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In his quick tenure within the highlight, nothing appeared able to dimming King Von’s star. The Chicago rapper seemingly blew up out of nowhere with 2018’s “Loopy Story,” which was arguably the best breakthrough in drill music. He then went on to have one of the crucial fascinating runs since hometown heroes like Chief Keef and Lil Durk.
King Von held his foot on gasoline with Grandson, Vol. 1, house to “F**ok Yo Man” and the aptly titled “H**s Ain’t S**t.” Then got here 2020’s “Took Her To The O” — the report that proved his earlier success was no fluke. Sadly, that’s the identical yr drill misplaced one among its most promising stars; the rapper was shot and killed throughout a lethal altercation exterior of a nightclub in Atlanta.
Very similar to his “Evil Twins” collaborator Lil Durk, King Von had layers that didn’t all the time make it into his music or the persona followers thought they knew. Beneath the floor was somebody much more advanced. With that in thoughts, listed below are 10 info chances are you’ll or could not know in regards to the What It Means To Be King artist.
1. His Nickname “Grandson” Originated From Jail
There have been loads of rumors in regards to the origin of King Von’s nickname, “Grandson,” which additionally turned the title of his second posthumous album. The moniker even sparked hypothesis that he would possibly’ve been the grandson of Black Disciples founder David Barksdale, in any other case referred to as King David. In accordance with the rapper himself, although, the identify got here from his time behind bars.
“I’m in a cell with a n**ga that’s 80. I gotta take him to lunch. I don’t even know this man, however he’s in my cell,” King Von detailed on “Million Dollaz Value of Recreation.” He added, “I’m in jail, you see what I’m saying, however I’m his grandson.”
2. He Cherished Studying Books And Even Wished To Write One
It’s not laborious to think about that the identical one who made “Loopy Story” may write a guide. In October 2020, King Von instructed XXL he loved studying “The Cartel,” “Twilight,” and works by activist and writer Sister Souljah. “I need to write a guide for positive. I simply don’t know what it’s about, although. I believe I received to put in writing a tell-all guide and simply launch it after I die,” he shared. As destiny would have it, he left too quickly to make good on that promise.
3. He Went To Excessive College With G Herbo
Chicago is likely to be the third-largest metropolis within the nation, however rap has a manner of creating the world really feel small. Lengthy earlier than the celebrity, King Von and G Herbo attended Hyde Park Academy Excessive College on the identical time — although they have been in numerous grades. Their pure neighborhood chemistry got here by loud and clear on “On Yo A**,” “Facetime” and “Actual Oppy,” amongst different information.
4. He Was A Enormous LeBron James Fan
Who wouldn’t be an enormous fan of the best to ever do it, LeBron James? King Von clearly was. His 2020 mixtape, Levon James, even paid tribute to the NBA legend; nonetheless, he swapped the basketball legend’s iconic “23” jersey for “64,” a nod to the 6400 block of South Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Drive, higher referred to as O’Block. King Von did the homage justice with surefire cuts like “Took Her To The O,” “Down Me” and the YNW Melly-assisted “Rollin.”
“Rattling, relaxation straightforward, Von! Bronny, Bryce and I rocked along with his music and storytelling,” the basketball legend tweeted following the “Don’t Play That” creator’s passing. “The child had a rattling good future forward of him. My prayers and blessings to his household.”
5. He Shot The Music Video For “Demon” A Month Prior To His Demise
As one of many closing visuals filmed earlier than his loss of life in November 2020, “Demon” was shot in collaboration with DrewFilmedIt and Joan Pabon. In an interview with REVOLT, Pabon recalled how they “put collectively a brief movie to match the storyline” only a month earlier than the artist was killed. The monitor itself noticed King Von giving a first-person account of somebody opening fireplace on Whitey, a detailed pal of his, whereas he was within the retailer.
6. Calboy Is His Cousin
That’s proper, King Von is expounded to “Envy Me” hitmaker Calboy. Earlier than his passing, the 2 joined forces on “Model New” from the Calumet Metropolis native’s Lengthy Dwell the Kings.
7. He Briefly Attended South Suburban Faculty
Opposite to what the web may need you imagine, faculty is definitely one thing to be pleased with. A few of rap’s sharpest pens, like J. Cole and Megan Thee Stallion, have faculty levels to indicate for it. Sadly, King Von didn’t make it fairly that far, partly resulting from getting locked up. Nonetheless, he did take just a few courses at South Suburban Faculty in South Holland, Illinois.
8. King Von Owned His Masters
In music, perhaps greater than another business, possession is a really huge deal. Fortunately, King Von handed away along with his royalties intact, that means most — if not all — of the cash goes on to his household and three kids. “He owns all his masters. He wasn’t an artist [who] offered his publishing, so all the pieces belongs to him,” 100K Monitor instructed DJ Akademiks days after the rapper died. “It’s a blessing from God as a result of his children and his household might be good for the remainder of [their lives].”
9. He Was “Very Aggressive,” Particularly When Enjoying NBA2K
Like quite a lot of Hip Hop artists, King Von had hoop desires lengthy earlier than he picked up a mic, and that love for the sport carried over to NBA2K. In accordance with 100K Monitor, the late musician was “uncooked” and “very aggressive,” a lot in order that the online game ended up being one among his favourite pastimes on the street. “He beat me one time, I beat him one time. We had a bit rivalry,” the artist’s supervisor instructed REVOLT.
10. He Allegedly Spent A Lot Of Time In The Streets
If there was ever doubt that King Von was residing what he rapped, a fast journey to YouTube would possibly change your thoughts. The platform is flooded with conspiracy theorists connecting his lyrics and Instagram Lives to real-life killings, together with Lure Lore Ross’ viral “King Von: Rap’s First Serial Killer” video, which has amassed effectively over 15 million views.
The almost 3 ½-hour documentary-like video tried to attach the Chicago rapper to the deaths of Lil Marc, Gakirah “Okay.I.” Barnes and the 2019 taking pictures that resulted in each him and Lil Durk being charged. Nonetheless, whether or not these theories maintain any fact is one thing King Von took to the grave.