The Tragic Timeline: How Old Was King Von When He Died And His Lasting Legacy

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The question of "how old was King Von when he died" echoes the shock and tragedy felt across the music industry and his dedicated fanbase. On November 6, 2020, the rising Chicago drill star, born Dayvon Daquan Bennett, was fatally shot in Atlanta, Georgia, at the incredibly young age of 26. His untimely death cut short a career that was just beginning to reach mainstream heights, leaving behind a powerful, yet brief, discography that redefined the sound of modern hip-hop and drill music.

The incident, which occurred just days after the release of his debut studio album, *Welcome To O'Block*, instantly cemented his status as a legendary, albeit tragic, figure. This detailed look, updated for December 23, 2025, explores King Von's short but impactful life, the circumstances of his passing, and the profound legacy he continues to hold in the music world.

King Von: A Complete Biography and Profile

Dayvon Daquan Bennett, known professionally as King Von, lived a life marked by hardship, resilience, and a meteoric rise to fame. His music was a raw, unfiltered narrative of his experiences in Chicago's O'Block neighborhood, giving him an authenticity that resonated deeply with fans.

  • Full Name: Dayvon Daquan Bennett
  • Stage Name: King Von
  • Date of Birth: August 9, 1994
  • Place of Birth: Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
  • Age at Death: 26 years old
  • Date of Death: November 6, 2020
  • Place of Death: Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
  • Cause of Death: Gunshot wounds (Homicide)
  • Occupation: Rapper, Songwriter
  • Genres: Hip hop, Drill, Trap, Gangsta Rap
  • Record Label: Only The Family (OTF), Empire Distribution
  • Associated Acts: Lil Durk, Chief Keef, Polo G, G Herbo
  • Children: Reportedly a father of three

Von's journey into music began relatively late, only starting to rap seriously in 2018 after overcoming significant legal challenges. His early career was heavily influenced and supported by fellow Chicago rapper Lil Durk, who signed him to his record label, Only The Family (OTF). This partnership was instrumental in Von's rapid ascent.

The Meteoric Rise of a Drill Storyteller

King Von didn't just rap; he told stories. His music was characterized by vivid, cinematic narratives that detailed life, conflict, and survival in the South Side of Chicago. This unique approach to storytelling is what set him apart from many of his contemporaries and gave him a distinct voice in the drill scene.

Key Mixtapes and Albums

Despite his short career, King Von was incredibly prolific, releasing several projects that gained critical acclaim and commercial success. These works are foundational to understanding his impact on the genre:

  • Grandson Vol. 1 (2019): This was his debut mixtape and featured the viral hit "Crazy Story," which showcased his narrative style, spinning a continuous, captivating tale over multiple parts.
  • LeVon James (2020): Released early in the year, this mixtape further cemented his place, featuring collaborations and deeper dives into his personal life and street experiences.
  • Welcome To O'Block (2020): His debut studio album, released just one week before his death. The album was a massive success, peaking on the Billboard 200 chart and featuring tracks like "The Story of O'Block" and "I Am What I Am."

The album *Welcome To O'Block* served as a chilling, final statement on his life and environment. Its success, which continued to grow posthumously, highlighted the immense potential that was tragically lost. His ability to turn complex, real-life events into compelling three-to-four-minute tracks was his superpower.

The Tragic Circumstances of King Von's Death at 26

The circumstances surrounding King Von's death are complex and widely reported, adding a layer of tragic irony to his narrative-driven music. The incident occurred in the early morning hours of Friday, November 6, 2020, in Atlanta, Georgia.

The Atlanta Nightclub Shooting

The fatal event took place outside a hookah lounge in downtown Atlanta. A confrontation between two groups escalated into a shooting, which involved both the individuals present and off-duty Atlanta police officers working security nearby.

King Von was shot multiple times during the exchange and was subsequently transported to a local hospital. He succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter, officially passing away at the age of 26. The rapper was on the cusp of a major career breakthrough, making the timing of his death particularly heartbreaking for the hip-hop community.

The Arrest and Aftermath

In the days following the incident, Atlanta police announced an arrest in connection with the shooting. Timothy Leeks, a 22-year-old man, was charged with King Von's murder. Leeks was reportedly booked at the Fulton County Jail and denied bail. The case drew significant attention due to the involvement of the police and the high-profile nature of the victim, further emphasizing the violent themes that often permeated King Von's music and life.

The Enduring Legacy on Drill Music and Hip-Hop

Despite his brief time in the spotlight, King Von's influence on the evolution of drill music is undeniable. His legacy is defined by his commitment to authentic storytelling and his ability to connect his personal experiences with a universal audience.

The Storytelling Blueprint

King Von is often credited with ushering in a "new wave" of drill music. While Chief Keef and Lil Durk laid the groundwork for the Chicago drill scene, Von perfected the art of the narrative within the genre. Tracks like "Crazy Story" and "Took Her To The O" function as short films, with clear characters, rising action, and definitive conclusions.

This "passion for storytelling" has shaped the landscape of modern hip-hop, inspiring a new generation of artists to embrace narrative depth over simple braggadocio. His work provides a vivid, albeit dark, documentation of life in underprivileged communities, giving his music a cultural weight that extends beyond entertainment.

Posthumous Success and Continued Influence

King Von's popularity did not wane after his death; in fact, it surged. His posthumous albums, including *What It Means To Be King* (2022) and *Grandson* (2023), debuted high on the charts, further proving his enduring appeal. These releases, compiled from unreleased material, allowed his fans to continue experiencing his unique artistic voice.

The tragic loss of Dayvon Daquan Bennett at 26 serves as a powerful reminder of the fragility of life and the immense talent that can be lost too soon. His music remains a cornerstone of the drill genre, a testament to a young artist who, in his short life, managed to tell a lifetime of stories.

how old was king von when he died
how old was king von when he died

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