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{{Short description|American rapper (1994–2020)}} | {{Short description|American rapper (1994–2020)}} | ||
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{{Use mdy dates|date=April 2021}} | |||
{{Use American English|date=September 2022}} | |||
{{Use mdy dates|date=September 2022}} | |||
{{Infobox musical artist | {{Infobox musical artist | ||
| name = King Von | | name = King Von | ||
| image = |
| image = King Von.png | ||
| caption = King Von in |
| caption = King Von in 2019 | ||
| birth_name = Dayvon Daquan Bennett | | birth_name = Dayvon Daquan Bennett | ||
| alias = | | alias = {{Flatlist| | ||
* Von | |||
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1994|8|9}} | |||
* Grandson | |||
| birth_place = ], ], U.S. | |||
* V.Roy<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/317463-lil-durk-pays-tribute-to-king-von-with-vroy-jacket-news|title=Lil Durk Pays Tribute To King Von With "V.Roy" Jacket|website=]|date=September 26, 2022|access-date=December 22, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/kingvonfrmdao/|title=kingvonfrmdao V.Roy.|website=]|date=September 26, 2022|access-date=December 22, 2024}}</ref> | |||
| death_date = {{death date and age|2020|11|6|1994|8|9}} | |||
* King Von 600 | |||
| death_place = ], ], U.S. | |||
}} | |||
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1994|8|9}} | |||
| birth_place = ], ], U.S.<ref name="king-von-mn0003831585">{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/king-von-mn0003831585/biography|title=King Von Biography|website=]|date=April 19, 2019|access-date=February 28, 2023}}</ref> | |||
| death_date = {{Death date and age|2020|11|6|1994|8|9}} | |||
| death_place = ], ], U.S. | |||
| occupation = {{Hlist|Rapper|songwriter}} | |||
| discography = ] | |||
| years_active = 2018–2020 | |||
| background = Drill rapper | |||
| genre = {{Flatlist| | |||
* ] | |||
* ]<ref name="king-von-mn0003831585" /><ref name = "Vulture">Paul Thompson, November 9, 2020 , '']'', ''Von’s music in some ways represented a second (or even third) wave of the sound — one that had become more nationally popular and legible to labels...'' ''while incarcerated became a hallmark of his sound, and Chicago drill’s latest wave...'' ''the drill prodigy also from an area known locally as the O-Block. Von went to the same high school as G Herbo...'' ''Those sonic cues placed Von firmly in his city’s drill lineage at a point when that scene had reached such a fever pitch that it was being imitated across the country.''</ref><ref>Jack Riedy, April 10, 2020 , '']'', ''Sharp songwriting and bombastic delivery have made King Von one of fastest-rising stars in drill...'' ''Grandson Vol. 1, which stays close to the classic drill sound, combining blown-out beats with blunt-force effects.''</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2104833/king-von-the-art-of-storytelling/columns/status-aint-hood/|title=King Von & The Art Of Storytelling|website=]|date=November 4, 2020|access-date=February 28, 2023}}</ref> | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
}} | |||
| label = {{Flatlist| | |||
* ] | |||
* ] | |||
}} | |||
| current_member_of = ] | |||
{{Infobox person | {{Infobox person | ||
| death_cause = ] | |||
| child = yes | | child = yes | ||
| children = 3 | |||
| death_cause = ] (gunshot wound) | |||
}} | }} | ||
| |
| partner = ] (2018–2020) | ||
| website = {{URL|https://kingvonofficial.com/}} | |||
| years_active = 2018–2020 | |||
| |
| module = {{Infobox person|embed=yes | ||
| signature = King Von sig.png | |||
| genre = {{hlist|]|]|]|]}} | |||
}} | |||
| label = {{hlist|]|]}} | |||
| associated_acts = {{hlist|]|Chopsquad DJ|]|]|]}} | |||
| website = {{URL|kingvonofficial.com}} | |||
}} | }} | ||
'''Dayvon Daquan Bennett''' (August 9, 1994 – November 6, 2020), known professionally as '''King Von''', was an American rapper and gangster from ], Illinois, who was affiliated with the ] gang.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://southsideweekly.com/opinion-king-von-drill-music-parkway-gardens-and-south-side-chicago/|title=Op-Ed: King Von, Drill Music, Parkway Gardens, and South Side Chicago|website=]|date=December 9, 2020|access-date=July 14, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2024/1/2/24022988/fbg-duck-king-von-lil-durk-oblock-tookaville-black-disciples-gangster-chicago-gangs|title=After a trial lasting nearly 3 months, jury set to get case of brazen Gold Coast slaying of rapper FBG Duck|website=]|date=January 2, 2024|access-date=July 14, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/fbg-duck-king-von-hit-mother|title=FBG Duck's mother speaks On King Von's alleged $100K hit on her son: 'They proved it'|website=]|date=October 10, 2023|access-date=July 14, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://abc7chicago.com/fbg-duck-death-verdict-o-block-street-gang-chicago-shooting/14333501/|title=6 O-Block street gang members convicted in 2020 Gold Coast shooting death of Chicago rapper FBG Duck|website=]|date=January 17, 2024|access-date=July 14, 2024}}</ref> He was considered a preeminent figure in the ] genre.<ref name = "Vulture" /> | |||
'''Dayvon Daquan Bennett'''<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|url=https://mugshots.com/US-States/Georgia/Fulton-County-GA/Dayvon-Daquan-Bennett.177451002.html|title=Mugshot 177451002 - Dayvon Daquan Bennett Arrest - Fulton County, GA |date=May 18, 2019|website=Mugshots.com|access-date=November 8, 2020|archive-date=October 19, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201019023546/https://mugshots.com/US-States/Georgia/Fulton-County-GA/Dayvon-Daquan-Bennett.177451002.html|url-status=live}}</ref> (August 9, 1994 – November 6, 2020), known professionally as '''King Von''', was an American rapper from Chicago, Illinois. He was signed to ]'s record label ] and ]. | |||
Bennett's 2018 single, "]" and his 2020 single, "]", both received ] certifications by the ] (RIAA). The latter peaked within the top 50 of the ], leading up to the release of his debut studio album, '']'' (2020), which peaked at number five on the ] and was also certified platinum.<ref>{{cite magazine|date= November 21, 2020|title= Billboard 200, 21 November 2020|url= https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2020-11-21/#|magazine=]|access-date= January 27, 2023}}</ref><ref name="RIAA">{{Cite web|title=King Von - Welcome to O'Block|url=https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=King+Von&ti=&lab=empire&genre=R%26B%2FHIP+HOP&format=Album&date_option=release&from=&to=&award=G&type=&category=&adv=SEARCH#search_section|access-date=December 27, 2024|date=December 17, 2024|website=]|language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
==Early life== | |||
He signed with ]'s record label ] in 2018, and was instrumental in furthering the label's growth. | |||
Bennett was born on August 9, 1994, in ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mugshots.com/US-Counties/Illinois/Cook-County-IL/Dayvon-Bennett.123203677.html|title=Dayvon Bennett Mugshot 123203677 - Vonita Bennett Arrest - Cook County, IL|website=Mugshots.com|date=November 21, 2015|access-date=October 18, 2019|archive-date=November 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107232950/https://mugshots.com/US-Counties/Illinois/Cook-County-IL/Dayvon-Bennett.123203677.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He had six half-siblings from his father, Walter E. Bennett, and three siblings from his mother, Taesha. He was raised mostly by his mother, as his father was in and out of his life due to incarcerations. When Von was 11 years old his father was killed by gunfire. Von would later pay tribute to his father in multiple songs, notably in the song "Exposing Me".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thenetline.com/the-truth-about-king-von-parents-and-his-kids/|title=The truth about King Von's parents and his kids|website=thenetline.com|date=January 29, 2021|access-date=March 4, 2021|archive-date=February 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227151340/https://thenetline.com/the-truth-about-king-von-parents-and-his-kids/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
On November 6, 2020, Bennett was shot and killed in ] at age 26. | |||
At age 16, Von went to jail for the first time. In 2014, he was charged with one count of first degree murder and two counts of attempted murder in connection with a shooting where a person named Malcolm Stuckey was killed and two others injured.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2014/07/24/second-man-charged-with-may-shooting-that-killed-man-wounded-two-others/|title = Second Man Charged with May Shooting That Killed Man, Wounded Two Others|date = July 24, 2014}}</ref> He was acquitted of all charges. He began focusing on his music career, collaborating with Lil Durk. Before his arrest for the charges, Von attended ] in South Holland, Illinois, and earned some college credits. He earned his ] while in juvenile detention. During this time, he joined the ] street gang. | |||
== |
== Early life == | ||
Bennett was born on August 9, 1994, in Chicago, Illinois.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mugshots.com/US-Counties/Illinois/Cook-County-IL/Dayvon-Bennett.123203677.html|title=Dayvon Bennett Mugshot 123203677 – Vonita Bennett Arrest – Cook County, IL|website=Mugshots.com|date=November 21, 2015|access-date=October 18, 2019|archive-date=November 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107232950/https://mugshots.com/US-Counties/Illinois/Cook-County-IL/Dayvon-Bennett.123203677.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He had six half-siblings from his father, Walter E. Bennett, and three siblings from his mother, Taesha. He was raised mostly by his mother in the ] in ]'s ] ], more commonly known as "O-Block".<ref name="king-von-mn0003831585" /><ref name= "Complex1">{{Cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/mbraboy17/king-von-remembered-obituary|title=King Von, Fearless Storyteller|website=]|date=November 9, 2020|access-date=October 9, 2023}}</ref> His relationship with his father was inconsistent due to his father's incarcerations. When Von was 11 years old, his father was killed by an unseen gunman. Von later paid tribute to his father in multiple songs.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://thenetline.com/the-truth-about-king-von-parents-and-his-kids/|title=The truth about King Von's parents and his kids|website=thenetline.com|date=January 29, 2021|access-date=March 4, 2021|archive-date=February 27, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210227151340/https://thenetline.com/the-truth-about-king-von-parents-and-his-kids/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
King Von was present for the birth of ] music through his association with Chief Keef and Lil Durk. However, he was frequently incarcerated throughout the 2010s for a multitude of serious criminal charges, which made him known in Chicago's drill scene even before he began recording music.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.vulture.com/2022/08/drill-songs-to-know.html|title = The Drill Songs to Know A mini subgenre primer.|website=]|access-date=February 17, 2024|date=August 17, 2022}}</ref> | |||
On Valentine's Day 2019, Von's girlfriend, rapper ], released a music video for her track about the artist, "Grandson," in which Von appeared.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Langhorne|first=Cyrus|date=February 14, 2019|title=Watch: Gucci Mane Protégé Asian Doll Celebrates V-Day W/ New GRANDSON Video|url=https://www.sohh.com/watch-gucci-mane-protege-asian-doll-celebrates-v-day-w-new-grandson-video/|website=SOHH.com|access-date=November 10, 2020|archive-date=November 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110192559/https://www.sohh.com/watch-gucci-mane-protege-asian-doll-celebrates-v-day-w-new-grandson-video/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
At age 16, Bennett went to juvenile detention for armed robbery in January 2011. While incarcerated, Bennett earned his GED. After being released, Bennett attended a few classes at ] in ], before dropping out.<ref>{{cite AV media |title=King Von In Jail For 3.5 Years At Age 19, Facing Life In Prison, Acquitted Of Attempted Murder|publisher=DJ Smallz Eyes |date=March 28, 2019|via=YouTube |url= https://www.youtube.com/watch/?v=RX8iLw1BjyY|access-date=September 28, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite AV media |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eP7IH2du-5s |title=King Von Speaks On Being A College Student 👨🏽🎓📚#foryou |date=2023-11-02 |last=Quammi |access-date=2024-10-28 |via=YouTube}}</ref> | |||
In May 2019, "]" featuring Lil Durk was released, and a subsequent music video was later released on May 20, 2021 and peaked at number four on the ] chart.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/lil-durk|title=Lil Durk Crazy Story 2.0 Chart History|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 17, 2019|archive-date=November 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119090654/https://www.billboard.com/music/lil-durk|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hypebeast.com/2019/5/king-von-crazy-story-2-0-lil-durk-music-video-stream|title=King Von & Lil Durk Showcase the OTF Movement for "Crazy Story 2.0" Video|website=HYPEBEAST|date=May 20, 2019|access-date=October 18, 2019|archive-date=June 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618033458/https://hypebeast.com/2019/5/king-von-crazy-story-2-0-lil-durk-music-video-stream|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 13, 2019, a third rendition of the single called "Crazy Story Pt. 3" was released.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/otfs-king-von-returns-with-crazy-story-pt-3-new-song.1984488.html|title=OTF's King Von Returns With "Crazy Story Pt. 3"|website=HotNewHipHop|date=September 14, 2019|access-date=October 18, 2019|archive-date=November 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107232938/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/otfs-king-von-returns-with-crazy-story-pt-3-new-song.1984488.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 9, 2019, Lil Durk and King Von released their collaborative single "Like That".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefader.com/2019/07/09/lil-durk-new-album-love-songs-4-the-streets-2-listen-2019|title=Lil Durk announces new album, drops single "Like That" feat. King Von|website=The FADER|access-date=October 18, 2019|archive-date=October 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030100027/http://www.thefader.com/2019/07/09/lil-durk-new-album-love-songs-4-the-streets-2-listen-2019|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 2, 2019, Von released his single "What It's Like". The single then appeared on his album ''Grandson, Vol. 1''.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/otfs-king-von-details-the-reality-of-the-streets-on-what-its-like-new-song.1984368.html|title=OTF's King Von Details The Reality Of The Streets On "What It's Like"|website=HotNewHipHop|date=September 4, 2019|access-date=November 7, 2019|archive-date=September 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906042040/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/otfs-king-von-details-the-reality-of-the-streets-on-what-its-like-new-song.1984368.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
