The news didn't just break; it shattered the internet on a Friday morning that many hip-hop fans still remember with a heavy sense of disbelief. If you're looking for the specifics, the date was November 6, 2020. That is when King Von was killed.
He was only 26.
Dayvon Daquan Bennett, known to the world as King Von, was arguably at the absolute peak of his trajectory. His debut studio album, Welcome to O'Block, had dropped just a week prior. It was climbing the charts. People were calling him the next face of the drill movement, a storyteller who could make you feel the grit of the South Side of Chicago through a pair of headphones. Then, in a matter of seconds outside a hookah lounge in Atlanta, everything stopped.
The Chaos Outside Monaco Hookah Lounge
Atlanta’s nightlife is usually a vibe, but that night turned into a war zone. Around 3:20 AM, Von and a large group of associates arrived at the Monaco Hookah Lounge on Trinity Avenue. This wasn't a pre-planned hit or some elaborate movie script. It was a chance encounter that turned fatal.
Reports from the Atlanta Police Department and surveillance footage that eventually leaked online showed a massive scuffle breaking out between two groups. One group was Von’s crew. The other was centered around Quando Rondo, a rapper from Savannah, Georgia.
It escalated fast.
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Words were exchanged, punches were thrown, and then the environment erupted in gunfire. In the middle of the melee, Von was shot multiple times. He wasn't the only one hit, but his injuries were the most severe. Two other people died that night. Several others were wounded.
The most jarring part of the surveillance video—which honestly, is hard to watch if you’re a fan—is seeing how quickly a "tough guy" moment turns into a life-altering tragedy. Von was seen being rushed into a private vehicle and taken to a nearby hospital. For a few hours, Twitter was a mess of rumors. Some said he was fine. Some said he was in critical condition. By mid-morning, the grim reality set in. King Von was gone.
The Investigation and the Arrest of Lul Timm
People always ask why the police didn't stop it, especially since there were off-duty officers working at the club. Actually, those officers did get involved. They fired shots as well, trying to break up the fight, which led to initial confusion about who actually killed King Von.
The investigation moved quickly. Within 24 hours, the Atlanta Police Department charged 22-year-old Timothy Leeks, known as Lul Timm, with the murder.
Timm was an associate of Quando Rondo. He had also been shot during the incident and was being treated at Grady Memorial Hospital when he was taken into custody. The narrative from the Rondo camp has always leaned heavily on self-defense. They argued that Von was the aggressor—physically attacking Rondo—and Timm was simply protecting his friend.
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Court cases involving rappers are never simple. The legal battle dragged on for years. In 2023, the felony murder charges against Lul Timm were eventually dropped under Georgia’s "Stand Your Ground" laws. This sparked a massive debate across social media. Some saw it as justice according to the law; others saw it as a loophole that let a killer walk free. Regardless of where you stand, the legal conclusion didn't bring Von back.
Why King Von's Death Hit Different
Chicago has lost a lot of talent. L'A Capone, Young Pappy, Fredo Santana (though to health issues), and later, FBG Duck. But Von felt different.
He was a "prodigal son" of sorts.
Having spent years in jail before his rap career took off, he was the guy who actually made it out. Lil Durk, his close friend and the head of Only The Family (OTF), had brought him under his wing. Von wasn't just a rapper; he was a symbol of hope for O'Block, the apartment complex he frequently referenced in his lyrics. He was known for his "Crazy Story" series, which displayed a level of narrative songwriting that most modern rappers lack. He could paint a picture. You weren't just listening to a beat; you were watching a movie in your head.
His passing created a massive void in the industry. It also reignited tensions that have plagued the streets of Chicago and beyond for decades. The "drill" subgenre is often criticized for its violence, but Von’s fans argue he was just reporting his reality. He was the voice of a generation that felt unheard.
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The Aftermath and the Legacy of Welcome to O'Block
The timing of when King Von was killed adds a layer of tragic irony to his story. His album was literally the talk of the town. Songs like "The Code" and "All These Niggas" were blowing up.
After his death, his estate released posthumous projects like What It Means to Be King and Grandson. These albums did well, proving that his fanbase wasn't just hype—it was real. But posthumous music is always a bittersweet pill. You hear the growth in his voice, the sharper flow, and you realize you're listening to the potential of a man who didn't get to finish his work.
The impact on Lil Durk was also visible. Durk often pays tribute to Von in his music and performances. The OTF collective became tighter, but also more scrutinized. The feud between the Chicago-based OTF and the Georgia-based Never Broke Again (NBA) crew—which Quando Rondo is affiliated with—became one of the most tense standoffs in modern hip-hop history.
Key Facts About the Night:
- Location: Monaco Hookah Lounge, 255 Trinity Ave SW, Atlanta.
- Time of Incident: Approximately 3:20 AM EST.
- Total Fatalities: 3 (including King Von).
- The Accused: Timothy Leeks (Lul Timm), charges dropped in 2023.
- Last Project: Welcome to O'Block, released October 30, 2020.
Moving Beyond the Tragedy
Understanding when King Von was killed is only half the story. The real takeaway is the fragility of success in an environment where the "streets" and the "studio" constantly collide. Many rappers talk about "making it out," but Von's story serves as a cautionary tale that sometimes the baggage of the past follows you into the bright lights of the future.
If you are a fan of King Von or just someone trying to understand the history of modern hip-hop, the best way to honor the art is to separate the music from the violence. His storytelling was top-tier. His charisma was undeniable.
To dive deeper into his impact, start by listening to his discography in chronological order. Notice the shift from the raw energy of Grandson, Vol. 1 to the polished, haunting narratives in Welcome to O'Block. It provides a clearer picture of who he was becoming before that night in Atlanta. Additionally, supporting organizations that work on violence intervention in Chicago, such as those Von himself quietly supported, is a practical way to address the systemic issues that lead to these types of tragedies in the first place.