King Von, born Dayvon Daquan Bennett on August 9, 1994, in Chicago, Illinois, grew up in the Parkway Gardens housing project, commonly known as “O-Block,” located on the city’s South Side. As an African American, Von grew up in an environment where Christianity was very popular in the local community. Although his personal religious activities are not well documented, themes of faith occasionally appear in his lyrics and public persona, hinting at some spiritual influence.
His father, Walter E. Bennett, aka “Silk,” was a member of the Black disciple gang and spent most of his life in and out of prison before being killed in 2005 when Von was 11 years old. His mother, Taesha, worked as a retail store manager and played a central role in raising Von and his siblings as a single mother after Walter’s death. Even though she faced many difficulties, she still tried to work to support her children.
Von was born into a large family, with nine siblings – six on his father’s side and three on his mother’s side. Among them, his sister Kayla B has also been recognized in the music industry.
Because his family moved frequently throughout his childhood, Von attended several schools in Chicago, although his education was often interrupted by his involvement in street life. At one point, he was linked to South Shore High School but haven’t finished high school yet.
Growing up in O-Block, one of Chicago’s most violent neighborhoods dominated by the Black Disciples gang, Von’s early life was deeply influenced by the harsh realities of his surroundings and the struggles picture of his family. His father’s death and the widespread gang culture shaped his worldview, drawing him into street life at an early age. Von faced legal problems, including charges of robbery and illegal gun possession, foreshadowing the challenges he would face later in life.
A prominent figure in drill music, King Von is known for his vivid storytelling and raw lyrics that capture the essence of his Chicago upbringing. His life, career and untimely death left an undeniable mark on the music industry. Behind his public image, his journey was deeply shaped by the lives and influences of his parents, Walter and Taesha, as well as the environment in which he grew up.
Walter E. Bennett
Walter E. Bennett, also known by his street name “Silk,” was a notable figure in Chicago gang culture, especially associated with the Ada Park area, a faction of the Black Disciples.
His life was marred by frequent detentions, which meant he was in and out of King Von’s life during his childhood. This intermittent presence left a complicated legacy for Von, who only knew his father at about age 8.
Tragically, Walter was killed when Von was 11 years old, on July 31, 2005, in an incident involving a sniper rifle, according to family members. This event had a profound effect on Von, influencing his music, where he continually paid tribute to his father in songs such as “Expose me,” reflecting on his father’s violent end and the harsh realities of their environment.
Taesha
Taesha, born in 1976, is the main caregiver and pillar of strength for King Von. Growing up in challenging circumstances herself, she navigated the complexities of raising children in tough Chicago neighborhoods. After separating from Walter, Taesha became a single mother to Von and his siblings, trying to provide them with love, clothes, and shoes, despite financial and emotional difficulties.
She worked as a manager at a retail store and was instrumental in nurturing resilience and ambition in her son. After Von’s death, Taesha spoke out about keeping his legacy alive, establishing foundations in his name to help other young people avoid the pitfalls her son encountered. Her strength and determination have made her an inspiration, especially to other single mothers in similar situations.
King Volt has a total of nine siblings; six from his father’s side and three from his mother’s side. Growing up in Parkway Garden Homes, aka “O-Block,” Von was surrounded by a large family, which shaped his worldview and music. His younger sister, Kayla B, is one of the few siblings known to the public, following in her brother’s footsteps in the music industry.