In July 2014, Bennett was charged with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder in connection with a shooting that killed one and injured two others.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2014/07/24/second-man-charged-with-may-shooting-that-killed-man-wounded-two-others/|title = Second Man Charged with May Shooting That Killed Man, Wounded Two Others|website=]|date = July 24, 2014|access-date = August 2, 2023|archive-date=January 23, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210123183557/https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2014/07/24/second-man-charged-with-may-shooting-that-killed-man-wounded-two-others/|url-status=live}}</ref> After being detained in ] for over three years, he was acquitted in December 2017 and began his musical career.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-features/king-von-footage-of-rappers-in-jail-1234814263/|title = Who Keeps Releasing Footage of Rappers in Jail?|magazine=]|date = August 31, 2023|access-date = August 15, 2024}}</ref> | |||
On September 19, 2019, Von released his 15 track mixtape, ''Grandson, Vol. 1'', featuring Lil Durk on a pair of tracks. The album debuted at number 75 on the ] and number 27 on the Hip Hop/R&B albums chart.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/king-von-mn0003831585/biography|title=King Von {{!}} Biography & History|website=AllMusic|access-date=October 18, 2019|archive-date=November 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107232930/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/king-von-mn0003831585/biography|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.52881/title.king-von-shares-grandson-vol-1-mixtape|title=King Von Shares "Grandson Vol. 1" Mixtape|date=September 19, 2019|website=HipHopDX|access-date=October 18, 2019|archive-date=November 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107232936/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.52881/title.king-von-shares-grandson-vol-1-mixtape|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8531978/samantha-fish-king-von-gashi-emerging-artists-chart|title=Samantha Fish, King Von & Gashi Debut on Emerging Artists Chart|magazine=Billboard|access-date=November 7, 2019|archive-date=November 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107232935/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8531978/samantha-fish-king-von-gashi-emerging-artists-chart|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 16, 2019, Von released his single "2 A.M".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/otfs-king-von-drops-off-2-am-new-song.1985253.html|title=OTF's King Von Drops Off "2 AM"|website=HotNewHipHop|date=November 19, 2019|access-date=November 29, 2019|archive-date=October 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031232713/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/otfs-king-von-drops-off-2-am-new-song.1985253.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 29, 2019, Von released his single "Rollin" featuring ], accompanied with a music video.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ynw-melly-joins-king-von-on-new-song-rolling-new-song.1985371.html|title=YNW Melly Joins King Von On New Song "Rollin"|website=HotNewHipHop|date=November 30, 2019|access-date=December 6, 2019|archive-date=December 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206062217/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ynw-melly-joins-king-von-on-new-song-rolling-new-song.1985371.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
Nugget one of his most popular songs. It was included on his mixtape, '']'', released on March 6, 2020, which peaked at number 63 on the ''Billboard'' 200.<ref name="Block">{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2020/10/king-von-new-album-welcome-to-o-block|title=King Von Shares New Album 'Welcome To O'Block' f/ Lil Durk, Polo G, and More|work=]|last=Cowen|first=Trace William|date=October 30, 2020|access-date=November 7, 2020|archive-date=November 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103232820/https://www.complex.com/music/2020/10/king-von-new-album-welcome-to-o-block|url-status=live}}</ref> The album features verses from ], ], ], ], and ], among others.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/sada-baby-and-king-von-join-forces-on-pressin-new-song.1985768.html|title=Sada Baby & King Von Join Forces On "Pressin"|website=HotNewHipHop|date=January 11, 2020|access-date=February 7, 2020|archive-date=February 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207055941/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/sada-baby-and-king-von-join-forces-on-pressin-new-song.1985768.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
== Career == | |||
On April 29, 2020, King Von released his single "Grandson for President", which | |||
=== 2017–2019: Career beginnings and ''Grandson, Vol. 1''=== | |||
did well in popularity. He followed that up with a music video release for "Broke Opps", a song from ''Levon James''. He then released another single, titled "Why He Told" on July 27, 2020, and followed that up with another popular single, "]", featuring Chicago rapper ], which garnered over 21 million views on ]. He then released another single, titled "How It Go", on August 26, 2020. | |||
{{Main|Grandson, Vol. 1}} | |||
Upon Von's release from jail in December 2017, fellow rapper ] signed Von to Durk's Only the Family label. Von then released a series of singles. The first of these singles was "Beat Dat Body", which featured fellow Chicago rapper THF Zoo, and was released on June 17, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Beat Dat Body (feat. THF Bayzoo) – Single|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/beat-dat-body-feat-thf-bay-zoo/1439318705?i=1439318708|date=June 17, 2018|access-date=August 28, 2023|website=]|language=en}}</ref> Von subsequently appeared on the ''Lil Durk Presents: Only The Family Involved'' album, which was released on July 31, 2018. He featured on the song "Problems", which had an accompanying music video released on August 9, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Lil Durk Presents: Only The Family Involved|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/problems-feat-king-von/1419853271?i=1419853284|date=July 31, 2018|access-date=August 28, 2023|website=]|language=en}}</ref> Von then released the single "War With Us" on October 18, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|title=WAR With US|url=https://music.apple.com/us/album/war-with-us-single/1446111626|date=October 18, 2018|access-date=August 28, 2023|website=]|language=en}}</ref> Von's single "]" was released on December 6, 2018.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Crazy Story – Single by King Von|date=December 6, 2018|url=https://music.apple.com/ai/album/crazy-story-single/1445596490|via=]|access-date=November 8, 2020|archive-date=January 24, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210124204552/https://music.apple.com/ai/album/crazy-story-single/1445596490|url-status=live}}</ref> It became his breakout single, reaching number 81 on ].<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Chart History – King Von|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/king-von/chart-history/hsi/|date=November 11, 2020|access-date=August 28, 2023|magazine=]|language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/levels/king-von-crazy-story-new-song-listen/|title=The Ones: King Von's "Crazy Story"|website=]|date=February 6, 2019|access-date=November 7, 2019|archive-date=November 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107232942/https://pitchfork.com/levels/king-von-crazy-story-new-song-listen/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
On January 9, 2019, Von was featured on the remix of "Exposing Me", a song by fellow Chicago rapper Memo600. Von and Memo600 swapped bars disrespecting and detailing real life feuds and altercations against other nearby neighborhood rivals. A response from the targets arose when rappers FBG Duck and Rooga dropped their own remix of the song on February 4, 2019. Both songs were produced off the sampling of original Indian song ]. Following the success, a series of remixes for the song were made by other artists both in the United States and in Europe.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/342622-from-king-vons-exposin-me-to-cjs-whoopty-a-hindi-love-song-turned-drill-beat-news|title=From King Von's "Exposin Me" To CJ's "Whoopty": A Hindi Love Song Turned Drill Beat|website=]|date=January 22, 2021|access-date=March 1, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2110126/cj-whoopty-brooklyn-drill-mainstream/columns/status-aint-hood/|title=CJ's "Whoopty" And The Mainstreaming Of Drill|website=]|date=December 9, 2020|access-date=March 1, 2024}}</ref> | |||
On October 9, 2020, King Von released "I Am What I Am", featuring New York rapper ]. This release was in anticipation of his debut studio album<ref name="Block" /><ref name="Source">{{cite web|url=https://thesource.com/2020/10/31/king-von-releases-welcome-to-o-block-project-and-new-video-the-code/|title=King Von Releases 'Welcome To O-Block' Project and New Video 'The Code'|work=]|last=Grant|first=Shawn|date=October 30, 2020|access-date=November 6, 2020|archive-date=November 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105194124/https://thesource.com/2020/10/31/king-von-releases-welcome-to-o-block-project-and-new-video-the-code/|url-status=live}}</ref> '']'', released on October 29, 2020. The 16-track album features production Chopsquad DJ, ], ] and ], among others. The album includes the ] collaboration "]", which was released with a music video.<ref name="Source" /> On December 24, 2020, Lil Durk released his album '']'' as a tribute to King Von, who appears on the album cover and on the song, "]".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pitchfork.com/news/lil-durk-releases-new-album-the-voice-listen|title=Lil Durk Releases New Album The Voice|work=]|last=Bloom|first=Madison|date=December 24, 2020|access-date=December 25, 2020|archive-date=December 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224180259/https://pitchfork.com/news/lil-durk-releases-new-album-the-voice-listen/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
On February 14, 2019, Von's then-girlfriend, rapper ], released a music video for her track about him, "Grandson", in which he appeared.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Langhorne|first=Cyrus|date=February 14, 2019|title=Watch: Gucci Mane Protégé Asian Doll Celebrates V-Day W/ New GRANDSON Video|url=https://www.sohh.com/watch-gucci-mane-protege-asian-doll-celebrates-v-day-w-new-grandson-video/|website=]|access-date=November 10, 2020|archive-date=November 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110192559/https://www.sohh.com/watch-gucci-mane-protege-asian-doll-celebrates-v-day-w-new-grandson-video/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
On March 4, 2022, King Von's management team released his first posthumous album, ''What It Means to Be King.'' | |||
In May 2019, "]" featuring Lil Durk was released, and a music video was later released on May 20, 2019; the song peaked at number four on the ] chart.<ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/lil-durk|title=Lil Durk Crazy Story 2.0 Chart History|magazine=]|access-date=November 17, 2019|archive-date=November 19, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191119090654/https://www.billboard.com/music/lil-durk|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hypebeast.com/2019/5/king-von-crazy-story-2-0-lil-durk-music-video-stream|title=King Von & Lil Durk Showcase the OTF Movement for ''Crazy Story 2.0'' Video|website=]|date=May 20, 2019|access-date=October 18, 2019|archive-date=June 18, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190618033458/https://hypebeast.com/2019/5/king-von-crazy-story-2-0-lil-durk-music-video-stream|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 13, 2019, a third rendition of the single called "]" was released.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/otfs-king-von-returns-with-crazy-story-pt-3-new-song.1984488.html|title=OTF's King Von Returns With "Crazy Story Pt. 3"|website=]|date=September 14, 2019|access-date=October 18, 2019|archive-date=November 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107232938/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/otfs-king-von-returns-with-crazy-story-pt-3-new-song.1984488.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On July 9, 2019, Lil Durk and King Von released their collaborative single "Like That".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.thefader.com/2019/07/09/lil-durk-new-album-love-songs-4-the-streets-2-listen-2019|title=Lil Durk announces new album, drops single ''Like That'' feat. King Von|website=]|access-date=October 18, 2019|archive-date=October 30, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191030100027/http://www.thefader.com/2019/07/09/lil-durk-new-album-love-songs-4-the-streets-2-listen-2019|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
On September 2, 2019, Von released his single "What It's Like", as the single forerunner of his first mixtape album announced in September 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/otfs-king-von-details-the-reality-of-the-streets-on-what-its-like-new-song.1984368.html|title=OTF's King Von Details The Reality Of The Streets On ''What It's Like''|website=]|date=September 4, 2019|access-date=November 7, 2019|archive-date=September 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190906042040/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/otfs-king-von-details-the-reality-of-the-streets-on-what-its-like-new-song.1984368.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
