A number of people reported on Nextdoor that they felt their homes shake shortly before 10 PM last night. There was a magnitude 3.7 earthquake in southeast Missouri. I hope that’s just a small slip in a tectonic plate and not a forewarning of “The Big One.”
Yesterday was a sad and shocking day for our Memphis community. There was a murder at the Makeda’s Cookies on Airways and Ketchum, and it was confirmed to be 36-year-old Memphis-born rap artist Young Dolph.
Whoever planned the murder knew Young Dolph’s routine. He had bulletproof cars and tight security, but everyone becomes vulnerable at some point. For Dolph, this was when he stopped to indulge in his love of chocolate chip cookies and ice cream. The shooters knew this and had a clear shot.
As the story unfolded, I couldn’t help but think, “This reminds me of Albert Anastasia.”
In 1957, Anastasia was in his 6th year as boss of one of the Five Families of New York City. Vito Genovese, boss of a rival family, hated “Don Umberto” and wanted him removed as head of the Anastasia family. But Anastasia, the former head of an organization known as Murder Inc., was a dangerous and paranoid man. Like Young Dolph, he had security and bulletproof cars.
Everyone has to get haircuts, though. Genovese’s shooters learned when he’d be stopping by the barbershop and moved in for the kill. As was the case with Dolph, they got him in a rare moment of vulnerability. Genovese then arranged for Anastasia’s underboss, Carlo Gambino, who he perceived to be an ally, to be installed as head of what then became known as the Gambino family.
Y’all, please show Makeda’s Cookies some love. The murder happened at the store at Airways and Ketchum, but they had a Downtown store at 488 S. Second for years and now have a bakery and warehouse at 301 Jefferson. You can order their cookies online.
Young Dolph was well-known Downtown, having performed at Memphis Madness and at Grizzlies halftime shows. He was in town this week to visit a sick aunt and to hold a Thanksgiving turkey giveaway in the neighborhood where he grew up.
There were calls for a curfew yesterday to prevent possible retaliation, but none was implemented.
Gucci Mane, Lil Yachty, and others posted their reactions to Young Dolph’s death.
The Memphis Grizzlies, who had a rare two consecutive days off between games, lent a hand at the Mid-South Food Bank yesterday. They’re back in action tonight, hosting the L.A. Clippers at 7.
You can now drink the greatest beer in the world while looking at animals. The Memphis Zoo now has PBR on draft.
Beale Street is planning “an amazing holiday experience” Friday, December 3 and Friday, December 10 5-7 PM. There will be holiday music, free hot chocolate, and free photos with Santa.
The Board of Adjustment postponed the discussion of a new 7-story St. Jude parking garage until its December 22 meeting. Plans for the garage are opposed heavily by those who live in the surrounding neighborhoods. The delay will give St. Jude a chance to meet with residents and come up with a design that is friendly to all. Jerred Price, president of DNA, thinks traffic studies and environmental studies need to be done as well.
Speaking of DNA, don’t forget, its big year-end meeting is tonight at the Renasant Convention Center. State of Downtown address, guest speakers, election of new board members, live music, food and drink, tours of the new convention center. Social hour at 5, presentation at 6.
I got a pro tip from a cook yesterday: If you like the flamin’ hot Cheetos, sprinkle a little lemon salt on them. It’ll really bring out the flavor.
The Grizzlies are hosting a Grizz Shop Local event Saturday, November 27 from 3-6 PM in the Grand Lobby of FedExForum. Area small businesses will be on hand, and there will be exclusive promotions for those who come out and shop. Get a free order of pretzel bites at WynnBET Sports Bar with any purchase.
Downtown employees: If you have to come to work between 6:30 and 11:30 AM Saturday, December 4, the day of the St. Jude Marathon, there will be a Downtown employee parking lot (free parking) at 216 Court Ave. To get there coming from the east, take the Jefferson Ave. bridge over Danny Thomas Blvd., then turn left on N. Fourth St. The Blue Suede Brigade will staff the lot and employees will need to sign a parking log.
The following roads will be closed 6:30-11:30 AM on race day:
- Beale
- Vance
- Second
- Front
- Huling
- St. Martin
- G.E. Patterson
- E. Butler
- Danny Thomas Blvd. (closed 6:30 AM-4:30 PM)
- Union Ave. (no traffic or vehicular parking 1 PM Dec.3-6 PM Dec. 4 between B.B. King and Danny Thomas)
- B.B. King (no traffic or vehicular parking 10 PM Dec.3-noon Dec. 4 between Vance and A.W. Willis)
More info at stjude.org/marathonneighbors
Here’s a list of trucks for today’s Court Square food truck rodeo.
It’s my birthday! I’ve been ordered to eat a huge lunch so I’ll be ready for a celebration this afternoon, so I’ll probably hit the food truck rodeo at 11. Back tomorrow with more news.