Who Was King Von? Real Name, Age, and Early Life
King Von, born Dayvon Daquan Bennett on August 9, 1994, was a Chicago rapper who became one of the most distinctive voices in the drill music scene before his life ended abruptly at age 26. He was shot and killed on November 6, 2020, in Atlanta during an altercation outside a nightclub, leaving behind a catalog of vivid storytelling tracks and an enduring influence on hip-hop.
Growing up in the Parkway Gardens neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side, Bennett witnessed and experienced the reality of street violence that would later shape his music. He began rapping in 2018, relatively late compared to many of his peers, but quickly gained attention for his narrative style and authentic delivery. His association with Lil Durk’s collective Only The Family (OTF) helped cement his place in the drill movement.
Though his career spanned only about two years, King Von released several mixtapes and projects that resonated deeply with fans. His sudden death at the height of his momentum turned him into a posthumous figure of fascination, with listeners dissecting his lyrics and his life story long after his passing.
Dayvon Daquan Bennett
August 9, 1994
November 6, 2020 (age 26)
Parkway Gardens, Chicago
Key insights:
- King Von was affiliated with Only The Family (OTF), the collective founded by Lil Durk.
- He released his debut single “Crazy Story” in 2018, which became his breakout track.
- His album Welcome to O’Block was released in 2020, shortly before his death.
- Police reported he was shot during the initial exchange of gunfire outside Monaco Hookah Lounge in Atlanta.
- Two other people were fatally shot in the same incident.
- He had three children, according to multiple biographical sources.
- His mother’s first name is Taesha, though her surname has not been widely publicized.
Key Facts About King Von
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Real name | Dayvon Daquan Bennett |
| Date of birth | August 9, 1994 |
| Date of death | November 6, 2020 |
| Age at death | 26 years old |
| Place of death | Atlanta, Georgia (outside Monaco Hookah Lounge) |
| Cause of death | Gunshot wounds sustained in a shootout |
| Label affiliation | Only The Family (OTF), Empire |
| Known for songs | “Took Her to the O”, “Crazy Story”, “All These N****s” |
| Children | 3 |
| Mother | Taesha (surname not widely publicized) |
| Active years | 2018–2020 |
| Origin | Chicago, Illinois |
How Did King Von Die? The Atlanta Shooting
King Von died on November 6, 2020, from gunshot wounds sustained during a shootout in Atlanta. The incident occurred in the early morning hours outside the Monaco Hookah Lounge on Memorial Drive. According to NPR’s initial report, police stated that Von was shot during the initial burst of gunfire before officers arrived on the scene. He was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
The shooting involved two groups, and police reported that multiple people opened fire. Two other individuals were also fatally shot that night. NBC News reported that the altercation began as a dispute between two groups, escalating into gunfire that left three people dead, including King Von.
The Sequence of Events
Witness accounts and police statements describe a confrontation that escalated quickly. A verbal dispute between two groups inside or near the hookah lounge spilled out into the parking lot, where weapons were drawn. The first shots were exchanged before responding officers arrived. In the chaos, Von was struck multiple times. He was rushed to Grady Memorial Hospital, but medical staff could not save him.
The exact identity of the person who fired the fatal shots has not been officially confirmed in public court documents. Police reports from the time described the shooting as an exchange of gunfire between two groups, with no single shooter publicly identified. Autopsy and toxicology results have not been released in full.
Was King Von’s Death Gang-Related?
Media reports at the time described the incident as stemming from a personal dispute that escalated. Whether the confrontation was directly tied to gang affiliations remains a topic of speculation rather than established fact. Von was associated with Chicago’s drill scene, and his music reflected his experiences on the South Side, but Atlanta police did not publicly categorize the shooting as gang-related in their initial statements. The rapper had also been involved in a prior altercation in Chicago that had legal repercussions, which some commentators noted when discussing the broader context of his death.
Who Killed King Von?
The person or persons who fired the shots that killed King Von have not been publicly identified in a way that established a confirmed suspect. Police reports from the scene describe the shooting as a shootout between two groups, making it difficult to isolate a single shooter. Some unofficial online discussions have speculated about motives and identities, but no authoritative source has confirmed a specific individual. As of 2025, no public court case naming a suspect in King Von’s death has been widely reported.
King Von’s Music Career and Discography
King Von began rapping in 2018, a decision that came after years of legal troubles and time spent navigating life on Chicago’s streets. His first major track, “Crazy Story,” became an underground hit, showcasing his ability to turn personal experiences into compelling narratives. Genius notes that his discography is characterized by vivid character studies and detailed retellings of street life, standing out in the drill genre for its storytelling approach.
Welcome to O’Block and Breakout Success
His 2020 album Welcome to O’Block arrived as a statement project, named after the O’Block area of Parkway Gardens where he grew up. The album included features from Lil Durk and other OTF members, and its release was met with critical praise. The Chicago Sun-Times noted that the project demonstrated his growth as an artist and his ability to channel personal history into music that resonated beyond Chicago.
Most Popular Songs
Several tracks from King Von’s catalog have achieved lasting popularity. “Took Her to the O” became one of his most streamed songs, with its catchy hook and memorable storytelling. “Crazy Story” and its sequel gained traction on streaming platforms. His track “All These N****s” featured Lil Durk and became a fan favorite. These songs, along with projects like Levon James and What It Means, form the core of his recorded output.