The mixtape was dropped some weeks later on September 19, 2019, it consists in 13 a tracks mixtape, and it is named '']'', executively produced by ], it contains three features represented by "Twin Nem" and by the Remix of "Crazy Story" both featuring Chicago artist Lil Durk; the other feature consists on the collaboration with Chicago artist and OTF affiliate Booka600 on "Jet". The mixtape also includes tracks "Crazy Story", "Crazy Story, Pt. 3", and his second ever single "War With Us" dating back to October 18, 2018. | |||
''Grandson, Vol. 1'' debuted at number 75 and later peaking at number 53, on the ], also it reached number 27 on the Hip Hop/R&B albums chart, and number 9 on the Independent Albums chart.<ref name="Chart History King Von">{{Cite magazine|date=May 10, 2019|title=Chart History King Von|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/king-von/chart-history/ind/|access-date=July 9, 2023|magazine=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/king-von-mn0003831585/biography|title=King Von {{!}} Biography & History|website=]|access-date=October 18, 2019|archive-date=November 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107232930/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/king-von-mn0003831585/biography|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.52881/title.king-von-shares-grandson-vol-1-mixtape|title=King Von Shares "Grandson Vol. 1" Mixtape|date=September 19, 2019|website=]|access-date=October 18, 2019|archive-date=November 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107232936/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.52881/title.king-von-shares-grandson-vol-1-mixtape|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8531978/samantha-fish-king-von-gashi-emerging-artists-chart|title=Samantha Fish, King Von & Gashi Debut on Emerging Artists Chart|magazine=]|access-date=November 7, 2019|archive-date=November 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107232935/https://www.billboard.com/articles/business/chart-beat/8531978/samantha-fish-king-von-gashi-emerging-artists-chart|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
=== 2020: ''Levon James'' and ''Welcome to O'Block'' === | |||
{{Main|Levon James|Welcome to O'Block}} | |||
On November 16, 2019, Von released his single "]" followed by a corresponding video to be released the same day.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/otfs-king-von-drops-off-2-am-new-song.1985253.html|title=OTF's King Von Drops Off "2 AM"|website=]|date=November 19, 2019|access-date=November 29, 2019|archive-date=October 31, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201031232713/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/otfs-king-von-drops-off-2-am-new-song.1985253.html|url-status=live}}</ref> On November 29, 2019, Von released his single "Rollin" featuring ], accompanied with a music video.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ynw-melly-joins-king-von-on-new-song-rolling-new-song.1985371.html|title=YNW Melly Joins King Von On New Song "Rollin"|website=]|date=November 30, 2019|access-date=December 6, 2019|archive-date=December 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191206062217/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/ynw-melly-joins-king-von-on-new-song-rolling-new-song.1985371.html|url-status=live}}</ref> He later releases, on February 21, 2020, "]", with a music video, which will become his most successful single.<ref>{{Cite web|date=February 21, 2020|title=King Von divulga nova música "Took Her To The O" com clipe|url=https://rap24horas.com.br/2020/02/21/king-von-divulga-nova-musica-took-her-to-the-o/|access-date=July 9, 2023|website=]}}</ref> "Took Her to the O" and "Rollin" were later included on his second mixtape, '']'', that was released on March 6, 2020, which debuted at number 63 and later peaking at number 40 on the ''Billboard'' 200.<ref name="Block">{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2020/10/king-von-new-album-welcome-to-o-block|title=King Von Shares New Album 'Welcome To O'Block' f/ Lil Durk, Polo G, and More|work=]|last=Cowen|first=Trace William|date=October 30, 2020|access-date=November 7, 2020|archive-date=November 3, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201103232820/https://www.complex.com/music/2020/10/king-von-new-album-welcome-to-o-block|url-status=live}}</ref> It was released through ]/] and consists in a 16-track mixtape executively produced by Chopsquad DJ, featuring verses from ], ], ], Lil Durk, YNW Melly, Booka600 and ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/sada-baby-and-king-von-join-forces-on-pressin-new-song.1985768.html|title=Sada Baby & King Von Join Forces On "Pressin"|website=]|date=January 11, 2020|access-date=February 7, 2020|archive-date=February 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200207055941/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/sada-baby-and-king-von-join-forces-on-pressin-new-song.1985768.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
An official video for "On Yo Ass" was released on March 6, 2020, coinciding with the album release date. The song features Chicago artist G Herbo, with production from Chopsquad DJ.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://audibletreats.com/king-von_pr16/|title=Project: King Von – LeVon James|date=February 23, 2020|website=audibletreats.com|access-date=August 14, 2023}}</ref> On March 20, 2020, an official video for "Trust Issues" was released, featuring Florida rapper Yungeen Ace; in the song Von switched up his gangsta focus to show his softer side.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.55054/title.king-von-yungeen-ace-navigate-an-icy-love-triangle-in-trust-issues|title=King Von & Yungeen Ace Navigate An Icy Love Triangle In 'Trust Issues' VIDEO|date=March 21, 2020|website=]|access-date=August 14, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=https://kazimagazine.com/uncategorized/king-von-yungeen-ace-connect-on-trust-issues/|title=King Von & Yungeen Ace Connect On "Trust Issues"|date=March 27, 2020|website=kazimagazine.com|access-date=August 14, 2023}}</ref> On April 6, 2020, Bennett releases an official music video for ] on YouTube,<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://music.apple.com/my/music-video/3-a-m/1506673127|title=3 A.M. King Von Official Video|date=April 6, 2020|website=]|access-date=March 2, 2024}}</ref> following on April 29, 2020, the release of his single "]" that later will be incorporated as a single for '']'' album. He followed the single up closely with a music video release for "Broke Opps", another song from ''Levon James'' album. | |||
In 2020, King Von worked on the project that would later turn out to be his first studio album.<ref name="hotnewhiphop.com">{{Cite web|date=2020-07-24|title=King Von Delivers "Welcome To O Block" Ft. Lil Durk, Moneybagg Yo, Fivio Foreign, Polo G|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/293726-king-von-delivers-welcome-to-o-block-ft-lil-durk-moneybagg-yo-fivio-foreign-polo-g-new-mixtape|website=]|language=en-US|access-date = August 2, 2023|archive-date=December 7, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20221207024450/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/293726-king-von-delivers-welcome-to-o-block-ft-lil-durk-moneybagg-yo-fivio-foreign-polo-g-new-mixtape|url-status=live}}</ref> he first releases the lead single of the album titled "]" on July 27, 2020, associated with a music video posted on YouTube, and followed that up with the single, "]", featuring Chicago rapper ], in which video, that was published the same day, Banks could not appear for legal reasons; it garnered 24 million views in two months on ] platform.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-07-24|title=King Von Condemns Snitching In His Hair-Raising 'Why He Told' Video|url=https://uproxx.com/music/king-von-why-he-told-video/|access-date=2020-11-22|website=]|language=en-US|archive-date=July 26, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230726155646/https://uproxx.com/music/king-von-why-he-told-video/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=2020-08-05|title=King Von Drops Video For Lil Durk-Assisted 'All These N**gas' Following FBG Duck's Murder|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.57188/title.king-von-drops-video-for-lil-durk-assisted-all-these-ngas-follwing-fbg-ducks-murder|website=]|access-date=August 2, 2023|language=en-US|archive-date=January 13, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210113121007/https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.57188/title.king-von-drops-video-for-lil-durk-assisted-all-these-ngas-follwing-fbg-ducks-murder|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="hotnewhiphop.com"/><ref>{{Cite web|date= October 27, 2020 |title=King Von on Why Legally He Can't Be Around Lil Durk|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLkQiaOMB00|website=]|language=en-US|access-date=August 2, 2023|archive-date=December 9, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201209082234/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dLkQiaOMB00&feature=emb_title|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Uproxx" /> He then released another single, titled "]", in conjunction with another music video, on August 26, 2020.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-28|title=King Von Condemns The Justice System In His Fiery 'How It Go' Video|url=https://uproxx.com/music/king-von-how-it-go-video/|website=]|language=en-US|access-date = August 2, 2023|archive-date=January 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210114074237/https://uproxx.com/music/king-von-how-it-go-video/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
On October 9, 2020, King Von released "]", featuring New York rapper ] with annexed a music video.<ref>{{Cite web|title=King Von Adds Fivio Foreign To Drill-Influenced Single "I Am What I Am"|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/king-von-adds-fivio-foreign-to-drill-influenced-single-i-am-what-i-am-new-song.1988920.html|access-date=Nov 22, 2020|website=]|date=October 9, 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=King Von and Fivio Foreign link up for "I Am What I Am" visual|url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2020-10-12/68306/king-von-and-fivio-foreign-link-up-for-i-am-what-i-am-visual/|access-date=July 13, 2023|website=]|language=en}}</ref> Two weeks later Bennett released "]" in combination with another music video on his official channel, this release was in anticipation of the official release of '']'', that came out on October 30, 2020. The 16-track album features production Chopsquad DJ, ], ] and ], among others; it also features artists Prince Dre, Lil Durk, ], ]. The album includes the ] collaboration "]", which was released with a music video.<ref name="Source">{{cite web|url=https://thesource.com/2020/10/31/king-von-releases-welcome-to-o-block-project-and-new-video-the-code/|title=King Von Releases 'Welcome To O-Block' Project and New Video 'The Code'|work=]|last=Grant|first=Shawn|date=October 30, 2020|access-date=November 6, 2020|archive-date=November 5, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201105194124/https://thesource.com/2020/10/31/king-von-releases-welcome-to-o-block-project-and-new-video-the-code/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=King Von Drops Off New Single "Gleesh Place"|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/king-von-drops-off-new-single-gleesh-place-new-song.1989106.html|access-date=2020-11-22|website=]|date=October 23, 2020 |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=King Von drops video for "Gleesh Place"|url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2020-10-29/67068/king-von-drops-video-for-gleesh-place/|access-date=July 13, 2023|website=]|language=en}}</ref> The project peaked at number 5 on ] for US Top 200 albums, number 1 for Top R&B/Hip Hop albums, number 1 for Top Independents album and peaked 12th for Top 100 Canadian albums.<ref name="Chart History King Von"/> | |||
In an interview for ], Bennett revealed his vision regarding the new upcoming project and the main differences from his previous work, '']'', declaring: "If you're doing something and keep doing it, you're gonna get better results. Everything better". It is the one for real, I've been working hard". In another interview for ] he declared that he wanted to dedicate the project to his neighborhood, and to all the people who lived and struggled there.<ref>{{cite web|last=Cowen|first=Trace William|date=October 30, 2020|title=King Von Shares New Album 'Welcome To O'Block' f/ Lil Durk, Polo G, and More|url=https://www.complex.com/music/2020/10/king-von-new-album-welcome-to-o-block|access-date=November 7, 2020|work=]}}</ref><ref name="Uproxx">{{Cite web|date=Nov 19, 2020|title=A Final Conversation With King Von|url=https://uproxx.com/music/king-von-interview-welcome-to-oblock/|website=]|language=en-US|access-date = August 2, 2023|archive-date=March 3, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210303123734/https://uproxx.com/music/king-von-interview-welcome-to-oblock/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
He died one week after the album was released.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-28|title=A 'dark cloud' follows Chicago's drill scene|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/11/6/21549717/king-von-drill-chief-keef-polo-pacman-chicago-king-louie-sasha-fbg-duck-herbo-durk-forrest-stuart|access-date=July 7, 2023|website=]|language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
After his death, the music videos for "]", "]", "Mine Too", and "]" were released.<ref>{{Cite web|date=Dec 8, 2020|title=King Von's Bone-Chilling 'Wayne's Story' Video Details A Cycle Of Violence|url=https://uproxx.com/music/king-von-waynes-story-video/|access-date=July 7, 2023|website=]|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=2020-08-28|title=Watch King Von's Posthumous "Armed & Dangerous" Video|url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/fnr-tigg/king-von-new-video-armed-and-dangerous|access-date=July 27, 2023|website=]|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=Jan 11, 2021|title=King Von's New Video for 'Mine Too' Released|url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/fnr-tigg/king-von-releases-video-for-new-single-mine-too|access-date=July 7, 2023|website=]|language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=Aug 9, 2021|title=King Von Music Video "Demon" Released on What Would Have Been His 27th Birthday|url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/brad-callas/king-von-demon-video-birthday|access-date=July 27, 2023|website=]|language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
