Photo by Hanny Naibaho on Unsplash
Key Glock, the rising star of Memphis rap, is entering a new era—an era marked not only by his own artistic evolution but also by a continued homage to his late mentor, Young Dolph. As he sets the stage for his highly anticipated album Glockavelli, Glock is also hinting at the release of previously unheard collaborations with Dolph, sparking excitement across the hip-hop world.
In an earlier interview with Billboard, Glock expressed a profound sense of achievement. “I feel like I exceeded my goals as an independent artist,” he shared. For years, he carried the torch of independence, building a loyal fan base, racking up millions of streams, and proving that success doesn’t necessarily require a major label. Yet for Glock, artistic growth and strategic expansion now mean taking steps beyond the independent hustle. “At this point, I’m just working with people that have been operating on the level I already saw myself on. In this next chapter, I’m planning on getting platinum albums and more plaques,” he stated, signaling a shift in ambition.
This shift became evident in a recent appearance on The Breakfast Club on Friday, April 25. There, Glock revealed that the decision to sign with a major label wasn’t solely his own—it was strongly influenced by the late Young Dolph. Known for fiercely advocating for independent artistry, Dolph was also a shrewd businessman who knew when to embrace opportunity. Before his tragic death in November 2021, Dolph and Glock shared a powerful conversation with their team. “The week before Dolph passed in Memphis, him, Daddy O, and a couple more of our circle just had, you know, a regular talk, a round table talk,” Glock recalled. “And it was so crazy—Dolph said, ‘If anything go left, like, if anything happens to me, take Glock to the majors.’”
That conversation would ultimately shape Glock’s future. Though initially hesitant to break away from the independent model, Glock began to see the wisdom in Dolph’s words. “There was always me and him in talks anyway. I never wanted to be the biggest independent artist. That was his thing. I never wanted to take that away from him,” he admitted. But beneath the surface, they both understood the potential that came with signing to a major label. “We always knew how much money we could make with a major.”
It’s important to note that Glock’s decision to partner with Republic Records wasn’t rushed or driven by desperation. Rather, it was a deliberate move made with clarity and conviction. “It wasn’t even needed now,” Glock explained. “It just was okay. I know bruh wanted me to do this, and he didn’t say it for no reason, and, like, it wasn’t no coincidence he said it like a week before [he died].”
Now, with a powerful sense of purpose, Glock is stepping forward into the mainstream spotlight. His last full-length project, Glockoma 2, released in 2023, was a critical and commercial success. Featuring hard-hitting tracks like “Sucker Free” and “Let’s Go,” the album proved that Glock wasn’t just Dolph’s protégé—he was a force in his own right. Still, the spirit and influence of Dolph continue to guide him. As he works on new material, Glock is not just focused on his own legacy but also on preserving and sharing Dolph’s.
One of the most anticipated developments is the potential release of unreleased tracks that Glock and Dolph recorded together before the latter’s untimely death. Over the years, the duo built a vault of songs—some polished and some in progress. “It’s en route,” Glock teased on The Breakfast Club, when asked about their collaborative music. “I’ma just let y’all know, it’s en route.”
Glock has previously described their collection of tracks as “unlimited,” leaving fans eager and hopeful. Many of their past collaborations—like “1 Hell of a Life,” “No Sense,” and “Major”—are now considered classics, and listeners are hungry for more. However, the timing of the release remains uncertain. “Really, it ain’t up to me,” he confessed. “You ask me, I’ll drop a tape every month. That’s how much music I got, but you just gotta be strategic with stuff.”
The music industry, as Glock has come to understand, is a complex arena. Early in his career, he struggled with the idea of holding onto finished music rather than immediately sharing it with fans. “I never understood that s**t,” he said candidly. “Like, my first two, three years in the game, as soon as I recorded something, I was ready to put it out. But I didn’t understand the industry at the time like I do now.”
This newfound patience and strategy mark a maturation in Glock’s approach—not just to music but to life. Gone is the eager newcomer driven by impulse. In his place stands a more seasoned artist who understands the long game. This evolution reflects the lessons passed down by Dolph, whose influence continues to shape Glock’s business acumen and creative mindset.
With Glockavelli on the horizon, Glock is preparing to unveil a new chapter in his story. The album is expected to highlight not only his lyrical grit and signature Memphis sound but also his refined vision for the future. While specific details about the project remain under wraps, fans can expect an elevated sound—one shaped by experience, mentorship, and a keen understanding of timing.
What makes this moment particularly poignant is the duality of legacy and innovation. Glock is carving out his own path while simultaneously ensuring that Dolph’s presence remains deeply embedded in the music. Each unreleased track, each new verse, is a tribute to the man who believed in him when few others did.
Young Dolph’s tragic loss sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community, but his impact lives on through Glock. Their relationship was more than professional—it was personal, grounded in loyalty, shared struggle, and mutual ambition. Glock’s success, in many ways, is a continuation of Dolph’s vision. “We had this whole plan,” Glock shared. “We knew where we could go if we played our cards right.”
And now, with Dolph’s words etched into his memory and a major label behind him, Glock is ready to execute that plan.
As fans await the arrival of Glockavelli and the unreleased joint tracks, one thing is certain: Glock isn’t just making music—he’s building a legacy. His story is one of growth, resilience, and a deep commitment to honoring those who paved the way for him. It’s the story of a young man from Memphis who turned pain into purpose, who took advice from his mentor and used it to step into his own power.
In the words of Glock himself: “This next chapter—it’s not just about me. It’s about keeping the mission alive.
