Dayvon Daquan Bennett, known globally as King Von, wasn’t just another rapper from Chicago. He was a storyteller. If you’re looking for the quick answer, when is King Von birthday is a date etched into the pavement of the South Side: August 9, 1994.
He didn't have a long life. 26 years. That’s it. But in those two and a half decades, he went from a kid navigating the "Wic City" apartments to a chart-topping artist who defined the modern drill sound. Most fans remember the day he passed—November 6, 2020—more vividly than the day he was born, but for those in O-Block, August 9 remains a day of celebration and heavy reflection.
Why August 9 Matters to Chicago
Birthdays in the Woodlawn neighborhood aren't always guaranteed. Honestly, that’s the grim reality Von often rapped about. When August 9 rolls around, social media usually floods with "Grandson" tributes. You’ll see old photos of him before the fame, back when he was just Dayvon.
He was born at Parkway Garden Homes. People call it O-Block now, named after Odee Perry. Growing up there meant you saw things most people only see in movies. Von’s birthday represents more than just a calendar date; it’s a marker of survival in a place where the odds are stacked against you from day one. He spent a significant chunk of his birthdays behind bars before his music career took off. That's a detail people often gloss over. He wasn't just "born" into success. He fought through years of legal battles and incarceration before Lil Durk brought him into the Only The Family (OTF) circle.
It's wild to think that his professional career only lasted about two years. From "Crazy Story" in late 2018 to his death in 2020, he packed a lifetime of output into a tiny window.
The Legacy of Dayvon Bennett
When you look at the timeline of his life, the distance between his birthday and his breakout is staggering. He was nearly 24 when he started taking rap seriously. In the industry, that's almost "old" for a debut, yet he moved with the energy of someone who knew his time was limited.
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Von had this specific way of rapping. It was linear. Most rappers loop metaphors or focus on the beat. Von told stories. If you listen to "Wayne’s Story" or the "Crazy Story" trilogy, he’s narrating a movie. He was a natural.
The O-Block Connection
O-Block is probably the most famous apartment complex in hip-hop history. It’s located at 6400 South King Drive. On King Von’s birthday, fans often make pilgrimages to the mural dedicated to him there. It’s become a landmark. Some locals hate the attention; others see it as a shrine to a hero who actually made it out and reached back to help.
He used to hand out $100 bills to people in the neighborhood. Not for the cameras, though some of it ended up on Instagram, but because he knew what it was like to have nothing on your birthday. He was deeply tied to his roots.
Misconceptions About His Early Life
Some people get the year wrong. They think he was younger or older because of how much "street credit" he had. But 1994 is the definitive year. He was a 90s baby through and through, growing up during a transition period in Chicago's gang culture.
His father, Walter E. Bennett, was in and out of his life due to incarceration and was tragically killed when Von was only 11. That loss shaped him. It’s why he was so protective of his own kids later on. On his birthday, his sister Kayla B and his mother often share private memories that humanize him beyond the "tough guy" persona the media loved to focus on.
He wasn't just a rapper. He was a son. A brother. A father.
Impact on the Charts
Even after his passing, his birthday remains a peak time for his streaming numbers. Albums like Welcome to O'Block and the posthumous What It Means to Be King see massive spikes every August. It’s a digital vigil.
- Welcome to O'Block: Released just days before his death, it peaked at number 5 on the Billboard 200.
- What It Means to Be King: This showed his staying power, proving that his unreleased vault was full of hits.
- Grandson: His team continues to honor his legacy with releases that capture his raw, unfiltered style.
How Fans Celebrate King Von’s Birthday Today
It’s not just about playing the music loud. In Chicago, there are usually community events—giveaways, basketball tournaments, and gatherings at Parkway Gardens.
If you’re a fan looking to pay respects on August 9, there are a few ways the community keeps his memory alive:
- Streaming Marathons: Keeping his numbers up helps support his children, something Von was incredibly vocal about.
- Social Media Tributes: Using the hashtag #LongLiveVon or #Grandson.
- Supporting O-Block Charities: Looking for ways to give back to the South Side.
It’s easy to get lost in the controversy surrounding his life and the beefs that ultimately led to the shooting in Atlanta. But on his birthday, the focus usually shifts to the talent. He had a charisma that was undeniable. Even his critics admit he was one of the most compelling figures in modern music.
The Timeline of a Short, Intense Life
Looking at the span from August 9, 1994, to November 6, 2020, you see a trajectory that was almost vertical.
He went from being a "street legend" known only in certain blocks of Chicago to a global superstar. He traveled to places he never thought he'd see. He wore chains worth more than the houses he grew up in. But he never seemed comfortable in the "industry." He always seemed like he was just visiting the suburbs or the high-rises, while his heart was stuck on 64th and King Drive.
His lyrics were often autobiographical. When he talked about being "up in them cells," he wasn't lying. When he talked about the hunger, he knew it. That authenticity is why people still care about when is King Von birthday. It’s the anniversary of the birth of a specific type of American folk hero—one born of struggle and defined by loyalty.
Practical Steps for Fans and Researchers
If you are researching King Von's life or looking to honor his legacy, accuracy matters. Avoid the "fan fiction" and rumors often found on TikTok or unverified forums.
- Follow Official Sources: Only trust news from his official estate or verified family members like his mother or sister.
- Listen to the Lyrics: If you want to know his life story, he told it himself. Songs like "Exposing Me" or "Took Her To The O" contain more truth about his environment than any third-party documentary.
- Respect the Family: Birthdays are hard for those who actually knew him. Avoid harassing family members for unreleased music or "clout" on these sensitive dates.
King Von’s birthday will continue to be a significant date in hip-hop history. As long as drill music exists, his name will be at the forefront of the conversation. He lived fast, died young, and left behind a body of work that serves as a gritty, honest time capsule of Chicago life in the 2010s.
Actionable Insights for Following King Von's Legacy:
To truly understand the impact of Dayvon Bennett, start by listening to his discography in chronological order. This allows you to hear his technical growth from a raw storyteller to a polished recording artist. Additionally, follow the "King Von Memorial" social media pages which often announce community give-back events in Chicago around August 9. Supporting these initiatives is the most direct way to honor his desire to improve the lives of those still living in his neighborhood.
Finally, keep an eye on official Billboard and RIAA updates. Von’s estate frequently receives new gold and platinum certifications, proving that his influence hasn't waned since 2020. Recognizing his birthday is about recognizing the complex, talented, and flawed human being behind the "King Von" moniker.