==Posthumous releases== | |||
===2020–2022: Features and ''What It Means to Be King''=== | |||
{{Main|What It Means to Be King}} | |||
On December 14, 2020, just a month after Bennett's death, ] released the official video for "]" on his official ] channel, representing the first posthumous appearance in a music visual for Bennett; however, the song dated back to October 22, 2020.<ref>{{Citation|title=Funk Flex Shares "Lurkin'" Collab With Late Rapper King Von|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/308099-funk-flex-shares-lurkin-collab-with-late-rapper-king-von-new-song|work=]|date=September 26, 2021 |access-date=August 15, 2024}}</ref><ref>{{Citation|title=Polo G Joins Funk Flex's "Lurkin" Remix f/ King Von|url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/cmplxtara-mahadevan/funk-flex-king-von-polo-g-lurkin-remix-video|work=]|date=July 16, 2021 |access-date=August 15, 2024}}</ref> | |||
On December 24, 2020, ] released his album '']'' as a tribute to Bennett, who, along with Banks, appears on the album cover as the central figure and is also featured on the song "]".<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.pitchfork.com/news/lil-durk-releases-new-album-the-voice-listen|title=Lil Durk Releases New Album The Voice|work=]|last=Bloom|first=Madison|date=December 24, 2020|access-date=December 25, 2020|archive-date=December 24, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201224180259/https://pitchfork.com/news/lil-durk-releases-new-album-the-voice-listen/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
In an interview on February 26, 2021, Bennett's manager stated that Von had over 300 unreleased songs, or around 10 albums worth of content, which they would continue to release with the family's concession in subsequent years with the aim of keeping his legacy alive.<ref>{{Cite web|title=King Von's Former Manager Says Late Rapper Had Around 300 Unreleased Songs | |||
|url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/cmplxtara-mahadevan/former-manager-says-king-von-had-over-300-unreleased-songs|website=]|date=February 26, 2021 |access-date=September 19, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=King Von's Family Vows To Continue Releasing His Music & Interviews | |||
|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.59103/title.king-vons-family-vows-to-continue-releasing-his-music-interviews|website=]|date= November 19, 2020 |access-date=September 19, 2023}}</ref> | |||
On March 3, 2021, Bennett was featured on the compilation album '']'' by American record label ].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/cmplxjoshua-espinoza/lil-durk-king-von-otf-only-the-family-loyal-bros-stream|title=Lil Durk and the OTF Crew Drop 'Loyal Boys' Compilation Mixtape|via=]|date=March 5, 2021|access-date=March 14, 2024}}</ref> He appeared on Three tracks including "Out the Roof" which also features Chicago rappers Lil Durk and Booka600; "Me and Doodie Lo" featuring Doodie Lo, which was released before Bennett's demise and later used as the lead single of the album that also included a music video released on August 21, 2020;<ref>{{cite web|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/id.64180/title.lil-durk-gifts-otf-rapper-200k-earrings-to-celebrate-big-doodie-lo-album|title=Lil Durk Gifts OTF Rapper $200k Earrings To Celebrate 'Big Doodie Lo' Album by Brandon Caldwell|via=]|date=August 28, 2021|access-date=March 14, 2024}}</ref> and finally he appeared on the last single of the project "]" still featuring Lil Durk, Booka600 and Memo600, also, a music video for the song was filmed before Bennett's death and released simultaneously on the same day as the single's release, on March 3, 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://uproxx.com/music/lil-durk-king-von-jump-video/|title=Lil Durk And King Von's 'Jump' Video Highlights The OTF Crew Chemistry|via=]|date=March 16, 2021|access-date=March 14, 2024}}</ref> | |||
On February 4, 2022, his management team announced a new album by the rapper titled '']''.<ref name = "wimtbk">{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vibe.com/music/music-news/king-von-album-what-it-means-to-be-king-1234646991/|title=King Von's Estate Announces New 'What It Means To Be King' Album|magazine=]|date= February 4, 2022 |access-date= September 17, 2023}}</ref> | |||
On the following day, February 5, the promotional single "]" was released, featuring the American rapper ], and finds the pair delivering couplets atop a production by Kid Hazel; an official music video for the song was released on February 9, 2022.<ref name = "wimtbk" /><ref>{{Cite web|title=King Von And 21 Savage's Colorful 'Don't Play That' Video Pairs Cuddly Animation With Vicious Lyrics|url=https://uproxx.com/music/king-von-21-savage-dont-play-that-video-2/|website=]|date=February 9, 2022 |access-date=September 17, 2023}}</ref> This followed the release of his second album extract named "]" on March 2, 2022, the piece is accompanied by an official visualizer video.<ref>{{Cite web|title=King Von's Estate Shares "War", A Breathlessly Intense Single From What It Means To Be King|url=https://audibletreats.com/king-vons_pr34/|work=audibletreats.com|date=March 4, 2022 |access-date=June 21, 2023}}</ref> These two songs achieved commercial success, reaching respectively number 40 and number 63 on Billboard Hot 100.<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Chart History – King Von – Don't Play That|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/king-von/chart-history/hsi/|magazine=]|date=February 19, 2022 |access-date=September 17, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Chart History – King Von – War|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/king-von/chart-history/hsi/|magazine=]|date=March 19, 2022 |access-date=September 17, 2023}}</ref> | |||
On March 4, 2022, the album was released through Empire Distribution and Only the Family and by his management team, representing King Von's second studio album and first posthumous work. The album features guest appearances from G Herbo, 21 Savage, Fivio Foreign, Moneybagg Yo, Lil Durk, ], ], ], Boss Top, DqFrmDaO, and ]. Production was handled by Chopsquad DJ, Hitmaka, Tee Romano, Kid Hazel, Touch of Trent, DJ Bandz, DJ FMCT, Glaazer, Diego Ave, Bankroll Got It, ], ATL Jacob, Geraldo Liive, CGM Beats, John Lam, and Raw Equity.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://allhiphop.com/news/king-vons-estate-drops-posthumous-album-what-it-means-to-be-king/?expand_article=1|title=King Von's Estate Drops Posthumous Album 'What It Means To Be King' | |||
|magazine=]|date= March 4, 2022|access-date=September 17, 2022}}</ref> The tracklist includes song "]" an acclaimed single which dated back to April 2020, this making it, by fact, the lead single of the album.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://hypebeast.com/2022/3/king-von-what-it-means-to-be-king-stream|title=King Von's Posthumous Album 'What It Means To Be King' Is Out Now|magazine=]|date= March 4, 2022|access-date=September 17, 2022}}</ref> The record peaked at number 2 on the ], earning 59,000 ]s, of which 55,000 came from 79 million in streams, and 4,000 by pure album sales.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/chart-beat/encanto-billboard-200-chart-ninth-week-1235043470/|title='Encanto' Makes It Nine Weeks Atop Billboard 200 Albums Chart|magazine=]|date=March 13, 2022|access-date=September 17, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.complex.com/music/king-von-dababy-youngboy-never-broke-again-first-week-numbers|title=The Final First Week Numbers for King Von and DaBaby x YoungBoy Never Broke Again Projects Are In|work=]|date=March 14, 2022|access-date=September 17, 2022}}</ref> This result turns out to be his best ranking and the second top 10 for King Von in the ''Billboard'' 200, who first reached the top 10 with his debut studio album ] which reached the number 5.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/charts/billboard-200/2022-03-19/|title=Billboard 200 week of march 19, 2022|magazine=] |access-date= October 28, 2022}}</ref> | |||
Shortly thereafter, the music videos for two excerpts from his discs were released: "Too Real" was released on March 7, 2022, and "Get it Done" was released on his birthday, August 9, 2022.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.thefader.com/2022/03/07/watch-the-video-for-king-vons-too-real-what-it-means-to-be-king|title=Watch the video for King Von's "Too Real"|magazine=] |access-date= July 3, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2022-03-07/155836/king-von-too-real-video/|title=Check out King Von's visual for "Too Real"|magazine=] |access-date= July 3, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://hypebeast.com/2022/8/king-von-omb-peezy-get-it-done-music-video-watch|title=King Von's Estate Releases "Get It Done" Music Video|magazine=] |access-date= July 3, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/brad-callas/king-von-get-it-done-video-birthday|title=King Von's Estate Shares "Get It Done" Video to Celebrate Late Rapper's 28th Birthday|magazine=] |access-date= July 3, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.vibe.com/music/videos/king-vons-posthumous-get-it-done-video-1234685304/|title=King Von's Estate Drops "Get It Done" Video For His 28th Birthday|magazine=] |access-date= July 3, 2023}}</ref> | |||
===2023–present: ''Grandson''=== | |||
{{Main|Grandson (album)}} | |||
In January 2023, King Von's manager announced with a post on Instagram, the drop of a new posthumous project by the rapper, scheduled for the same year.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Another Posthumous King Von Album Is On The Way, According To His Manager|url=https://uproxx.com/music/king-von-posthumous-album/|magazine=]|access-date=July 3, 2023|date= Jan 24, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=King Von Posthumous Album Reportedly In The Works|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/king-von-second-posthumous-album-coming-soon|magazine=]|access-date=July 3, 2023|date= Jan 24, 2023}}</ref> In June, the album's title was announced to be '']'' which recalls to Von's first mixtape, '']'', and it is a reference to his renowned nickname, which an inmate gave him during his incarceration period in ] from 2014 to 2017. The record was handled by the rapper's closest collaborators and by his mother herself.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=King Von Fans Hope His Estate Doesn't 'Mess Up' Newly Announced ''Grandson'' Album|url=https://hiphopdx.com/news/king-von-grandson-album-announcement|magazine=]|access-date=July 3, 2023|date= Jun 30, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=King Von's Upcoming Posthumous Album "Grandson" Divides Fans|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/691960-king-von-grandson-album-fan-reactions|magazine=]|access-date=July 3, 2023|date= Jun 30, 2023}}</ref> | |||
Three singles were released in the lead-up to the album. The first, "]", was released on June 23, 2023, with an official video released the same day;<ref>{{cite magazine|title=King Von's Estate Shares "Robberies" Produced By ATL Jacob|url=https://www.rap-up.com/2023/06/25/king-von-estate-shares-robberies-by-atl-jacob/|magazine=]|access-date=July 3, 2023|date= Jun 25, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Check out King Von's latest video for "Robberies"|url=https://www.revolt.tv/article/2023-06-28/312199/king-von-robberies-video/|website=]|access-date=July 8, 2023|date= June 28, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Video: King Von "Robberies"|url=https://rapradar.com/2023/06/23/video-king-von-robberies/|website=]|access-date=July 8, 2023|date= June 23, 2023}}</ref> the second, named "]", featured ] and was released on July 7, 2023, with an official visualizer.<ref>{{cite web|title=King Von & Tee Grizzley Grew Up "Heartless" On New Single|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/693674-king-von-tee-grizzley-heartless-new-single|website=]|access-date=July 7, 2023|date= July 7, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=King Von ft. Tee Grizzley "Heartless"|url=https://rapradar.com/2023/07/07/king-von-ft-tee-grizzley-heartless/|website=]|access-date=July 7, 2023|date= July 7, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=King Von – Heartless f. Tee Grizzley|url=https://hiphopdx.com/singles/king-von-heartless-f-tee-grizzley|website=]|access-date=July 8, 2023|date= July 8, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Visualizer released for Tee Grizzley-assisted King Von single "Heartless"|url=https://hiphopcanada.com/king-von-tee-grizzley-heartless-visualizer/|website=hiphopcanada.com|access-date=July 8, 2023|date= July 7, 2023}}</ref> The project itself was released on July 14, 2023, representing Bennett's third studio album and second posthumous work. It was hand out alongside a music video for the song "]", which shooting dates back to the late 2020. Plus was released an official visualizer for each track on the album.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Video released for "Don't Miss" by King Von in support of Grandson album|url=https://hiphopcanada.com/king-von-dont-miss-video/|magazine=hiphopcanada|access-date=July 14, 2023|date= July 14, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=King Von – Don't Miss|url=https://hiphopdx.com/singles/king-von-dont-miss|website=]|access-date=September 24, 2023|date= July 14, 2023}}</ref> | |||
