Dayvon Bennett, commonly referred to by his stage name King Von, was an award-winning rap star known for giving back to his community. He would bring money home from concerts or charity events and distribute it in Chicago’s Parkway Gardens neighborhood as gifts to kids and families in need.
Von was a master of storytelling, adept at disarming any bitterness with humor and empathy – as well as possessing keen business acumen.
His Life
King von autopsy was just starting to make his mark in drill music when Vulture spoke to him last. Hailing from Chicago, this natural storyteller and rising rap star had quickly established themselves within their genre.
His music combined the traditions of O’Block neighborhood with his personal stylistic aesthetics, creating immersive narratives both visceral and cinematic. He rapped about being stopped by haters and rival gang members while recalling childhood memories with his grandmother.
At 26, Von was just beginning his rapping career when his life was cut short in November 2020 – only weeks after the release of his full-length debut album Welcome to O’Block and suspected to have been caused by gang activity. Dayvon Daquan Bennett (known professionally as King Von) was born in 1994 to Walter Bennett and Natasha “Taesha” Chambers; among his nine siblings was Kayla B, whom is well-known to many through social media.
His Music
Dayvon Daquan Bennett, also known by his stage name King Von, died at an important juncture of his career last November 6. At 26 years old, King Von made waves on Chicago’s drill scene when Lil Durk saw how fluently his storytelling could engage an audience and signed him to OTF Entertainment label.
A pair of O’Block natives quickly formed an unbreakable alliance and released several singles together, such as 2018 viral hit “Crazy Story.” Von then made his full-length debut Welcome to O’Block before his tragic demise during an Atlanta nightclub shooting incident.
King Von’s project recalls the style of first-generation drill stars such as G Herbo, Chief Keef and King Louie while adding his own signature style. His dead-eye nihilism was softened with humor and empathy in his lyrics which still echo long after he has passed. A true member of his community who always put family, friends and fans ahead of himself; King Von will never be forgotten.
His Death
King Von’s rise was tragically cut short when he was shot outside an Atlanta nightclub early Friday morning, according to reports from police. The 26-year-old “Crazy Story” rapper died during an alleged scuffle which escalated into a shootout; two off-duty security officers working at Monaco Hookah Lounge intervened after an argument escalated into gunfire between two groups of patrons at Monaco Hookah Lounge.
As soon as the smoke cleared, Von lay fatally wounded while 34-year-old Mark Blakely also perished during this confrontation. At this point, neither Atlanta Police Department or their involved officers have confirmed whether their officers fired shots that struck either victim.
Lil Durk was among many artists to respond to Von’s death by signing him to his Only the Family label in 2018. The “Laugh Now, Cry Later” MC posted a picture of Von on Instagram along with the message: “My Twin Gone. RIP King VON.” Later he added “I LOVE YOU BABY BRO-D ROY!!!!”. Other musicians including YG, Chance The Rapper and Dreezy offered their condolences.
His Legacy
Asian Doll, King Von’s longtime partner and an outspoken advocate of his cause, has done much to keep his name alive through shared stories on social media as well as by getting tattoos of him on her body.
Lil Durk had signed this 26-year-old rapper to his Only the Family imprint at Empire Records. Hailing from Chicago’s O’Block neighborhood, his style drew on first generation drill stars such as G Herbo and Chief Keef while simultaneously carving out its own aesthetic in terms of rhymes that combined narrative style lyrics with humor and empathy for an effective blend.
Von’s estate joined forces with Only the Family and EMPIRE to release What It Means To Be King, a posthumous album featuring unreleased material from his catalogue. Ranging from ATL Jacob’s cinematic production of “Robberies” to his fiery bars on 2023 debut single “Crazy Story”, this project captures Von’s breathless intensity and vivid storytelling ability.