Years before Young Dolph’s death, N.O.R.E. warned him about the dangers of staying in his hometown as an established rapper. The two emcees sat down during a 2018 episode of “Drink Champs” and talked about his experience as an independent artist and his upbringing in Memphis, Tennessee among other things. After learning that the “100 Shots” emcee had a home in his city and in California, he applauded him for branching out while offering some words of advice.

“Due to the history of rappers, rappers are starting to die in their own city,” he said, to which Dolph claimed the statement had “nothing to do with” him. N.O.R.E., however, continued to make his point.

“Be careful because most of the hate comes from people in the world that’s just like you so be careful,” he explained, naming Chinx, Freaky Tah and Big L as examples. “Love your city, respect it but also be aware that it’s good to be outside. It’s good to be other places, but you always check in.”

Dolph was visiting Makeda’s Cookies, a local business in Memphis, when he was tragically shot and killed on Wednesday (Nov. 17). His suspected gunman is still on the loose, but his images were found and disclosed to the public.

The rapper’s death subsequently sparked comparisons to the loss of Nipsey Hussle and brought up memories of an interview that saw Boosie discuss the demise of rappers in their own cities.

“Most rappers die in their own city,” he said in the short clip. “It’s a fact. And uh, you know, you have haters who was in school with you, and they mad cause they was in that third grade with you, but they don’t have that same hustle as you. You know they hate you for no reason. They hate you for your success.”

See Young Dolph’s full “Drink Champs” interview below.

‘Drink Champs’ | Young Dolph (Full Episode)