The production on the album was handled by various producers including ], Chopsquad DJ, David Morse, DJ Bandz, Ghostrage, IllaDaProducer, Mac Fly, Raw Equity, ], ], Tahj Money, Twysted Genius, ]; most of which had already collaborated with Bennett on previous albums. It features guest appearances from G Herbo, Polo G, Lil Durk, Tee Grizzley, BreezyLyn, ], ], ], and ].<ref>{{cite magazine|title=July 2023 New Project Releases – XXL|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/july-2023-new-project-releases/|magazine=]|access-date=September 24, 2023|date= July 7, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Stream King Von's Posthumous Album Grandson Feat. Lil Durk, Polo G, Moneybagg Yo, & More|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2230097/stream-king-vons-posthumous-album-grandson-feat-lil-durk-polo-g-moneybagg-yo-more/music/|magazine=]|access-date=September 24, 2023|date= July 14, 2023}}</ref> It reached the 14th position on the Billboard 200, and went 2nd on the Billboard Independent Albums, 4th on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums, also went on number 31 for Billboard top 100 Canada and number 20 on the New Zealand top 40.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/king-von/chart-history/tlp/|title=King Von Billboard 200|magazine=]|date=July 24, 2023|access-date=September 24, 2023}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/king-von/chart-history/cna/|title=King Von Billboard Canadian Albums|magazine=]|date=July 24, 2023|access-date=September 24, 2023}}</ref><ref name="NZ Top 40 Albums Chart">{{cite web|url=https://aotearoamusiccharts.co.nz/archive/albums/2023-07-21|title=NZ Top 40 Albums Chart|publisher=]|date=July 24, 2023|access-date=September 24, 2023}}</ref> | |||
== Artistry == | |||
=== Style and rapping technique === | |||
King Von's musical style has been described as ],<ref name="king-von-mn0003831585" /><ref name = "Vulture" /><ref name= "suntimes">{{Cite web|date=November 6, 2020|title=King Von remembered for his powerful lyrics|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/2020/11/6/21553428/king-von-dead-chicago-music-scene-lil-durk-chief-keef|website=]|access-date=August 22, 2023}}</ref><ref name= "passionweiss">{{Cite web|date=November 6, 2020|title="You Have to Go Harder So Everybody Can Talk About You:" An Interview with King Von|url=https://www.passionweiss.com/2020/06/22/king-von-interview/|website=passionweiss.com|access-date=August 22, 2023}}</ref><ref name= "chicagoreader">{{Cite web|date=April 10, 2020|title=Rising drill star King Von refines his storytelling and stunting on Levon James|url=https://chicagoreader.com/music/rising-drill-star-king-von-refines-his-storytelling-and-stunting-on-levon-james/|website=]|access-date=August 22, 2023}}</ref><ref name= "grammy">{{Cite web|date=October 30, 2020|title=Practice Makes Perfect On King Von's New Album 'Welcome To O Block'|url=https://www.grammy.com/news/practice-makes-perfect-king-vons-new-album-welcome-o-block|website=]|access-date=August 22, 2023}}</ref> | |||
a categorization he acknowledged in an interview with ].<ref>{{Cite web |last=A |first=Aron |date=2020-11-11 |title=RIP King Von: O-Block's Trusted Narrator |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/321194-rip-king-von-o-blocks-trusted-narrator-news |access-date=2024-10-28 |website=HotNewHipHop |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|title=Face to Face: King Von x DJ Akademiks: Talks NBA Youngboy, 6ix9ine, O block, 63rd, FBG Duck n more|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SMboobc8NFk|website=]|time= 01:34 |date=November 5, 2020|access-date=August 22, 2023}}</ref> | |||
Hip-hop publications have labeled Von one of the best pure lyricists in Chicago drill,<ref name= "complex">{{Cite web|date=November 9, 2020|title=King Von, Fearless Storyteller|url=https://www.complex.com/music/a/mbraboy17/king-von-remembered-obituary|website=]|access-date=August 22, 2023}}</ref> and as more stylistically diverse than most other rappers in that genre.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2020-06-22 |title="You Have to Go Harder So Everybody Can Talk About You:" An Interview with King Von |url=https://www.passionweiss.com/2020/06/22/king-von-interview/ |access-date=2024-10-28 |website=Passion of the Weiss |language=en-US}}</ref> Von has also received critical praise for his sense of focus, delivery, wordplay, and sharp songwriting.<ref name= "chicagoreader" /><ref name= "complex" /><ref name = "stereo">{{Cite web|date= November 4, 2020|title=King Von & The Art Of Storytelling|url=https://www.stereogum.com/2104833/king-von-the-art-of-storytelling/columns/status-aint-hood/|access-date=January 11, 2022|website=]}}</ref><ref name= "hotnew">{{Cite web|date= November 4, 2020|title=RIP King Von: O-Block's Trusted Narrator|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/321194-rip-king-von-o-blocks-trusted-narrator-news|access-date=August 22, 2023|website=]}}</ref> Mark Braboy of '']'' described Von as a thoughtful, skillful lyricist who surpassed other Chicago drill artists in the ferocity and resonance of his delivery.<ref name= "complex" /> | |||
Jayson Buford from '']'' observed that Von remained culturally relevant years after his death; Buford attributed the phenomenon both to Von's proximity to violence and to his extraordinary lyrical skills.<ref name= "tablet">{{Cite magazine|date= August 16, 2023|title=King Von Was a Shooter|url=https://www.tabletmag.com/sections/arts-letters/articles/king-von-was-a-shooter|access-date=August 22, 2023|magazine=]}}</ref> Will Schube of ] identified the characteristic feature of Von's style as his ability to craft vivid narratives that balance nihilism, humor, and empathy; Schube identified "]" as one of the style's strongest representations.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2020/11/06/932178314/king-von-emerging-chicago-rapper-dead-at-26|title=King Von, Emerging Chicago Rapper, Dead At 26|website=]|date=November 6, 2020|access-date=August 13, 2024}}</ref> | |||
==== Storytelling ==== | |||
King Von was known for the use of the ] in his songs.<ref name= "hotnew" /> His narration has also been defined by ] as "impeccable" and equipped "with a vengeance and uncut authenticity";<ref name= "hotnew" /> it has also been described as "vivid".<ref name= "complex" /><ref name= "bill">{{Cite magazine|date= March 6, 2020|title=How King Von Used His Time in Jail to Become a Better Rapper|url=https://www.billboard.com/music/rb-hip-hop/king-von-levon-james-interview-9328126/|access-date=August 22, 2023|magazine=]}}</ref> ] eulogizes his ability to tell a coherent story as its narrator with associated dialogue insertion in his verses.<ref name= "pitch">{{Cite web|date= February 6, 2019|title=The Ones: King Von's "Crazy Story" – The must-hear rap song of the day|url=https://pitchfork.com/thepitch/king-von-crazy-story-new-song-listen/|access-date=August 22, 2023|website=]}}</ref> Von maximized his storytelling strengths across a trio of critically acclaimed efforts, '']'', '']'', and '']'', with each project showcasing the full complexities of his personality, as Von fleshed out narratives that are rarely seen in mainstream rap.<ref name= "complex" /> | |||
Bennett's narrative technique in musical compositions developed around themes based on his own experiences; and has been compared to that of other various artists such as the prime ], ]<ref name= "complex" /> and specifically songs like "]" and "]" have been compared to "]" by ];<ref name= "complex" /> while Bennett himself says that he has often been compared with ]'s narrative technique.<ref name= "xxlmag2" /> | |||
Von's storytelling style and ability was inspired by his childhood in ] and peculiarly draws on urban novels he read while incarcerated:<ref name= "passionweiss" /><ref name= "grammy" /> he asserted that he read many books by ], he liked also JaQuavis and Ashley especially the book "The Cartel", "The Ultimate Sacrifice" by Anthony Fields plus he also appreciated the "]" novels.<ref name= "xxlmag3">{{Cite web|date= January 8, 2021|title=King Von Speaks on His Come Up Two Weeks Before His Death in One of His Final Interviews|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/king-von-interview/|access-date=August 22, 2023|website=]}}</ref> | |||
=== Influences === | |||
King Von has cited several ] as influencing his rapping style, deriving by the artists he listened to in his teens, with rappers such as ], ] and ],<ref name= "xxlmag2">{{Cite web|title=The Break Presents: King Von|url=https://www.xxlmag.com/king-von-interview-the-break/|website=]|date=March 4, 2020|access-date=August 22, 2023}}</ref> and by other Chicago rappers such as ], ],<ref name="Uproxx" /> ], ], and ].<ref name= "passionweiss" /> | |||
== Personal life == | == Personal life == | ||
Bennett was in an on-and-off relationship with Texas rapper ], but the two were reportedly not in a relationship at the time of his death.<ref>{{Cite web|date= |
Bennett was in an on-and-off relationship with Texas rapper ], but the two were reportedly not in a relationship at the time of his death.<ref>{{Cite web|date=June 14, 2021|title=Asian Doll Addresses Rumors of King Von Cheating on Her Following News of Rapper's New Child|url=https://amp.www.complex.com/music/asian-doll-rumors-king-con-cheating|access-date=January 11, 2022|website=]}}</ref> Bennett had three children, one son and two daughters. | ||
His cousin, ], is also a drill rapper.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Todd |first=Jessica |date=May 2, 2022 |title=Exclusive: Calboy on Being King Von's Cousin, Planned on Meeting Up with Him the Night He Died |url=https://www.vladtv.com/article/282763/calboy-on-being-king-vons-cousin-planned-on-meeting-up-with-him-the |access-date=September 10, 2023 |website=www.vladtv.com |language=}}</ref> | |||
===Legal issues=== | |||
On November 21, 2012, Bennett was arrested and booked into ] jail for unlawful possession of a firearm.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://mugshots.com/US-Counties/Illinois/Cook-County-IL/Dayvon-Bennett.28941141.html|title=Dayvon Bennett Mugshot 28941141 - Dayvon Bennett Arrest - Cook County, IL - Booked on 11/21/2012|website=Mugshots.com|date=November 22, 2012|access-date=October 18, 2019|archive-date=November 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107232936/https://mugshots.com/US-Counties/Illinois/Cook-County-IL/Dayvon-Bennett.28941141.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
=== Legal issues === | |||
On July 24, 2014, Bennett was arrested in connection with a shooting in May 2014, resulting in the death of Malcolm Stuckey and the injury of two other men. Bennett was charged with 1 count of murder and 2 counts of attempted murder. The shooting took place at 5700 South Lasalle Street in ], Chicago.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2014/07/24/second-man-charged-with-may-shooting-that-killed-man-wounded-two-others/|title=Second Man Charged With May Shooting That Killed Man, Wounded Two Others|date=July 24, 2014|access-date=October 18, 2019|archive-date=November 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107232934/https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2014/07/24/second-man-charged-with-may-shooting-that-killed-man-wounded-two-others/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://homicides.suntimes.com/2014/07/24/dayvon-bennett-charged-with-murder-in-englewood-shooting-death-of-malcolm-stuckey/|title=Dayvon Bennett charged with murder in Englewood shooting death of Malcolm Stuckey|last=Chicago|first=Homicide Watch|website=Homicide Watch Chicago|access-date=October 18, 2019|archive-date=April 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413114013/http://homicides.suntimes.com/2014/07/24/dayvon-bennett-charged-with-murder-in-englewood-shooting-death-of-malcolm-stuckey/|url-status=dead}}</ref> After witnesses failed to testify, in 2017, the charges were dropped.<ref>{{cite news|author = Frank Main|date = November 13, 2020|title = Rapper King Von's killing puts a spotlight on Chicago gang ties to Atlanta|url = https://www.chicago.suntimes.com/platform/amp/2020/11/13/21561328/king-von-atlanta-chicago-gang-ties-black-disciples-oblock-o-block|work = ]|access-date = June 25, 2021}}</ref> | |||
In April 2014, Bennett was questioned by police as a person of interest in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old ] member Gakirah "K.I." Barnes, but the police were unable to charge him due to inconsistencies in witness statements. In 2021, unsealed documents released by the Chicago Police Department named Bennett as Barnes' killer.<ref>{{Cite web|last=B|first=Mira|date=July 13, 2021|title=King Von Named In 2014 Fatal Shooting Of Gakirah Barnes|url=https://thesource.com/2021/07/13/king-von-named-in-2014-fatal-shooting-of-gakirah-barnes/|access-date=January 10, 2022|website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Police Release Documents Confirming King Von Murdered Notorious Killer|url=https://www.vladtv.com/article/273979/police-release-documents-confirming-king-von-murdered-notorious-killer|access-date=July 12, 2021|website=]}}</ref> | |||
In June 2019, Bennett and ] (real name Durk Banks) were arrested in connection with a shooting in ]. Bennett, along with his co-defendant Banks, appeared before a judge in a ] courtroom for a probable cause hearing. Prosecutors claimed the two men robbed and shot a man outside a popular Atlanta drive-in on February 5, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/judge-rules-case-against-rappers-lil-durk-von-king-can-move-forward|title=Judge rules case against rappers Lil Durk, Von King can move forward|date=June 15, 2019|website=FOX 10 Phoenix|access-date=October 18, 2019|archive-date=November 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107232937/https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/judge-rules-case-against-rappers-lil-durk-von-king-can-move-forward|url-status=live}}</ref> After weeks in jail, the two rappers were released on $250,000 & $300,000 bonds, respectively.<ref>{{cite news|author = Asia Burns|date = June 21, 2019|title = Rapper Lil Durk posts $250K bond in Varsity shooting|url = https://www.ajc.com/news/crime--law/rapper-lil-durk-granted-250k-bond-varsity-shooting/|work = The Atlanta Journal Constitution|access-date = June 27, 2021}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|date = June 23, 2019|title = King Von Released From Jail|url = https://kollegekidd.com/news/king-von-released-from-jail/|website = KollegeKidd.com|access-date = June 27, 2021}}</ref> | |||
