Chicago-born, Atlanta-based rapper King Von was shot and killed outside of an Atlanta nightclub early Friday morning (November 6). He was 26 years old.
According to Atlanta police deputy chief Timothy Peek (via the Atlanta Journal Constitution), the confrontation involved two groups of men and two off-duty police officers. Three people have died from wounds suffered during the incident, while three others have been hospitalized. Police reported in a statement that the investigators believe that “the rapper was shot during the initial shootout between the two groups of males, prior to police responding and attempting to stop the shooting.” Von passed away at the hospital after being driven there via private vehicle, the statement continued. The investigation remains open.
Born Dayvon Bennett on August 9th, 1994, King Von grew up in the South side of Chicago. He was childhood friends with with fellow MCs Lil Durk and Chief Keef, and signed with Durk’s Only the Family (OTF) label shortly after he began rapping in 2018. Bennett had several run-ins with the law as a teenager before pursuing a career in rap music; in 2012, he was arrested for unlawful possession of a firearm, while in 2014, he faced a count of first degree murder and two counts of attempted murder. He spent three-and-a-half years in Cook County Jail before he was eventually acquitted.
An early innovator in the Chicago drill scene, Von found success with his 2018 single ‘Crazy Story’ and went on to release two mixtapes this year, LeVon James and Welcome to O’Block. His debut album, Welcome to O-Block, came out just a week ago. It featured guest contributions from Lil Durk, Polo G, Moneybagg Yo, Fivio Foreign, and others.
“King Von was a luminary — a natural storyteller, an artist on the verge of superstardom who had so much more to give the world,” representatives for Bennet wrote in a statement. “He overcame myriad unjust circumstances yet remained steadfastly dedicated to giving back to the community that raised him, O’Block. He was a devoted father, a deeply loyal friend, and a man who took care of his people before himself. We are heartbroken for his family, his friends, his team, and his fans. Long live King Von.”
Following the tragic news of his death, figures across the hip-hop community have paid tribute to King Von. Find their remembrances below.
Wow. This year was so tough. rip von God bless him and his family I can’t believe it
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) November 6, 2020
RIP King Von. So much promise. So fucking sad
— clipping. (@clppng) November 6, 2020
The fuck man
— Sean Don (@BigSean) November 6, 2020
DAMN. JUS TAP’D IN WIT YOU GANGSTA
R I P KING VON ❤️— 4HUNNID (@YG) November 6, 2020
I’ll never be the same I just hope you visit me in all my dreams I just wanna sleep so I can picture us again I just wanna close my eyes & never open then again…. Von I’m gone 💔
— Da Doll. (@AsianDaBrattt) November 6, 2020
RIP KING VON
— A$AP MOB (@ASAPMOB) November 6, 2020
