KING VON “WHAT IT MEANS TO BE KING” REVIEW

The first posthumous release from King Von, “What It Means To Be King,” broadens the vision he set forth on his debut album while hinting at what might have been his artistic development. King Von released his eagerly awaited first album, Welcome To O’Block, a week before he was fatally slain in Atlanta. The endeavor was intended to be a dazzling commemoration of the pioneer of drill music.

King Von became the torchbearer for his neighborhood in the middle of the genre’s expanding globalization as it spread across America to New York, the UK, and other European regions, among others. Von’s intensity inspired his storytelling, and his production sense captured the turbulence of his surroundings. Levon James’ debut album was more polished, but Von’s perspective, which made him OTF’s second-in-command, was still conveyed in it.

The idea Von outlined for its predecessor is expanded upon in What It Means To Be King. Each bar is infused with the rapper’s personality and charisma, serving as a reminder of the traits that made him one of rap’s most intriguing personalities at the beginning of the new decade. Von isn’t approaching the project with the same zeal he did with Welcome To O’Block this time. The album’s opening track, “Where I’m From,” opens with sad piano notes as the late rapper considers his turbulent upbringing and the spectacular rise of drill music from the modest beginnings of his city.

In addition to paying homage to the bricklayers of a subgenre that his lifestyle precisely paralleled, he also makes reference to L’A Capone’s revolutionary entrance to the globe and Chief Keef’s ground-breaking work. What It Means To Be King provides a window into how Von was developing his sound, yet some of his most compelling moments on tape have been inspired by earlier experiences. The drill-focused back-to-back that follows “Where I’m From” is followed by the 21 Savage-assisted “Don’t Play That,” which is a left-fielder. “Facetime” and “War” ft.

By accentuating the confidence in Von’s voice and one of the best MCs to come out of Chicago’s Southside, G Herbo contributes to the subgenre that he helped establish in the city. In contrast, “Don’t Play That” is a lighthearted, carefree song that highlights the pop sensibilities of Von and Savage. In a same way, A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie’s “My Fault” delves further into the melodies without losing Von’s gruff tone.

The project’s initial half does rely on a feeling of familiarity. To replicate the authenticity of Welcome To O’Block, some features, such Moneybagg Yo and Fivio Foreign, are listed on the tracklist. The official release of “Evil Twin” ft. Lil Durk, an amazing demonstration of their natural chemistry and the project’s apex, comes after the list of blockbuster-worthy guests. It serves as a reminder of the devastating loss that Durk experienced in November 2020, which served as the impetus for his long-lasting success. Additionally, “Evil Twin” acts as the album’s connecting thread, opening the door to more investigation of Von’s innate synergy with homegrown talent.

What It Means To Be King is fundamentally still anchored in Von’s love of O’Block and the Southside of Chicago. Regionally well-known collaborators make appearances in the second half of the CD, including Boss Top on the songs “Get Back” and “Go N Get Em.” It offers uncensored views of Chicago’s dismal nooks and the cycle of violence and murder. The trauma, which frequently goes unresolved, is the source of the paranoia and survival strategies.

Although there are guest appearances throughout the remainder of the album, Von’s war scars are most evident on the solo tracks. Songs like “War” and “Too Real” perfectly highlight his unshakeable conviction and passion, which created a sense of tension in every bar. And up until the time of his passing, that was Von’s greatest artistic strength. Fans were taken on an exciting journey by the immediacy of his storytelling, but the core of it all is an in-depth investigation of the causes and effects of the circumstances into which he was born.