King Von: Career, Net Worth, and Legacy of the Chicago Rapper

King Von was one of Chicago drill music’s most compelling voices — a rapper whose storytelling ability set him apart in a genre often criticized for repetition. Born Dayvon Daquan Bennett on August 9, 1994, he turned the harsh realities of growing up on Chicago’s South Side into raw, cinematic narratives that resonated with millions of listeners. His life was cut tragically short on November 6, 2020, when he was fatally shot in Atlanta at just 26 years old. In the brief window he had in the spotlight, King Von left a body of work that continues to grow in influence and appreciation.

Early Life in Chicago

Dayvon Bennett grew up in Parkway Gardens, a public housing complex on Chicago’s South Side commonly known as “O’Block.” The neighborhood, part of the Woodlawn area, was one of the city’s most dangerous stretches during his childhood and teenage years. Violence, poverty, and gang activity were daily realities for residents.

Von’s upbringing was marked by loss and hardship from an early age. He lost his father, Walter Bennett, to gun violence when he was young — an event that shaped much of his worldview and later music. Surrounded by the street culture of O’Block, Von became involved in that life as a teenager. He faced multiple arrests and spent significant time incarcerated, including a murder charge that was eventually dropped.

Despite the chaos around him, Von had a natural gift for storytelling. Friends and associates from O’Block later recalled that he’d always been the one telling stories — recounting events with a level of detail and dramatic pacing that held people’s attention. That skill would eventually find its outlet in music.

Music Career

“Crazy Story” and the Breakthrough (2018)

King Von didn’t start taking music seriously until around 2017, relatively late compared to many of his peers. His close friend and fellow Chicago rapper Lil Durk encouraged him to channel his storytelling into tracks. When Von committed to it, the results were immediate.

His breakout single “Crazy Story” dropped in late 2018 and caught fire almost overnight. The track was a first-person narrative that played out like a short film — detailed, suspenseful, and gripping. It racked up millions of streams and earned him a deal with Lil Durk’s Only the Family (OTF) label, in partnership with Empire Distribution. “Crazy Story” eventually spawned two sequels, each continuing the narrative thread that fans couldn’t get enough of.

“Grandson, Vol. 1” (2019)

Von’s debut project, Grandson, Vol. 1, arrived in September 2019 and confirmed that “Crazy Story” wasn’t a fluke. The mixtape featured tracks like “Problems,” “Crazy Story Pt. 3,” and “Broke Opps,” all showcasing his ability to paint vivid pictures with his lyrics. Critics noted that Von didn’t just rap about street life — he narrated it, scene by scene, with a specificity that most artists in the drill space didn’t attempt.

The project debuted at number 75 on the Billboard 200, a strong showing for a relatively new artist on an independent label. More importantly, it built a loyal fanbase that connected with Von’s authenticity. He wasn’t crafting fictional scenarios. His listeners knew these stories came from lived experience, and that rawness gave his music weight.

“Welcome to O’Block” (2020)

King Von’s debut studio album, Welcome to O’Block, was released on October 30, 2020 — just one week before his death. The album featured collaborations with Lil Durk, Polo G, Fivio Foreign, Moneybagg Yo, and Prince Dre, among others. Tracks like “Took Her to the O,” “How It Go,” and “All These N***as” demonstrated his growth as an artist while staying rooted in the street narratives that defined his sound.

Welcome to O’Block debuted at number 5 on the Billboard 200, marking the highest chart position of Von’s career. The album received strong reviews from hip-hop publications, with many praising his progression as a songwriter and his ability to carry a full-length project. It stood as proof that Von was building something sustainable — a career with real commercial legs.

Connection to Lil Durk and OTF

King Von’s relationship with Lil Durk was central to his career and personal life. The two grew up together in Chicago’s South Side, and Durk was one of Von’s earliest and most vocal supporters when he started making music. Durk signed Von to his OTF (Only the Family) collective, provided features, and helped open doors in the industry.