King Von’s music was often described as a bridge between drill’s aggressive energy and traditional storytelling in hip-hop. Rather than focusing solely on bravado, he frequently used his lyrics to reconstruct events, characters, and conversations, giving listeners a window into his world. His label, Only The Family, was founded by Lil Durk and served as a launching pad for several artists, though Von was often cited as one of OTF’s most gifted storytellers.
King Von’s Family: Kids, Mother, and Relationships
King Von had three children, according to multiple biographical sources. Wikipedia and other biographical references list him as a father of three. Details about the children’s mother or mothers have not been widely publicized, and privacy considerations around minors mean that public information remains limited.
His mother’s name is Taesha, though her surname has not been widely publicized in press coverage. Von referenced his family in interviews, describing his motivation to provide for his children and his mother through his music career. In a 2019 interview, he said, “I’m just tryna tell my story, that’s all.” The relationship with his mother was a recurring theme in his public appearances, with Von often mentioning her support.
Addressing the “King Von Boxer” Confusion
Some online searches for “King Von boxer” refer to a different person. There is no evidence that the rapper Dayvon Bennett was a professional boxer. The confusion likely stems from a namesake or from the rapper’s physical presence and storytelling about fights in his lyrics. The search query remains a point of uncertainty for users looking for information about the rapper.
Only The Family and Lil Durk’s Role
King Von signed with Lil Durk’s label Only The Family in 2019, a partnership that helped elevate his career. OTF functioned as both a collective and a label imprint, and Von’s affiliation placed him in the center of Chicago’s drill ecosystem. Paper Magazine covered his rise and noted that his connection to OTF was instrumental in bringing his music to a wider audience. The relationship between Von and Durk was both professional and personal, with Durk publicly mourning his loss after the shooting.
Timeline of King Von’s Life and Death
A chronological look at the rapper’s life reveals a rapid ascent followed by a sudden end.
- August 9, 1994: Dayvon Daquan Bennett is born in Chicago, Illinois.
- 1990s–2000s: Bennett grows up in the Parkway Gardens neighborhood on Chicago’s South Side.
- 2018: He begins rapping and releases his debut single “Crazy Story,” which gains significant attention.
- 2019: He signs to Lil Durk’s label Only The Family (OTF).
- 2020: He releases Welcome to O’Block, his debut studio album.
- November 6, 2020: Bennett is fatally shot outside Monaco Hookah Lounge in Atlanta. He dies at a hospital at age 26.
- Posthumous releases: Unreleased music and projects surface after his death, expanding his catalog.
What Is Known and What Remains Unclear About King Von
Public records and reliable reporting establish several facts about King Von, but other details continue to be subject to rumor or incomplete information. Distinguishing between the two helps context.
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| His real name was Dayvon Daquan Bennett | The full identity of the person who shot him has not been publicly confirmed |
| He died on November 6, 2020, from gunshot wounds | Autopsy and toxicology results have not been released in full |
| He had three children | The names and details about his children’s mother(s) are not widely publicized |
| He was affiliated with Only The Family (OTF) | His net worth at death is not supported by a reliable, sourced figure |
| He released the album Welcome to O’Block | The “King Von boxer” identity refers to a different person, not the rapper |
| He grew up in Parkway Gardens, Chicago | Whether a documentary about his life exists or is in development is unconfirmed |
Why Does King Von’s Legacy Endure?
King Von’s impact on drill music and hip-hop storytelling is measurable through his streaming numbers and the frequency with which his lyrics are quoted online. His ability to transform personal trauma into vivid narrative art set him apart in a genre often dominated by atmospheric repetition. His posthumous releases have kept his voice present, and his influence appears in the work of younger drill artists who cite him as an inspiration.
Beyond the music, Von’s life and death have become a case study in the violence that shadows the drill scene. The “Took Her to the O” meme and “King Von stare” are examples of how his persona has been commodified online, sometimes detached from the tragic reality of his story. His death sparked discussions about artist safety, the cycles of violence in Chicago, and the fine line between performance and reality in rap music.
Frequently Asked Questions About King Von
What was King Von’s real name?
King Von’s real name was Dayvon Daquan Bennett. He was born on August 9, 1994, in Chicago, Illinois.
How old was King Von when he died?
King Von was 26 years old when he died on November 6, 2020.
Where was King Von shot?
He was shot outside the Monaco Hookah Lounge in Atlanta, Georgia, after a dispute between two groups escalated.
Does King Von have a documentary?
No official documentary about King Von has been publicly confirmed as of 2025. Some speculative projects have been mentioned online, but nothing verified.
Was King Von a boxer?
No. The rapper Dayvon Bennett was not a professional boxer. Searches for “King Von boxer” likely refer to a different person with a similar name.
What was King Von’s most popular song?
“Crazy Story,” “Took Her to the O,” and “All These N****s” are among his most streamed and widely recognized tracks.
Who was King Von’s mother?
His mother’s first name is Taesha, though her full name has not been widely publicized in press coverage.
How many kids did King Von have?
King Von had three children, according to multiple biographical sources.
Was King Von’s death gang-related?
Police described the shooting as an altercation between two groups. Whether it was directly tied to gang affiliation has not been officially confirmed.
What label was King Von on?
King Von was signed to Lil Durk’s label Only The Family (OTF), with distribution through Empire.
For more biographical profiles in the music world, see Yung Gravy – Biography, Age, Songs, Girlfriend & Net Worth and Sean Combs – Biography, Net Worth, Music, and Legal Case.
Sophie Marlowe is Culture & Lifestyle Editor at TheUKDaily.uk, covering culture, entertainment, lifestyle, events, media trends and consumer features.