Pranesh Balaji King Von broke through into the mainstream with his fluid storytelling style and hit single “Crazy Story.” Unfortunately, later that same year he was shot outside an Atlanta nightclub and died at age 26.
This documentary follows the rise of rapper Lil Durk via social media posts, timestamps, lyrics and other forms of evidence; while also showing his struggles and setbacks.
1. Welcome to O’Block
King Von Autopsy was an artist able to stand out in a scene filled with struggling artists, becoming an inspiration and reminder that talent can overcome any obstacle.
Von’s untimely death in 2020 is still felt today, and his family have made sure his music continues to live on. One such release is What It Means to Be King featuring various artists and offering a deeper look into Von’s world.
“Took Her to the O” showcases Von’s narrative style and dead-eye nihilism. Whether rapping about dispelling haters or clashing with rival gang members, Von is powerfully compelling in his voice and delivery. With features from Lil Durk, G Herbo, Fivio Foreign Tee Grizzley and Moneybagg Yo this track serves as an outstanding introduction to Von’s full-length project; his future seemed limitless!
2. Levon James
Dayvon Daquan Bennett changed to King Von after having several run-ins with law, and quickly made waves as an emerging rapper. Lil Durk recognized his raw talent, signing him to his Only the Family collective and record label; with them came hit single “Crazy Story”, garnering millions of views online.
This song serves both as an emotional tribute to his family and an anthem evoking O’Block’s legacy of violence. Von overcame numerous unfair circumstances yet never relinquished giving back to the neighborhood where he had grown up.
Grandson was released two weeks after Von’s death and features guest appearances from 42 Dugg, Polo G and other drill and trap heavyweights – all breaking into the charts to become a testament to Von’s intensity as he reached beyond death’s veil. It stands as proof of Von’s incredible impactful career while simultaneously shouting from beyond it all.
3. What It Means to Be King
King Von was shot to death outside of Monaco Hookah Lounge in downtown Atlanta after an altercation between himself and Quando Rondo broke out at Monaco Hookah Lounge, sparking an ugly feud between Baton Rouge rapper NBA YoungBoy and Chicago-based Lil Durk that would lead to multiple diss tracks and threats by both camps.
At What It Means to Be King, Evil Twins rapper Lil Durk delivers a posthumous album that continues where O’Block ended, featuring guest appearances by G Herbo, 21 Savage, Fivio Foreign, Moneybagg Yo Tee Grizzley and A Boogie wit da Hoodie – with each collaborator having natural chemistry with Von. Even Lil Durk who’s part of OTF delivers lines on “Three Bodies, Same Pistol” like an OTF member would.
4. Crazy Story
King Von’s song illustrates the risks associated with growing up in inner-city neighborhoods. Through vivid storytelling, he shows us the brutality of violence as well as its effects, including its complicated impact in protecting loved ones and exacting revenge against criminals.
This song is one of many highlights from his 2019 mixtape Grandson Vol 1. This project sheds light on his family life and struggle for fame; Lil Durk and Booka600 made guest appearances.
Welcome to O’Block was an impressive feat of storytelling for King Von, as his drill narratives demonstrated. Here he takes an ambitious step further with more sophisticated themes while still remaining true to his sound, using storytelling skills that give listeners a sense of familiarity with his characters while at the same time exploring dangerous street life’s effect on relationships – his protagonist’s love interest becoming embroiled in his chaotic surroundings.
