In this documentary, Von is shown as an enthusiastic and joyous gang member who eagerly immersed himself into an outlaw lifestyle that left his neighborhood devastated and his victims dead and battered. Additionally, he committed murders as well as acts of sexual abuse towards women.
Lil Durk noticed the rising star from Chicago’s drill scene and soon signed him to his Only the Family label. With viral hits like 2018 single “Crazy Story,” King Von’s popularity expanded even further.
Growing Up in Parkway Gardens
King Von’s unique blend of storytelling and sinister drill production helped him establish himself in hip hop culture. He used his success to address real life experiences while giving back to his local community.
His 2018 single Crazy Story gained significant traction, prompting Lil Durk’s Only the Family label to sign him. Grandson Vol 1 was then released for public consumption.
Lil Durk collaborated on several songs with YNW Melly and NLE Choppa as well as appearing on his first studio album Welcome to O’Block which was released later that year.
Signing to Lil Durk’s OTF Label
Dayvon Bennett, commonly known as King Von, was on the cusp of making it big in rap music after several trips to juvie and stays in jail. With an extensive catalog, and his 2018 single Crazy Story becoming an online success. But instead, King Von’s success ultimately fell victim to financial troubles, jail time, and more trips back and forth between home and school resulting in multiple suspensions from school and prison for various violations of school discipline policies.
Lil Durk recognized King Von’s potential and signed him to his label Only the Family (OTF) and Empire Distribution to help launch his career. This decision set in motion an eventful journey.
Grandson Vol 1 was released in 2019, followed by Levon James which pays homage to NBA star Lebron James and was released March 6th 2020. It featured artists like YNW Melly, NLE Choppa and Booka 600 amongst many others.
Getting Released from Prison
A video featuring late rapper King Von, known for his controversial lyrics, publicly declaring their sexuality while in prison has caused quite the sensation this week. Reports indicate that King Von made this claim to get a better cell.
Dayvon Daquan Bennett, better known by his rap name King Von, was raised in Parkway Gardens apartments in Chicago’s Woodlawn neighborhood – commonly referred to as O-Block – where he became active with Black Disciples street gang and had their faction symbol tattooed onto his neck.
King Von was killed during an altercation that began at an Atlanta hookah lounge and Timothy Leeks, an associate of rapper Quando Rondo was identified as his assailant.
Getting His First Record Deal
King Von Autopsy first made waves with his debut mixtape Grandson Vol. 1 in 2020 and quickly earned the attention of local drill fans as well as national attention. The project featured many prominent rappers such as G Herbo, 21 Savage, Polo G, Fivio Foreign Tee Grizzley and Lil Durk; each feature worked organically without appearing forced.
His posthumous album, What It Means To Be King, proved even more successful and reached number one on the charts. It showed off his charismatic charm while detailing violent episodes like shootings and robberies that marked his life story.
Making a Debut Album
King Von, known for his groundbreaking single “Crazy Story,” made waves in Chicago’s drill scene after it went viral last year and gained co-sign from Lil Durk’s Only the Family label. A year later, Grandson Vol. 1 was released, before Levon James came out the following March as more intense work from him.
Von’s project features the hit single, “Took Her to the O”, with over 27 million views, while his album also highlights his skill as a lyricist as he laments betrayal while discussing harsh realities of his hometown neighborhood.
His death at only 26 was tragic, yet his musical legacy endures today.
Getting a Reputation
King Von rose quickly to prominence within Chicago’s drill scene after his fluid storytelling caught the attention of more established rappers. Signing with Lil Durk’s Only the Family label and releasing viral 2018 single “Crazy Story”, his rapid rise unfortunately ended abruptly when he was fatally shot during an Atlanta nightclub shooting in November 2020.
What It Means To Be King features artists close to King such as G Herbo, 21 Savage, Fivio Foreign and Lil Durk who give this posthumous album an intimate feel and natural chemistry.
The album also includes O Block, an hours-long documentary chronicling his life. This documentary presents him as an individual who overcame many unjust circumstances while giving back to his community.
