling, eerie Memphis production. DJ Squeeky provided a backdrop that feels like driving through South Memphis at 2:00 AM.
Dolph’s voice? Commanding as ever.
He doesn't rap like he's trying to impress a lyricist; he raps like he's giving orders to a fleet of delivery trucks. There’s a specific cadence he uses here—a sort of relaxed but menacing flow that makes you believe every single word about the "large amounts" and the "paper route" lifestyle.
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You’ve got to understand the context of this release. Rich Crack Baby dropped in August 2016. At this point, Dolph was already a local legend, but he was starting to make the industry nervous. He was moving like a major label without the major label backing. Tracks like "Want It All" served as the manifesto for that movement.
It basically said: "I don't want a piece. I want the whole thing."
Why Rich Crack Baby Was the Turning Point
A lot of fans point to King of Memphis as his breakout, but Rich Crack Baby was where the polish met the pavement. Look at the features on that tape: T.I., 2 Chainz, Gucci Mane, Wale, 21 Savage.
That is an insane lineup for an independent artist.
Yet, on "Want It All," Dolph goes solo. He didn't need a guest verse to carry the energy. The song stands out because it focuses on the core Dolph philosophy: self-reliance. While the industry was built on "who you know," Dolph built his empire on "what you've got."
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He talks about the transition from the corner to the corporate office without losing the edge that got him there. It's that raw honesty that makes the song resonate even a decade later. Most rappers talk about the "want," but Dolph talked about the "how."
The DJ Squeeky Connection
You can't talk about Young Dolph Want It All without giving flowers to DJ Squeeky.
If you aren't familiar with Memphis rap history, Squeeky is one of the architects. His style helped define the 90s underground scene, and by the time he linked up with Dolph for several tracks on Rich Crack Baby (including "In My System" and "Trappa"), it was a "passing of the torch" moment that felt incredibly authentic.
The chemistry between them was undeniable. Squeeky’s beats have this heavy, hypnotic quality. They don’t just play; they vibrate. For a song titled "Want It All," you need a beat that sounds like a victory lap, and Squeeky delivered exactly that.
The Impact and the Legend
It’s impossible to listen to this track now without a bit of heaviness. Since his tragic passing in 2021, lines about legacy and "getting it all" hit a lot harder. Dolph wasn't just rapping about jewelry and cars—though he definitely liked those things. He was rapping about building something that his kids, and their kids, would own.
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"Want It All" is a snapshot of a man who knew his value before the rest of the world did. It’s a motivational anthem for anyone starting from zero.
Kinda crazy when you think about it. Most people settle. Dolph didn't. He literally lived out the title of this song until the very end.
How to Apply the Dolph Mentality Today
If you're looking for more than just a trip down memory lane, there are real takeaways from the "Want It All" era of Paper Route Empire:
- Own Your Content: Dolph’s biggest flex wasn't his chains; it was his ownership. If you're a creator or entrepreneur, focus on owning your "masters"—whatever that looks like in your field.
- Consistency Over Hype: Rich Crack Baby was his 13th or 14th project depending on how you count them. He didn't wait for a "hit" to keep going. He just kept flooding the streets.
- Keep Your Circle Tight: He worked with the same producers and artists (like Key Glock later on) because he valued loyalty over clout.
To really appreciate the track, go back and watch the official audio or the fan-made visuals on YouTube. Pay attention to the way the bass interacts with his voice. It's a masterclass in presence.
If you're building your own playlist of "hustle" music, "Want It All" belongs right at the top, nestled between "100 Shots" and "Preach." It’s a reminder that settling is a choice—one that Young Dolph never made.
To dive deeper into the Paper Route Empire legacy, start by exploring the Paper Route Illuminati compilation or the Dum and Dummer series with Key Glock. These projects showcase the evolution of the sound that "Want It All" helped pioneer.