Animating tales from O-Block with his breathless intensity, King Von used his rhymes to create a visceral representation of life on the Chicago streets. Today, the late rapper’s estate teams with EMPIRE to release Grandson, Von’s second posthumous album.
A collection of crazy stories that live up to the best in Von’s discography, “Grandson” was lovingly assembled by Von’s closest collaborators, including producer Chopsquad DJ and his compatriot Lil Durk.
The album kicks off with the track “Don’t Miss,” accompanied by a gripping music video filmed shortly before Von’s passing. The opening song serves as a warning to those who underestimated Von’s toughness amidst his rising fame. The album features a total of 17 tracks, including recent singles like “Robberies” and “Heartless,” featuring Tee Grizzley.
Von’s collaborations with fellow artists add depth and variety to the album. “Evil Twins” sees Von and Lil Durk going back and forth, showcasing their chemistry. Chicago icons Polo G and G Herbo also pay homage to Von on tracks like “Phil Jackson” and “Real Oppy” respectively, adding their unique styles to the album.
Among the tracks, “Jimmy” stands out as a gripping narrative that underscores the inescapable cycle of violence driven by the desperate need for survival. “Jealous,” produced by Wheezy and featuring Tink, reveals a softer side of Von, while “When I Die” reflects his contemplation of mortality. The album concludes with the heartfelt spoken word piece “Family Dedication 2,” a touching message from Von to his loved ones.
“Grandson” follows Von’s previous posthumous album, “What It Means To Be King,” released in March 2022. The album achieved significant success, including a Billboard Top 40 hit with “Don’t Play That” featuring 21 Savage. It reached number two on the Billboard 200 chart, selling 59,000 album-equivalent units in its first week and amassing hundreds of millions of streams across various platforms. With additional appearances from Moneybagg Yo, 42 Dugg, Hotboii, and BreezyLYN, “Grandson” is set to build upon Von’s lasting legacy.
Stream Grandson below.