On July 24, 2014, Bennett was arrested in connection with a shooting in May 2014, resulting in the death of Malcolm Stuckey and the injury of two other men. Bennett was charged with one count of ] and two counts of ]. The shooting took place in ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2014/07/24/second-man-charged-with-may-shooting-that-killed-man-wounded-two-others/|title=Second Man Charged With May Shooting That Killed Man, Wounded Two Others|website=]|date=July 24, 2014|access-date=October 18, 2019|archive-date=November 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107232934/https://chicago.cbslocal.com/2014/07/24/second-man-charged-with-may-shooting-that-killed-man-wounded-two-others/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|url=http://homicides.suntimes.com/2014/07/24/dayvon-bennett-charged-with-murder-in-englewood-shooting-death-of-malcolm-stuckey/|title=Dayvon Bennett charged with murder in Englewood shooting death of Malcolm Stuckey|last=Chicago|first=Homicide Watch|website=Homicide Watch Chicago|access-date=October 18, 2019|archive-date=April 13, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170413114013/http://homicides.suntimes.com/2014/07/24/dayvon-bennett-charged-with-murder-in-englewood-shooting-death-of-malcolm-stuckey/|url-status=dead}}</ref> Bennett was found ] in December 2017.<ref>{{cite news|first = Frank|last = Main|date = November 13, 2020|title = Rapper King Von's killing puts a spotlight on Chicago gang ties to Atlanta|url = https://www.chicago.suntimes.com/platform/amp/2020/11/13/21561328/king-von-atlanta-chicago-gang-ties-black-disciples-oblock-o-block|work = ]|access-date = June 25, 2021}}</ref> | |||
In July 2021, the ] released documents concluding that Bennett was responsible for the fatal shooting of 17-year-old ] member Gakirah "K.I." Barnes in April 2014, but were unable to prosecute him due to inconstancies in witness statements.<ref>{{Cite web|last=B|first=Mira|date=2021-07-13|title=KING VON NAMED IN 2014 FATAL SHOOTING OF GAKIRAH BARNES|url=https://thesource.com/2021/07/13/king-von-named-in-2014-fatal-shooting-of-gakirah-barnes/|url-status=live|access-date=2022-01-10|website=]}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|title=Police Release Documents Confirming King Von Murdered Notorious Killer|url=https://www.vladtv.com/article/273979/police-release-documents-confirming-king-von-murdered-notorious-killer|access-date=July 12, 2021|website=]}}</ref> | |||
In May 2019, Bennett and ] were arrested in connection with a shooting in ]. Bennett and his co-defendant Durk appeared before a judge in a ] courtroom for a probable cause hearing. Prosecutors claimed that the two rappers robbed and shot Alexander Witherspoon outside a popular drive-in on February 5, 2019.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/judge-rules-case-against-rappers-lil-durk-von-king-can-move-forward|title=Judge rules case against rappers Lil Durk, Von King can move forward|date=June 15, 2019|website=]|access-date=October 18, 2019|archive-date=November 7, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191107232937/https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/judge-rules-case-against-rappers-lil-durk-von-king-can-move-forward|url-status=live}}</ref> After weeks in jail, Durk was released on a $250,000 bond,<ref>{{cite news|first = Asia|last = Burns|date = June 21, 2019|title = Rapper Lil Durk posts $250K bond in Varsity shooting|url = https://www.ajc.com/news/crime--law/rapper-lil-durk-granted-250k-bond-varsity-shooting/|work = ]|access-date = June 27, 2021}}{{Dead link|date=May 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}</ref> while Von was released on a $300,000 bond.<ref>{{cite web|date = June 23, 2019|title = King Von Released From Jail|url = https://kollegekidd.com/news/king-von-released-from-jail/|website = KollegeKidd.com|access-date = June 27, 2021|archive-date = May 14, 2021|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20210514104632/https://kollegekidd.com/news/king-von-released-from-jail/|url-status = dead}}</ref> The charges against Durk were dropped in October 2022.<ref>{{cite news |last1=Dukes |first1=Joi |title=Charges dropped against Chicago rapper Lil Durk in 2019 shooting near the Varsity |url=https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/charges-dropped-against-chicago-rapper-lil-durk-in-2019-shooting-near-the-varsity |access-date=3 May 2024 |publisher=] |date=23 October 2022}}</ref> | |||
==Death== | |||
On November 6, 2020, at around 2:15 a.m., Bennett and his crew were involved in an altercation with ]'s crew outside of the Monaco hookah lounge in ].<ref name=":0">{{cite web |title=King Von Reportedly In Critical Condition After Shoot Out With Quando Rondo's Crew |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/king-von-rumored-to-be-in-critical-condition-after-shooting-report-news.120836.html |website=HotNewHipHop |date=November 6, 2020 |access-date=December 6, 2020 |archive-date=November 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106153834/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/king-von-rumored-to-be-in-critical-condition-after-shooting-report-news.120836.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The dispute quickly escalated into gunfire, and Bennett was shot multiple times.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|title=Rapper King Von fatally shot in Atlanta|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/rapper-king-von-2-others-fatally-shot-atlanta-n1246807|access-date=December 6, 2020|website=NBC News|archive-date=November 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106193353/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/rapper-king-von-2-others-fatally-shot-atlanta-n1246807|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Blistein|first=Jon|date=November 6, 2020|title=Rising Rapper King Von Dead at 26 After Shooting in Atlanta|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/king-von-shot-dead-obituary-1086987/|access-date=November 8, 2020|magazine=Rolling Stone|archive-date=November 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107073551/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/king-von-shot-dead-obituary-1086987/|url-status=live}}</ref> He was subsequently transported to a hospital in critical condition and died there later that day. He was 26 years old.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web|date=November 6, 2020|title=Rapper King Von shot dead outside Atlanta nightclub|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/06/king-von-rapper-shot-deashooting|publisher=theguardian.com|access-date=November 10, 2020|archive-date=November 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110160831/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/06/king-von-rapper-shot-dead-atlanta-shooting|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
In January 2023, after Bennett's death, the FBI declassified a number of documents showing that a confidential informant alleged that Bennett initially placed a $50K hit on Carlton "FBG Duck" Weekly before raising the price to $100,000. Weekly was murdered in the Gold Coast area of Chicago in August 2020. Five O Block members were later arrested and found guilty of this murder.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Allah |first=Sha Be |date=2023-01-18 |title=FBI Release Documents Alleging King Von Put $100K Hit On FBG Duck |url=https://thesource.com/2023/01/18/fbi-release-documents-alleging-king-von-put-100k-hit-on-fbg-duck/ |access-date=2024-10-28 |website=thesource.com |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last= |date=2022-01-31 |title=15 Seconds of Gold Coast Mayhem: FBI Affidavit Lifts Curtain on FBG Duck Murder Case |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/15-seconds-of-gold-coast-mayhem-fbi-affidavit-lifts-curtain-on-fbg-duck-murder-case/2743491/ |access-date=2024-10-28 |website=NBC Chicago |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
The ] reported that two people were killed. Six people were wounded.<ref>{{Cite web|author=Rebekah Riess and Steve Almasy|title=Rapper King Von shot and killed outside Atlanta nightclub|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/06/us/atlanta-king-von-killed-in-shootout/index.html|access-date=November 13, 2020|website=CNN|archive-date=November 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114124140/https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/06/us/atlanta-king-von-killed-in-shootout/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> One of them was placed in police custody for the murder of King Von while being treated for a gunshot wound.<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 7, 2020|title=American Rapper King Von shot dead outside Atlanta nightclub - The Thinkera |url=https://www.thethinkera.com/current-affairs/international-news/america/american-rapper-king-von-shot-dead-outside-atlanta-nightclub/|access-date=March 9, 2021|archive-date=November 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107083141/https://www.thethinkera.com/current-affairs/international-news/america/american-rapper-king-von-shot-dead-outside-atlanta-nightclub/|url-status=live}}</ref> The suspect was identified as Timothy Leeks, a rapper also known as Lul Timm who is affiliated with Quando Rondo, aged 22.<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 8, 2020|title=Police Charge Rapper Lul Timm With Murdering King also "claimed police killed king von"Von|url=https://allhiphop.com/news/police-charge-rapper-lul-timm-with-murdering-king-von/|access-date=December 24, 2020|website=AllHipHop.com|archive-date=January 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107203902/https://allhiphop.com/news/police-charge-rapper-lul-timm-with-murdering-king-von/|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
On October 9, 2024, it was reported that the estate of Bennett, along with both Durk and OTF Records were named in a wrongful death lawsuit by the estate and family of Weekly. The lawsuit and its attorneys claimed that Durk and his OTF Records imprint, of which Bennett was a signee, were "profiting off of Weekly's death through negligence and misconduct".<ref>{{Cite web |last=Wire • • |first=Andy Grimm/Sun-Times |date=2024-10-09 |title=Rapper FBG Duck's mom sues Lil Durk, King Von's estate over son's brazen Gold Coast killing |url=https://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local/fbg-ducks-mom-sues-lil-durk-king-vons-estate-over-brazen-killing-of-son/3569378/ |access-date=2024-10-25 |website=NBC Chicago |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Ewing |first=Tia |date=2024-10-09 |title=Lawsuit blames Lil Durk, others for 2020 killing of FBG Duck, citing misconduct and negligence |url=https://www.fox32chicago.com/news/lawsuit-blames-lil-durk-others-2020-killing-fbg-duck |access-date=2024-10-25 |website=FOX 32 Chicago |language=en-US}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=2024-10-09 |title=Rapper FBG Duck's mom sues Lil Durk, King Von's estate over son's brazen Gold Coast killing |url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/fbgduck/2024/10/09/fbg-duck-lil-durk-king-von-otf-only-the-family-shooting-homicide-lawsuit |access-date=2024-10-25 |website=Chicago Sun-Times |language=en}}</ref> | |||
On November 14, 2020, King Von was buried in Chicago, Illinois.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Cole|first=Alexander|date=December 14, 2020|title=King Von's Family Holds Private Funeral Service, Fans Offer Prayers|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/king-vons-family-holds-private-funeral-service-fans-offer-prayers-news.121285.html|website=HotNewHipHop|access-date=December 24, 2020|archive-date=January 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107144813/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/king-vons-family-holds-private-funeral-service-fans-offer-prayers-news.121285.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
== |
== Death == | ||
On November 6, 2020, at around 2:15 a.m., Bennett and his crew were involved in an altercation with ]'s crew outside of the Monaco hookah lounge in Atlanta, Georgia.<ref name=":0">{{cite web |title=King Von Reportedly In Critical Condition After Shoot Out With Quando Rondo's Crew |url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/king-von-rumored-to-be-in-critical-condition-after-shooting-report-news.120836.html |website=] |date=November 6, 2020 |access-date=December 6, 2020 |archive-date=November 6, 2020 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106153834/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/king-von-rumored-to-be-in-critical-condition-after-shooting-report-news.120836.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The dispute quickly escalated into gunfire, and Bennett was shot multiple times.<ref name=":1">{{cite web|title=Rapper King Von fatally shot in Atlanta|url=https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/rapper-king-von-2-others-fatally-shot-atlanta-n1246807|access-date=December 6, 2020|website=]|archive-date=November 6, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201106193353/https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/rapper-king-von-2-others-fatally-shot-atlanta-n1246807|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite magazine|last=Blistein|first=Jon|date=November 6, 2020|title=Rising Rapper King Von Dead at 26 After Shooting in Atlanta|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/king-von-shot-dead-obituary-1086987/|access-date=November 8, 2020|magazine=]|archive-date=November 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107073551/https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/king-von-shot-dead-obituary-1086987/|url-status=live}}</ref> He was transported to a hospital in critical condition and died there later that day. He was 26 years old.<ref name=":0" /><ref>{{cite web|date=November 6, 2020|title=Rapper King Von shot dead outside Atlanta nightclub|url=https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/06/king-von-rapper-shot-deashooting|publisher=theguardian.com|access-date=November 10, 2020|archive-date=November 10, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201110160831/https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2020/nov/06/king-von-rapper-shot-dead-atlanta-shooting|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
During the ], Bennett was included in the ''In Memoriam'' montage.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last1=Hudak|first1=Joseph|date=2021-03-15|title=Brandi Carlile, Lionel Richie Lead Grammys 'In Memoriam' Tribute to John Prine, Kenny Rogers|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/brandi-carlile-chris-martin-perform-grammys-in-memoriam-john-prine-1140312/|access-date=2021-08-18|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
