King Von, originally named Dayvon Daquan Bennet, was a prominent figure in the rap and hip-hop scene, celebrated for his music that epitomized the drill genre. Born on August 9, 1996, in Chicago, Illinois, the artist rose to fame under American rapper Lil Dirk’s record label, Only The Family, and Empire Distribution. Tragically, his life was cut short on November 6, 2020, at the young age of 26.
Von made a significant impact on the music industry with hits like “Crazy Story” and “Took Her to the O,” both making their mark on the Billboard Hot 100. His album “Welcome to O’Block” further solidified his standing, reaching an impressive fifth position on the Billboard 200 chart.
However, King Von’s early life was marred by adversity and criminal involvement. Raised primarily by his mother due to his father’s inconsistent presence caused by incarcerations, Von experienced tragedy at an early age when his father was fatally shot when Von was just 11 years old. The led him to pay tribute to his father through his music.
Von’s life took a darker turn at the age of 16 when he faced juvenile detention for armed robbery. His criminal record continued to escalate, and in July 2014, he was charged with first-degree murder and attempted murder related to a shooting incident that claimed one life and injured two others.
In June 2019, Von faced legal troubles again, this time in connection with a shooting in Atlanta, alongside fellow rapper Lil Durk. They were accused of robbing and shooting a man outside a popular drive-in. Despite these incidents, Von continued to rise in the music industry, showcasing a duality in his life—one of talent and promise, and the other, marred by criminal activities.
The fatal incident on November 6, 2020, marked the tragic climax of Von’s tumultuous life. An altercation outside the Monaco hookah lounge in Atlanta spiraled into a deadly confrontation, resulting in gunfire. King Von was shot multiple times and transported to a hospital in critical condition, ultimately succumbing to his injuries later that day.
The aftermath of his death saw an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow artists, paying their respects to a talent extinguished prematurely. However, controversy continued to surround his legacy even after his passing. A documentary titled “King Von: Rap’s First Serial Killer,” released on YouTube two years after his death, alleged that Von was involved in a series of murders, including notable cases. The documentary accused him of being a serial killer, citing a chilling motive that evolved from gang disputes to a thirst for thrill.