Their bond went beyond business. Durk and Von were genuine friends who’d known each other since childhood and shared many of the same experiences growing up in one of Chicago’s toughest neighborhoods. Durk frequently referenced Von in his own music and interviews, and Von’s presence in the OTF camp added credibility and energy to the collective’s output during 2019 and 2020.

Tragic Death

On November 6, 2020, King Von was fatally shot outside the Monaco Hookah Lounge in Atlanta, Georgia. He was 26 years old.

The incident began as a physical altercation in the parking lot of the nightclub in the early morning hours. The confrontation escalated quickly, and gunfire broke out. Von was struck multiple times and was rushed to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Timothy Leeks, a 22-year-old associate of rapper Quando Rondo, was arrested and charged with Von’s murder. Quando Rondo’s entourage had been present at the club that night, and the deadly confrontation stemmed from an altercation between the two groups.

Von’s death sent shockwaves through the hip-hop community. Tributes poured in from artists across the genre, and fans mourned the loss of one of drill music’s brightest talents. His passing was another painful reminder of the violence that has claimed too many young lives in hip-hop — and in the Chicago communities Von came from and rapped about.

Posthumous Legacy

King Von’s impact didn’t end with his death. If anything, the appreciation for his artistry deepened in the years that followed.

His posthumous album, What It Means to Be King, was released on March 4, 2022, and debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200 — his highest-charting project ever. The album featured appearances from Lil Durk, 21 Savage, Polo G, and others, and included tracks that Von had recorded before his death. It was a commercial and critical success, with fans and reviewers praising the strength of the material and the care taken in assembling the project.

Beyond the music, Von’s storytelling style has influenced a wave of drill and hip-hop artists who cite him as a reference point for narrative rap. His ability to structure a song like a short story — with characters, tension, and resolution — raised the bar for what drill music could be. Streaming numbers for his catalog have continued to climb years after his passing, with songs like “Crazy Story” and “Took Her to the O” remaining fan favorites.

Von is also remembered through the O’Block community, where murals and memorials honor his legacy. For many fans, he represented the possibility of turning pain into art and making it out — even if his own story was cut short.

Personal Life

King Von was a father. He had two children, a son named Dayvon Jr. (D.J.) and a daughter named Kayla. Von referenced his role as a father in interviews, and those close to him noted that his children were a major motivation for his pursuit of a music career and financial stability.

Von was also known for his close-knit circle of friends and associates from O’Block, many of whom appeared in his music videos and accompanied him on tour. Loyalty was a recurring theme both in his lyrics and in how he moved through the industry.

King Von’s Net Worth

At the time of his death in November 2020, King Von’s estimated net worth was approximately $200,000. While that figure may seem modest for an artist with a top-5 Billboard album, it reflected the reality that Von’s mainstream success was still relatively new. Much of his income came from streaming revenue, live performances, and his deal with OTF/Empire.

In the years since his death, the value of Von’s estate has grown substantially through posthumous album sales, streaming royalties, and merchandise. What It Means to Be King alone generated significant revenue upon its 2022 release, and his catalog continues to earn steady income.

Frequently Asked Questions

How old was King Von when he died?

King Von was 26 years old when he was fatally shot on November 6, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia.

What was King Von’s real name?

His birth name was Dayvon Daquan Bennett. He performed under the stage name King Von.

What was King Von’s most popular song?

“Crazy Story,” released in 2018, was his breakout hit and remains his most widely recognized track. It’s been streamed hundreds of millions of times across platforms.

Was King Von signed to a record label?

Yes. He was signed to Lil Durk’s Only the Family (OTF) label, which operated in partnership with Empire Distribution.

How many albums did King Von release?

Von released one studio album during his lifetime — Welcome to O’Block (2020) — along with the mixtape Grandson, Vol. 1 (2019). His posthumous album What It Means to Be King was released in 2022.