Meet King Von’s Parents: Walter E. Bennet and Taesha

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. Of African American descent, Von was raised in an environment where Christianity was prevalent within the local community. While his personal religious practices are not well-documented, themes of faith occasionally surfaced in his lyrics and public persona, hinting at some spiritual influence.

His father, Walter E. Bennett, known as “Silk,” was a member of the Black Disciples gang and spent much of his life in and out of prison before being killed in 2005 when Von was just 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 parent after Walter’s death. Despite numerous challenges, she worked hard to support her children.

Von came from a large family, with nine siblings—six from his father’s side and three from his mother’s. Among them, his sister Kayla B has also gained recognition in the music industry.

Due to his family’s frequent moves throughout his childhood, Von attended several schools in Chicago, though his education was often disrupted by his involvement in street life. At one point, he was linked to South Shore High School but did not complete high school.

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 his family’s struggles. His father’s death and the pervasive gang culture shaped his worldview, drawing him into street life at an early age. Von faced legal issues, including charges of robbery and illegal firearm possession, which foreshadowed the challenges he would encounter later in life.

As a prominent figure in drill music, King Von was known for his vivid storytelling and raw lyrics that captured the essence of his Chicago upbringing. His life, career, and untimely death left an undeniable mark on the music industry. Behind the public image, his journey was profoundly shaped by the lives and influences of his parents, Walter and Taesha, and the environment he grew up in.

Walter E. Bennett

Walter E. Bennett, also known by the street name “Silk,” was a notable figure in Chicago’s gang culture, particularly associated with the Ada Park area, a faction of the Black Disciples.

His life was marred by frequent incarcerations, which meant he was in and out of King Von‘s life during his childhood. This intermittent presence left a complex legacy for Von, who only got to know his father at around the age of eight.

Tragically, Walter was killed when Von was just 11 years old, on July 31, 2005, in an incident involving a sniper rifle, as per accounts from family members. This event profoundly affected Von, influencing his music, where he repeatedly paid tribute to his father in songs like “Exposing Me,” reflecting on his father’s violent end and the harsh realities of their environment.

Taesha

Taesha, born in 1976, was the primary caregiver and a pillar of strength for King Von. Raised in challenging circumstances herself, she navigated the complexities of raising her children in Chicago’s tough neighborhoods. After her separation from Walter, Taesha became a single mother to Von and his siblings, managing to provide them with love, clothes, and shoes, despite the financial and emotional hardships.

She worked as a manager at a retail store and was instrumental in fostering a sense of resilience and ambition in her son. Post Von‘s death, Taesha has been vocal about keeping his legacy alive, starting foundations in his name to help other young people avoid the pitfalls that her son encountered. Her strength and determination have made her an inspiration, particularly to other single mothers in similar situations.

King Von had nine siblings in total; six from his father’s side and three from his mother’s. Growing up in Parkway Garden Homes, known as “O-Block,” Von was surrounded by a large family, shaping his worldview and music. His sister, Kayla B, has been one of the few siblings to gain public recognition, following in her brother’s footsteps in the music industry.