King Von: The Life and Legacy of a Chicago Rapper
Dayvon Daquan Bennett, better known as King Von, was an American rapper from Chicago, Illinois. He was born on August 9, 1994, and was raised mostly by his mother. Von’s father, Walter E. Bennett, was incarcerated for most of his life, and when Von was just 11 years old, his father was killed by an unknown gunman. Von would later pay tribute to his father in multiple songs.
At the age of 16, Von was incarcerated for the first time, and in 2014, he was charged with one count of first-degree murder and two counts of attempted murder in connection with a shooting that killed one person and injured two others. After being acquitted of all charges, Von focused on his music career, collaborating with fellow rapper Lil Durk. Von attended South Suburban College in South Holland, Illinois, and earned his GED while in juvenile detention. During this time, he joined the Black Disciples street gang.
In December 2018, Lil Durk signed King Von to his Only the Family record label, and Von released his breakout single “Crazy Story,” which garnered acclaim. Von’s popularity continued to rise with the release of singles like “Took Her to the O,” “All These N****s,” and “I Am What I Am.”
On October 29, 2020, Von released his debut studio album, Welcome to O’Block, which features collaborations with Polo G and Lil Durk, among others. The album peaked at fifth on the Billboard 200 and cemented Von’s place in the rap scene.
During his life and following his death, Von was implicated in various homicides and alleged crimes related to the Chicago gang scene. Unfortunately, on November 6, 2020, Von was fatally shot outside an Atlanta nightclub. He was only 26 years old.
Despite his controversial past, King Von’s legacy in the music industry continues to live on. His singles “Crazy Story” and “Took Her to the O” reached the 44th position on the Billboard Hot 100, and his album Welcome to O’Block reached fifth on the Billboard 200. His music and collaborations with other artists, including Lil Durk, continue to be celebrated by fans and fellow musicians alike.
After his death, Lil Durk released his album The Voice as a tribute to King Von, who appears on the album cover and on the song “Still Trappin’.” On March 4, 2022, King Von’s management team released his first posthumous album, What It Means to Be King, which peaked at number one on the Billboard 200.
King Von’s music and legacy have inspired many young artists, and he continues to be remembered as a rising star in the rap industry. His life and career were cut short, but his impact on the music industry will be felt for years to come.