The ] reported that two people were killed and six wounded.<ref>{{Cite web|first1=Rebekah|last1=Riess|first2=Steve|last2=Almasy|title=Rapper King Von shot and killed outside Atlanta nightclub|url=https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/06/us/atlanta-king-von-killed-in-shootout/index.html|access-date=November 13, 2020|website=CNN|date=November 7, 2020 |archive-date=November 14, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201114124140/https://www.cnn.com/2020/11/06/us/atlanta-king-von-killed-in-shootout/index.html|url-status=live}}</ref> One of them was placed in police custody for Bennett's murder while being treated for a gunshot wound.<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 7, 2020|title=American Rapper King Von shot dead outside Atlanta nightclub – The Thinkera |url=https://www.thethinkera.com/current-affairs/international-news/america/american-rapper-king-von-shot-dead-outside-atlanta-nightclub/|access-date=March 9, 2021|archive-date=November 7, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201107083141/https://www.thethinkera.com/current-affairs/international-news/america/american-rapper-king-von-shot-dead-outside-atlanta-nightclub/|url-status=live}}</ref> The suspect was identified as 22-year-old Timothy "Lul Timm" Leeks, a rapper affiliated with Quando Rondo.<ref>{{Cite web|date=November 8, 2020|title=Police Charge Rapper Lul Timm With Murdering King Von|url=https://allhiphop.com/news/police-charge-rapper-lul-timm-with-murdering-king-von/|access-date=December 24, 2020|website=]|archive-date=January 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107203902/https://allhiphop.com/news/police-charge-rapper-lul-timm-with-murdering-king-von/|url-status=live}}</ref> In August 2023, charges were dropped against Leeks under Georgia's "]" law.<ref>{{cite news|access-date = December 22, 2023|author = Jordan Rose|title = King Von's Alleged Killer Had His Charges Dropped, Here's Why|url = https://www.complex.com/music/a/j-rose/king-vons-alleged-killer-charges-dropped|work = Complex}}</ref> | |||
In August 2021, a ] depicting King Von was painted by artist Chris Devins, in ], Chicago (where Von was from).<ref>{{Cite web|date=2021-08-09|title=KING VON GETS NEW MURAL IN CHICAGO'S O-BLOCK|url=https://thesource.com/2021/08/09/king-von-gets-new-mural-in-chicagos-o-block/|url-status=live|access-date=2022-01-08|website=The Source}}</ref> It was meant to serve as a tribute to the late rapper. The mural was controversial amongst Chicago residents – some of them argued that it would attract gang-related crime to the area, and that it was a glorification of gang violence.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Evans|first=Maxwell|date=2021-08-18|title=King Von Mural Near Parkway Gardens Sparked Debate, Threats And Harassment. Now, Neighbors To Vote On Its Fate|url=https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/08/18/king-von-mural-near-parkways-gardens-sparked-debate-threats-and-harassment-now-neighbors-to-vote-on-its-fate/|url-status=live|access-date=2022-01-08|website=Block Club Chicago}}</ref> | |||
On November 14, 2020, Bennett was buried in Chicago.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Cole|first=Alexander|date=December 14, 2020|title=King Von's Family Holds Private Funeral Service, Fans Offer Prayers|url=https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/king-vons-family-holds-private-funeral-service-fans-offer-prayers-news.121285.html|website=]|access-date=December 24, 2020|archive-date=January 7, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210107144813/https://www.hotnewhiphop.com/king-vons-family-holds-private-funeral-service-fans-offer-prayers-news.121285.html|url-status=live}}</ref> | |||
=== Remembrance === | |||
During the ], Bennett was included in the ''In Memoriam'' montage.<ref>{{Cite magazine|last1=Hudak|first1=Joseph|date=March 15, 2021|title=Brandi Carlile, Lionel Richie Lead Grammys 'In Memoriam' Tribute to John Prine, Kenny Rogers|url=https://www.rollingstone.com/music/music-news/brandi-carlile-chris-martin-perform-grammys-in-memoriam-john-prine-1140312/|access-date=August 18, 2021|magazine=Rolling Stone|language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
In August 2021, a ] depicting King Von was painted by artist ] on a large wall overlooking ] in the Parkway Gardens complex, where Von was raised; the work was commissioned by Delilah Martinez.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Evans |first1=Maxwell |title=King Von Mural Near Parkway Gardens Sparked Debate, Threats And Harassment. Now, Neighbors To Vote On Its Fate |url=https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/08/18/king-von-mural-near-parkways-gardens-sparked-debate-threats-and-harassment-now-neighbors-to-vote-on-its-fate/ |website=Block Club Chicago |date=18 August 2021}}</ref> Bennett is depicted with a backward baseball cap, wearing a silver "O'Block" chain.<ref>{{Cite web|date=August 9, 2021|title=King Von Gets New Mural In Chicago's O-Block|url=https://thesource.com/2021/08/09/king-von-gets-new-mural-in-chicagos-o-block/|access-date=January 8, 2022|website=]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web|date=November 24, 2023|title=Slain drill rapper King Von looms on King Drive|url=https://chicago.suntimes.com/columnists/2023/11/24/23972486/drill-rapper-king-von-mural-parkway-gardens-gangs-fbg-duck-disinvestment-natalie-moore|access-date=November 25, 2023|website=]}}</ref> The mural attracted controversy among Chicago residents, with some arguing that it would attract gang-related crime to the area and was a glorification of gang violence.<ref>{{Cite web|last=Evans|first=Maxwell|date=August 18, 2021|title=King Von Mural Near Parkway Gardens Sparked Debate, Threats And Harassment. Now, Neighbors To Vote On Its Fate|url=https://blockclubchicago.org/2021/08/18/king-von-mural-near-parkways-gardens-sparked-debate-threats-and-harassment-now-neighbors-to-vote-on-its-fate/|access-date=January 8, 2022|website=]}}</ref> The mural was removed from Parkway Gardens on November 29, 2024.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Johnson |first=Erick |date=2024-11-29 |title=King Von Mural across from Parkway Gardens removed |url=https://chicagocrusader.com/king-von-mural-across-from-parkway-gardens-removed/ |access-date=2024-12-14 |language=en-US}}</ref> | |||
== Discography == | == Discography == | ||
{{ |
{{Main|King Von discography}} | ||
<!-- Per ], the discography section of the musician's primary article should "provide a summary of the musician's major works." --> | <!-- Per ], the discography section of the musician's primary article should "provide a summary of the musician's major works." --> | ||
* '']'' (2020) | * '']'' (2020) | ||
* '']'' (2022) | * '']'' (2022) | ||
* '']'' (2023) | |||
== See also == | |||
* ] | |||
== References == | |||
{{notelist}} | |||
{{Reflist}} | |||
== External links == | == External links == | ||
{{Commons}} | |||
{{Wikiquote}} | {{Wikiquote}} | ||
{{Commons}} | |||
* {{Twitter|KingVonFrmdaWic}} <!--exception to WP:ELOFFICIAL per prose--> | |||
* {{Official website|https://kingvonofficial.com/}} | |||
* {{Instagram|kingvonfrmdao}} | * {{Instagram|kingvonfrmdao}} | ||
* {{Twitter|KingVonFrmdaWic}} <!-- exception to WP:ELOFFICIAL per prose --> | |||
* {{IMDb name|id=11372806|name=King Von}} | * {{IMDb name|id=11372806|name=King Von}} | ||
* | |||
{{King Von}} | |||
==See also== | |||
*] | |||
{{Portal bar|2010s|United States|Biography|Chicago|Law|Music}} | |||
==References== | |||
{{Reflist}} | |||
<references group="upper-alpha" /> | |||
{{Portal bar|United States|Biography|Chicago}} | |||
{{King Von}} | |||
{{Authority control}} | {{Authority control}} | ||
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Latest revision as of 07:29, 10 January 2025
American rapper (1994–2020)
King Von | |
---|---|
King Von in 2019 | |
Background information | |
Birth name | Dayvon Daquan Bennett |
Also known as |
|
Born | (1994-08-09)August 9, 1994 Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
Died | November 6, 2020(2020-11-06) (aged 26) Atlanta, Georgia, U.S. |
Genres | |
Occupations |
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Discography | King Von discography |
Years active | 2018–2020 |
Labels | |
Member of | Only the Family |
Cause of death | Gunshot wounds |
Children | 3 |
Partner | Asian Doll (2018–2020) |
Website | kingvonofficial |
Signature | |
Dayvon Daquan Bennett (August 9, 1994 – November 6, 2020), known professionally as King Von, was an American rapper and gangster from Chicago, Illinois, who was affiliated with the Black Disciples gang. He was considered a preeminent figure in the drill genre.
Bennett's 2018 single, "Crazy Story" and his 2020 single, "Took Her to the O", both received triple platinum certifications by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). The latter peaked within the top 50 of the Billboard Hot 100, leading up to the release of his debut studio album, Welcome to O'Block (2020), which peaked at number five on the Billboard 200 and was also certified platinum. He signed with Lil Durk's record label Only the Family in 2018, and was instrumental in furthering the label's growth.
On November 6, 2020, Bennett was shot and killed in Atlanta, Georgia at age 26.
Early life
Bennett was born on August 9, 1994, in Chicago, Illinois. He had six half-siblings from his father, Walter E. Bennett, and three siblings from his mother, Taesha. He was raised mostly by his mother in the Parkway Garden Homes in South Side, Chicago's Greater Grand Crossing community area, more commonly known as "O-Block". His relationship with his father was inconsistent due to his father's incarcerations. When Von was 11 years old, his father was killed by an unseen gunman. Von later paid tribute to his father in multiple songs.
King Von was present for the birth of drill music through his association with Chief Keef and Lil Durk. However, he was frequently incarcerated throughout the 2010s for a multitude of serious criminal charges, which made him known in Chicago's drill scene even before he began recording music.
At age 16, Bennett went to juvenile detention for armed robbery in January 2011. While incarcerated, Bennett earned his GED. After being released, Bennett attended a few classes at South Suburban College in South Holland, Illinois, before dropping out.
In July 2014, Bennett was charged with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder in connection with a shooting that killed one and injured two others. After being detained in Cook County jail for over three years, he was acquitted in December 2017 and began his musical career.
Career
2017–2019: Career beginnings and Grandson, Vol. 1
Main article: Grandson, Vol. 1Upon Von's release from jail in December 2017, fellow rapper Lil Durk signed Von to Durk's Only the Family label. Von then released a series of singles. The first of these singles was "Beat Dat Body", which featured fellow Chicago rapper THF Zoo, and was released on June 17, 2018. Von subsequently appeared on the Lil Durk Presents: Only The Family Involved album, which was released on July 31, 2018. He featured on the song "Problems", which had an accompanying music video released on August 9, 2018. Von then released the single "War With Us" on October 18, 2018. Von's single "Crazy Story" was released on December 6, 2018. It became his breakout single, reaching number 81 on Billboard Hot 100.
On January 9, 2019, Von was featured on the remix of "Exposing Me", a song by fellow Chicago rapper Memo600. Von and Memo600 swapped bars disrespecting and detailing real life feuds and altercations against other nearby neighborhood rivals. A response from the targets arose when rappers FBG Duck and Rooga dropped their own remix of the song on February 4, 2019. Both songs were produced off the sampling of original Indian song Sanam Re. Following the success, a series of remixes for the song were made by other artists both in the United States and in Europe.
On February 14, 2019, Von's then-girlfriend, rapper Asian Doll, released a music video for her track about him, "Grandson", in which he appeared.
In May 2019, "Crazy Story 2.0" featuring Lil Durk was released, and a music video was later released on May 20, 2019; the song peaked at number four on the Bubbling Under Hot 100 chart. On September 13, 2019, a third rendition of the single called "Crazy Story, Pt. 3" was released. On July 9, 2019, Lil Durk and King Von released their collaborative single "Like That".
On September 2, 2019, Von released his single "What It's Like", as the single forerunner of his first mixtape album announced in September 2019.
The mixtape was dropped some weeks later on September 19, 2019, it consists in 13 a tracks mixtape, and it is named Grandson, Vol. 1, executively produced by Chopsquad DJ, it contains three features represented by "Twin Nem" and by the Remix of "Crazy Story" both featuring Chicago artist Lil Durk; the other feature consists on the collaboration with Chicago artist and OTF affiliate Booka600 on "Jet". The mixtape also includes tracks "Crazy Story", "Crazy Story, Pt. 3", and his second ever single "War With Us" dating back to October 18, 2018.
Grandson, Vol. 1 debuted at number 75 and later peaking at number 53, on the Billboard 200, also it reached number 27 on the Hip Hop/R&B albums chart, and number 9 on the Independent Albums chart.
2020: Levon James and Welcome to O'Block
Main articles: Levon James and Welcome to O'BlockOn November 16, 2019, Von released his single "2 A.M." followed by a corresponding video to be released the same day. On November 29, 2019, Von released his single "Rollin" featuring YNW Melly, accompanied with a music video. He later releases, on February 21, 2020, "Took Her to the O", with a music video, which will become his most successful single. "Took Her to the O" and "Rollin" were later included on his second mixtape, Levon James, that was released on March 6, 2020, which debuted at number 63 and later peaking at number 40 on the Billboard 200. It was released through Only the Family Entertainment/Empire and consists in a 16-track mixtape executively produced by Chopsquad DJ, featuring verses from NLE Choppa, Tee Grizzley, G Herbo, Lil Durk, YNW Melly, Booka600 and Yungeen Ace.
An official video for "On Yo Ass" was released on March 6, 2020, coinciding with the album release date. The song features Chicago artist G Herbo, with production from Chopsquad DJ. On March 20, 2020, an official video for "Trust Issues" was released, featuring Florida rapper Yungeen Ace; in the song Von switched up his gangsta focus to show his softer side. On April 6, 2020, Bennett releases an official music video for 3 A.M. on YouTube, following on April 29, 2020, the release of his single "Grandson For President" that later will be incorporated as a single for What It Means to Be King album. He followed the single up closely with a music video release for "Broke Opps", another song from Levon James album.
