Dayvon Bennett, also known by his stage name King Von, was an emerging Chicago drill rapper on the rise. Only weeks ago had he released his debut album Welcome to O’Block which contained the intense and cinematic narrative that would define his music for years.

He had shown his storytelling prowess across three acclaimed mixtapes – Grandson Vol. 1 and Levon James as well as Welcome to O’Block – all critically-acclaimed releases that showcased his storytelling strengths.

His Early Life

Von was born and raised in Chicago’s St Lawrence neighborhood (63rd street). Associating himself with the Black Disciples street gang, Von was involved in multiple shooting incidents which claimed one life and injured two others at an early age – this marks only the beginning of a turbulent legal journey which would include multiple arrests followed by short jail stays before repeat arrests were issued by authorities.

He had three siblings from both his mother Taesha and Walter E Bennett; six half-siblings came through Walter E Bennett who was tragically shot and killed when he was only 11. This tragedy inspired many of his songs that paid a tribute to Walter E Bennett.

Von began his rap career in 2018, working closely with Lil Durk and eventually signing to OTF Entertainment label owned by Durk. Additionally, Von collaborated with other members of OTF collective such as Chief Wuk, Booka600, Hypno Carlito, and Yung Tory as part of this collective.

His Transition to Rapper

Dayvon Bennett, better known by his nickname King Von, quickly rose to prominence within the drill and gangsta rap genres after signing to Lil Durk’s Only the Family record label. He quickly earned praise for his compelling yet often gory storytelling that detailed street life in Chicago.

At the same time, his success came at a cost. Von’s reputation and association with violence led to speculation that he had committed multiple murders; this claim has been supported by documentary maker Trap Lore Ross who used social media posts and lyrics from various rap songs to tie Von to several murder cases.

Boosie Badazz was among those to voice their opposition in an unflattering video posted to VladTV, calling out its production and saying those calling Von a serial killer don’t understand his real character; and that its portrayal in the documentary is biased and misleading.

His Death

Once news of King Von’s passing emerged, tribute posts began flooding social media from fellow rappers who knew him well – many referred to him as their “baby bro”, showing strong bonds between themselves. One such artist was Lil Durk.

Chicago MC Grandson Vol. 1 saw great success on the drill scene alongside notable names like Chief Keef. Signed to Lil Durk’s Only the Family label and often featured as part of his projects, Grandson Vol. 1 made its debut release this year.

This album made an impressive debut at 75 on the Billboard 200 chart and included notable hip-hop names like YNW Melly and Tee Grizzley as guests, reflecting just how widespread his star was becoming before it was cut short by an Atlanta shooting that claimed his life in July 2014.

King Von autopsy proved instrumental in ascertaining the cause of his death and providing evidence in ongoing legal proceedings, helping law enforcement hold those responsible accountable for this tragedy.

King Von’s death was a shock for the hip-hop community and left many mourners heartbroken, yet his legacy will live on through his music.

His Legacy

King Von has left behind a lasting legacy that will impact hip-hop long after his passing. His songs and the testimonies of those closest to him attest to his impact; his music has also inspired conversations on what it means to lead.

Dayvon Daquan Bennett, better known by his stage name King Von, established himself in Chicago’s drill scene through an engaging combination of storytelling and ferocious bars. His gangster anthems expressed a powerful blend of dead-eye nihilism softened with empathy and humor; Grandson Vol 1 arrived in September 2019 featuring Lil Durk and YNW Melly on two tracks.

This set was released a month prior to Durk’s death and quickly established him as one of New York City’s fast-rising stars. “Jump,” produced by RMG Nu and featuring Durk, Memo, and Booka trading bars on loyalty; other songs on the tape include the melodic “Family Dedication Outro” as well as Brooklyn-style drill “Straight To It”, featuring Fivio Foreign and Moneybagg Yo.

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