9.20.2019
Mixtape: King Von – Grandson Vol. 1
The Only The Family Signee Behind the Viral Hit “Crazy Story” Drops His Debut Mixtape
Critical Praise for King Von
“King Von’s original ‘Crazy Story’ is the kind of thing hip-hop heads should crave: an immediate and distinct piece of cinematic rap that makes time for flirting and gangbanging all in one ferocious verse. The Chicago rapper details an attack on an opp that keeps you engrossed all the way to the very end” – The 405
“King Von’s incredibly vivid story-telling rhymes have propelled him to the forefront of Chicago drill rap.” – The FADER
“King Von excels in using his storytelling as a device to portray the struggle of growing up in Chicago.” – Pitchfork
The Mixtape:
King Von is one of rap’s most visceral and animated storytellers, packing detail and wit into every bar. Finally showing the full range of his rap abilities, the Only The Family rapper shares Grandson, Vol. 1, his debut mixtape. Delving deep into Von’s past, the new tape positions him as the heir to a long line of Chicago gangsters, including Black Disciples founder “King” David Barksdale, from whom Von derives his rap name. Building off a series of buzzing singles and guest appearances, Grandson, Vol. 1 provides a compelling portrait of the Only The Family signee, providing insight into his family upbringing, his stints in prison, and his grappling with rap fame.
“When I was in jail, I got the name ‘Grandson’ because I reminded people of King David,” says King Von. “The older guys in jail, guys who were around when David was around, would call me that, cause I carried myself like him–‘you like David’s grandson.’ King David was a legendary figure, and a guy that everybody looked up to. He ran the streets with his own morals, and his own code, and that’s the code I live by too. That’s why people call me Grandson. Everybody wanted to follow me, and be around me.”
Known for his hard-nosed boasts and gripping narratives, Grandson gives Von an opportunity to spread his wings. In addition to the confrontational anthems fans expect from Von, the tape features the thought-provoking and emotional recent single “What It’s Like,“ the playfully funny and melodic “No Flaws” (“Three cars my garage/I just put a horse in it”), and the angry, yet sentimental “F*ck Yo Man.” Featuring appearances from OTF labelmates Lil Durk and Booka600, and production from Chicago mainstay Chopsquad DJ, Grandson, Vol. 1 arrives via Only The Family/EMPIRE.
Making noise in a big way following acquittal from a potential prison sentence, King Von quickly linked up with Lil Durk and signed to his Only The Family record label. He announced his arrival with “Crazy Story,“ a two-minute narrative detailing a heist gone wrong. With over 39 million views on YouTube, the original “Crazy Story” was a massive street hit in Chicago, climbing to #76 on the national urban radio charts, and inspiring a remix in “Crazy Story Pt. 2,” which featured Lil Durk. Featuring the recent single and long-awaited sequel “Crazy Story Pt. 3“, Grandson, Vol. 1 is available to stream and purchase on all platforms.
Buy/Stream Grandson Vol. 1: https://empire.lnk.to/grandson1
Grandson Vol. 1 tracklist:
1. Went Silly
2. Tuff
3. Crazy Story
4. Crazy Story, Pt. 3
5. Twin Nem (Feat. Lil Durk)
6. F*ck Yo Man
7. No Flaws
8. What It’s Like
9. Hoes Ain’t Shit
10. War Wit Us
11. Jet (Feat. Booka600)
12. Mama’s Boy
13. Crazy Story 2.0 (Feat. Lil Durk)
The Background:
King Von was born in the South Side of Chicago, growing up in O Block, the area that produced Chief Keef. After rightfully beating an erroneous murder charge that could have put him away for life, King Von took inspiration from heroes like Lil Wayne and turned to rapping, linking up with Lil Durk who signed him to his OTF label. Within six months, Von had a series of viral hits, including the sinister “Problems,” which has over 3.4 million views after its debut on Lil Durk’s YouTube channel, and the defiant “War Wit Us,” which has over 3.8 million YouTube views. With “Crazy Story” currently burning up urban radio (it recently reached #76 on the nationwide chart), Von seems to be on the fast track to translate his fervent local following into national fame.
Please contact Michelle or Kierra for more info.
Links:
Grandson Vol. 1: https://empire.lnk.to/grandson1
“What It’s Like”: https://empire.lnk.to/WhatItsLike / https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tziU4jTJ6uQ
“Crazy Story 2.0” ft. Lil Durk: https://Empire.lnk.to/Crazystory2 // https://soundcloud.com/officialkingvon/crazy-story-20-feat-lil-durk/ // https://youtu.be/lO7T9KLI7qA
“Cousins” ft. JusBlow 600: https://youtu.be/coPTwq-Lb2U
“Crazy Story”: https://Empire.lnk.to/Crazystory // https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YC8NmE3H-zs
“Problems”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DnHUoUgUsdE
“War Wit Us”: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U3nOr7vjif4