In 2020, King Von worked on the project that would later turn out to be his first studio album. he first releases the lead single of the album titled "Why He Told" on July 27, 2020, associated with a music video posted on YouTube, and followed that up with the single, "All These Niggas", featuring Chicago rapper Lil Durk, in which video, that was published the same day, Banks could not appear for legal reasons; it garnered 24 million views in two months on YouTube platform. He then released another single, titled "How It Go", in conjunction with another music video, on August 26, 2020.
On October 9, 2020, King Von released "I Am What I Am", featuring New York rapper Fivio Foreign with annexed a music video. Two weeks later Bennett released "Gleesh Place" in combination with another music video on his official channel, this release was in anticipation of the official release of Welcome to O'Block, that came out on October 30, 2020. The 16-track album features production Chopsquad DJ, Tay Keith, Wheezy and Hitmaka, among others; it also features artists Prince Dre, Lil Durk, Dreezy, Moneybagg Yo. The album includes the Polo G collaboration "The Code", which was released with a music video. The project peaked at number 5 on Billboard for US Top 200 albums, number 1 for Top R&B/Hip Hop albums, number 1 for Top Independents album and peaked 12th for Top 100 Canadian albums.
In an interview for Complex, Bennett revealed his vision regarding the new upcoming project and the main differences from his previous work, Levon James, declaring: "If you're doing something and keep doing it, you're gonna get better results. Everything better". It is the one for real, I've been working hard". In another interview for Uproxx he declared that he wanted to dedicate the project to his neighborhood, and to all the people who lived and struggled there.
He died one week after the album was released. After his death, the music videos for "Wayne's Story", "Armed & Dangerous", "Mine Too", and "Demon" were released.
Posthumous releases
2020–2022: Features and What It Means to Be King
Main article: What It Means to Be KingOn December 14, 2020, just a month after Bennett's death, Funkmaster Flex released the official video for "Lurkin" on his official YouTube channel, representing the first posthumous appearance in a music visual for Bennett; however, the song dated back to October 22, 2020. On December 24, 2020, Lil Durk released his album The Voice as a tribute to Bennett, who, along with Banks, appears on the album cover as the central figure and is also featured on the song "Still Trappin'".
In an interview on February 26, 2021, Bennett's manager stated that Von had over 300 unreleased songs, or around 10 albums worth of content, which they would continue to release with the family's concession in subsequent years with the aim of keeping his legacy alive.
On March 3, 2021, Bennett was featured on the compilation album Loyal Bros by American record label Only the Family. He appeared on Three tracks including "Out the Roof" which also features Chicago rappers Lil Durk and Booka600; "Me and Doodie Lo" featuring Doodie Lo, which was released before Bennett's demise and later used as the lead single of the album that also included a music video released on August 21, 2020; and finally he appeared on the last single of the project "Jump" still featuring Lil Durk, Booka600 and Memo600, also, a music video for the song was filmed before Bennett's death and released simultaneously on the same day as the single's release, on March 3, 2021.
On February 4, 2022, his management team announced a new album by the rapper titled What It Means to Be King. On the following day, February 5, the promotional single "Don't Play That" was released, featuring the American rapper 21 Savage, and finds the pair delivering couplets atop a production by Kid Hazel; an official music video for the song was released on February 9, 2022. This followed the release of his second album extract named "War" on March 2, 2022, the piece is accompanied by an official visualizer video. These two songs achieved commercial success, reaching respectively number 40 and number 63 on Billboard Hot 100.
On March 4, 2022, the album was released through Empire Distribution and Only the Family and by his management team, representing King Von's second studio album and first posthumous work. The album features guest appearances from G Herbo, 21 Savage, Fivio Foreign, Moneybagg Yo, Lil Durk, Tee Grizzley, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Dreezy, Boss Top, DqFrmDaO, and OMB Peezy. Production was handled by Chopsquad DJ, Hitmaka, Tee Romano, Kid Hazel, Touch of Trent, DJ Bandz, DJ FMCT, Glaazer, Diego Ave, Bankroll Got It, TM88, ATL Jacob, Geraldo Liive, CGM Beats, John Lam, and Raw Equity. The tracklist includes song "Grandson For President" an acclaimed single which dated back to April 2020, this making it, by fact, the lead single of the album. The record peaked at number 2 on the Billboard 200, earning 59,000 album-equivalent units, of which 55,000 came from 79 million in streams, and 4,000 by pure album sales. This result turns out to be his best ranking and the second top 10 for King Von in the Billboard 200, who first reached the top 10 with his debut studio album Welcome to O’Block which reached the number 5. Shortly thereafter, the music videos for two excerpts from his discs were released: "Too Real" was released on March 7, 2022, and "Get it Done" was released on his birthday, August 9, 2022.
2023–present: Grandson
Main article: Grandson (album)In January 2023, King Von's manager announced with a post on Instagram, the drop of a new posthumous project by the rapper, scheduled for the same year. In June, the album's title was announced to be Grandson which recalls to Von's first mixtape, Grandson, Vol. 1, and it is a reference to his renowned nickname, which an inmate gave him during his incarceration period in Cook County Jail from 2014 to 2017. The record was handled by the rapper's closest collaborators and by his mother herself.
Three singles were released in the lead-up to the album. The first, "Robberies", was released on June 23, 2023, with an official video released the same day; the second, named "Heartless", featured Tee Grizzley and was released on July 7, 2023, with an official visualizer. The project itself was released on July 14, 2023, representing Bennett's third studio album and second posthumous work. It was hand out alongside a music video for the song "Don't Miss", which shooting dates back to the late 2020. Plus was released an official visualizer for each track on the album.
The production on the album was handled by various producers including ATL Jacob, Chopsquad DJ, David Morse, DJ Bandz, Ghostrage, IllaDaProducer, Mac Fly, Raw Equity, Scott Storch, Southside, Tahj Money, Twysted Genius, Wheezy; most of which had already collaborated with Bennett on previous albums. It features guest appearances from G Herbo, Polo G, Lil Durk, Tee Grizzley, BreezyLyn, Tink, 42 Dugg, Moneybagg Yo, and Hotboii. It reached the 14th position on the Billboard 200, and went 2nd on the Billboard Independent Albums, 4th on the Billboard Top R&B/Hip Hop Albums, also went on number 31 for Billboard top 100 Canada and number 20 on the New Zealand top 40.
Artistry
Style and rapping technique
King Von's musical style has been described as drill music, a categorization he acknowledged in an interview with DJ Akademiks. Hip-hop publications have labeled Von one of the best pure lyricists in Chicago drill, and as more stylistically diverse than most other rappers in that genre. Von has also received critical praise for his sense of focus, delivery, wordplay, and sharp songwriting. Mark Braboy of Complex described Von as a thoughtful, skillful lyricist who surpassed other Chicago drill artists in the ferocity and resonance of his delivery. Jayson Buford from Tablet observed that Von remained culturally relevant years after his death; Buford attributed the phenomenon both to Von's proximity to violence and to his extraordinary lyrical skills. Will Schube of NPR identified the characteristic feature of Von's style as his ability to craft vivid narratives that balance nihilism, humor, and empathy; Schube identified "Took Her to the O" as one of the style's strongest representations.
Storytelling
King Von was known for the use of the storytelling in his songs. His narration has also been defined by HotNewHipHop as "impeccable" and equipped "with a vengeance and uncut authenticity"; it has also been described as "vivid". Pitchfork eulogizes his ability to tell a coherent story as its narrator with associated dialogue insertion in his verses. Von maximized his storytelling strengths across a trio of critically acclaimed efforts, Grandson, Vol. 1, Levon James, and Welcome to O'Block, with each project showcasing the full complexities of his personality, as Von fleshed out narratives that are rarely seen in mainstream rap.
Bennett's narrative technique in musical compositions developed around themes based on his own experiences; and has been compared to that of other various artists such as the prime Ice-T, Speaker Knockerz and specifically songs like "Took Her to the O" and "Crazy Story" have been compared to "Children's Story" by Slick Rick; while Bennett himself says that he has often been compared with Meek Mill's narrative technique.
Von's storytelling style and ability was inspired by his childhood in Englewood and peculiarly draws on urban novels he read while incarcerated: he asserted that he read many books by Sister Souljah, he liked also JaQuavis and Ashley especially the book "The Cartel", "The Ultimate Sacrifice" by Anthony Fields plus he also appreciated the "Twilight" novels.
Influences
King Von has cited several MCs as influencing his rapping style, deriving by the artists he listened to in his teens, with rappers such as Lil Wayne, Gucci Mane and Waka Flocka Flame, and by other Chicago rappers such as Twista, Kanye West, G Herbo, Lil Bibby, and Lil Durk.
Personal life
Bennett was in an on-and-off relationship with Texas rapper Asian Doll, but the two were reportedly not in a relationship at the time of his death. Bennett had three children, one son and two daughters.
His cousin, Calboy, is also a drill rapper.
Legal issues
In April 2014, Bennett was questioned by police as a person of interest in the fatal shooting of 17-year-old Gangster Disciples member Gakirah "K.I." Barnes, but the police were unable to charge him due to inconsistencies in witness statements. In 2021, unsealed documents released by the Chicago Police Department named Bennett as Barnes' killer.
On July 24, 2014, Bennett was arrested in connection with a shooting in May 2014, resulting in the death of Malcolm Stuckey and the injury of two other men. Bennett was charged with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder. The shooting took place in Englewood, Chicago. Bennett was found not guilty in December 2017.
In May 2019, Bennett and Lil Durk were arrested in connection with a shooting in Atlanta. Bennett and his co-defendant Durk appeared before a judge in a Fulton County courtroom for a probable cause hearing. Prosecutors claimed that the two rappers robbed and shot Alexander Witherspoon outside a popular drive-in on February 5, 2019. After weeks in jail, Durk was released on a $250,000 bond, while Von was released on a $300,000 bond. The charges against Durk were dropped in October 2022.
In January 2023, after Bennett's death, the FBI declassified a number of documents showing that a confidential informant alleged that Bennett initially placed a $50K hit on Carlton "FBG Duck" Weekly before raising the price to $100,000. Weekly was murdered in the Gold Coast area of Chicago in August 2020. Five O Block members were later arrested and found guilty of this murder.
On October 9, 2024, it was reported that the estate of Bennett, along with both Durk and OTF Records were named in a wrongful death lawsuit by the estate and family of Weekly. The lawsuit and its attorneys claimed that Durk and his OTF Records imprint, of which Bennett was a signee, were "profiting off of Weekly's death through negligence and misconduct".
Death
On November 6, 2020, at around 2:15 a.m., Bennett and his crew were involved in an altercation with Quando Rondo's crew outside of the Monaco hookah lounge in Atlanta, Georgia. The dispute quickly escalated into gunfire, and Bennett was shot multiple times. He was transported to a hospital in critical condition and died there later that day. He was 26 years old.
The Georgia Bureau of Investigation reported that two people were killed and six wounded. One of them was placed in police custody for Bennett's murder while being treated for a gunshot wound. The suspect was identified as 22-year-old Timothy "Lul Timm" Leeks, a rapper affiliated with Quando Rondo. In August 2023, charges were dropped against Leeks under Georgia's "stand-your-ground" law.
On November 14, 2020, Bennett was buried in Chicago.
Remembrance
During the 64th Annual Grammy Awards, Bennett was included in the In Memoriam montage.
In August 2021, a mural depicting King Von was painted by artist Chris Devins on a large wall overlooking Martin Luther King Drive in the Parkway Gardens complex, where Von was raised; the work was commissioned by Delilah Martinez. Bennett is depicted with a backward baseball cap, wearing a silver "O'Block" chain. The mural attracted controversy among Chicago residents, with some arguing that it would attract gang-related crime to the area and was a glorification of gang violence. The mural was removed from Parkway Gardens on November 29, 2024.
Discography
Main article: King Von discography- Welcome to O'Block (2020)
- What It Means to Be King (2022)
- Grandson (2023)
See also
References
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- "kingvonfrmdao V.Roy". Instagram. September 26, 2022. Retrieved December 22, 2024.
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- ^ Paul Thompson, November 9, 2020 "King Von Was Building Something Bigger Than Chicago Drill. He Deserved to See It Through.", Vulture, Von’s music in some ways represented a second (or even third) wave of the sound — one that had become more nationally popular and legible to labels... while incarcerated became a hallmark of his sound, and Chicago drill’s latest wave... the drill prodigy also from an area known locally as the O-Block. Von went to the same high school as G Herbo... Those sonic cues placed Von firmly in his city’s drill lineage at a point when that scene had reached such a fever pitch that it was being imitated across the country.
- Jack Riedy, April 10, 2020 "Rising drill star King Von refines his storytelling and stunting on Levon James", Chicago Reader, Sharp songwriting and bombastic delivery have made King Von one of fastest-rising stars in drill... Grandson Vol. 1, which stays close to the classic drill sound, combining blown-out beats with blunt-force effects.
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