What It Means to Be King

Last updated
What It Means to Be King
King Von - What It Means to Be King.jpg
Studio album by
King Von
ReleasedMarch 4, 2022 (2022-03-04)
Genre
Length48:51
Label
Producer
King Von chronology
Welcome to O'Block
(2020)		What It Means to Be King
(2022)		 Grandson
(2023)
Singles from What It Means to Be King
  1. "Grandson For President"
    Released: April 29, 2020
  2. "Don't Play That"
    Released: February 4, 2022
  3. "War"
    Released: March 2, 2022

What It Means to Be King is the second studio album by American rapper King Von. It was posthumously released through Empire Distribution and Only the Family on March 4, 2022. The album features guest appearances from G Herbo, 21 Savage, Fivio Foreign, Moneybagg Yo, Lil Durk, Tee Grizzley, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Dreezy, Boss Top, DqFrmDaO, and OMB Peezy. Production was handled by Chopsquad DJ, Hitmaka, Tee Romano, Kid Hazel, Touch of Trent, DJ Bandz, DJ FMCT, Glaazer, Diego Ave, Bankroll Got It, TM88, ATL Jacob, Geraldo Liive, CGM Beats, John Lam, and Raw Equity. The album marks Von's first posthumous project and serves as the follow-up to his previous album, Welcome to O'Block (2020).

Contents

Professional ratings
Review scores
SourceRating
Allmusic Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar empty.svgStar empty.svg [2]
HipHopDX Star full.svgStar full.svgStar full.svgStar half.svgStar empty.svg [3]
HotNewHipHop 75% [4]

Background

On November 6, 2020, King Von died from being shot outside a hookah lounge in Atlanta, Georgia, exactly one week after the release of his previous album, Welcome to O'Block (2020). [5] The same day of his death, American rapper Pooh Shiesty released his single, "Back in Blood", which features Von's Only the Family label boss, fellow rapper Lil Durk. Von made his first posthumous cameo appearance in the music video for the song, which was released on January 2, 2021, in which the title of his album was revealed. [6]

Release and promotion

The lead single of the album, "Grandson For President", was released on April 29, 2020. [7] The second single, "Don't Play That", a collaboration with Atlanta-based rapper 21 Savage, was released on February 4, 2022, exactly one month before the album. [8] The same day, Von's estate shared the title of the album and its release date. [9] On February 28, 2022, they shared the cover art of the album and put the album up on Apple Music for pre-order. [10] The third single, "War", was released on March 2, 2022. [11] The tracklist was revealed on Apple Music the following day. A music video for "Get It Done" with OMB Peezy was released on August 9, 2022, in honor of what would have been King Von's 28th birthday. [12] [13]

Commercial performance

What It Means to Be King debuted at number 2 on the US Billboard 200 chart, earning 59,000 album-equivalent units, 55,000 came from 79 million in streams, and 4,000 pure album sales. [14] The new album is the second top 10 for King Von, who first reached the top 10 with his debut studio album, Welcome to O’Block, which climbed from 13 to 5 (its peak) on the Nov. 21, 2020-dated chart, following news of his death. [14] [15]

Track listing

What It Means to Be King track listing
No.TitleWriter(s)Producer(s)Length
1."Where I'm From"
 Chopsquad DJ 1:38
2."War"
  • Bennett
  • Jackson
Chopsquad DJ2:40
3."Facetime" (featuring G Herbo)
2:36
4."Don't Play That" (with 21 Savage)
Kid Hazel2:13
5."Straight to It" (featuring Fivio Foreign)
Chopsquad DJ2:58
6."Trust Nothing" (featuring Moneybagg Yo)
Chopsquad DJ3:05
7."Evil Twins" (with Lil Durk)
Touch of Trent1:55
8."Too Real"
  • Bennett
  • Devonte Richmond
  • Maliki Decampos
  • Gunnlaugur Sumarlidason
  • DJ Bandz
  • DJ FMCT
  • Glaazer
1:45
9."Rich Gangsta" (featuring Tee Grizzley)
  • Hitmaka
  • Diego Ave
  • Bankroll Got It
2:45
10."Mad"
  • Bennett
  • Jackson
Chopsquad DJ2:04
11."My Fault" (with A Boogie wit da Hoodie)
Chopsquad DJ3:11
12."Change My Life"
  • Bennett
  • Jackson
Chopsquad DJ2:40
13."Hard to Trust" (featuring Dreezy)
3:26
14."Get Back" (featuring Boss Top and DqFrmDaO)
  • Bennett
  • Tyree Davis
  • DqFrmDaO
  • Jackson
Chopsquad DJ2:40
15."Get It Done" (with OMB Peezy)
Chopsquad DJ2:44
16."Chase the Bag"
  • Bennett
  • Geraldo Mejia
  • CGM Beats
  • Geraldo Liive
  • CGM Beats
2:24
17."Go n Get Em" (featuring Boss Top)
  • Bennett
  • Davis
  • John Lam
Lam2:46
18."Grandson For President"
  • Bennett
  • Jackson
Chopsquad DJ2:17
19."Family Dedication Outro"
  • Bennett
  • Raw Equity
Raw Equity2:56
Total length:48:51

Note

Samples

Charts

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Lil Durk</span> American rapper and singer(born 1992)

Durk Derrick Banks, known professionally as Lil Durk, is an American rapper and singer. He is the lead member and founder of the collective and record label Only the Family (OTF). Durk garnered a cult following with the release of his Signed to the Streets mixtape series (2013–2014), which led to a record deal with Def Jam Recordings. The company would release his debut studio albums, Remember My Name (2015) and Lil Durk 2X (2016) before parting ways with the label in 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">YoungBoy Never Broke Again</span> American rapper from Louisiana (born 1999)

Kentrell DeSean Gaulden, known professionally as YoungBoy Never Broke Again, is an American rapper. Between 2015 and 2017, he released eight independent mixtapes and steadily garnered a cult following through his work. In August 2017, Gaulden was signed to Atlantic Records. In January 2018, he released the single "Outside Today", which peaked at number 31 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song became the lead single for his debut studio album Until Death Call My Name (2018) which peaked at number 7 on the US Billboard 200.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Polo G</span> American rapper

Taurus Tremani Bartlett, known professionally as Polo G, is an American rapper. He rose to prominence with his singles "Finer Things" and "Pop Out". His debut album Die a Legend (2019) peaked at number six on the US Billboard 200 and was certified platinum by the RIAA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">King Von</span> American rapper (1994–2020)

Dayvon Daquan Bennett, known professionally as King Von, was an American drill rapper from Chicago, Illinois. He is largely considered one of the most influential figures who represent the drill genre.

<i>Levon James</i> 2020 mixtape by King Von

Levon James is the second and final mixtape by American rapper King Von. It was released through Only the Family Entertainment/Empire on March 6, 2020. It is a 16-track project in an assortment of drill heavy beats executive produced by Chopsquad DJ and with various others productions from Mike WiLL Made-It, EY3ZLOWBEATZ, Ant Chamberlain, Budda Beats, Blue Nightmare, Dr. Flow, Bruce "Jaggerwerks" Billingy, MVAbeats, Mike Mvjor, JAYSTONBEATS. It has guest appearances from Lil Durk, Booka600, G Herbo, NLE Choppa, Tee Grizzley, YNW Melly, and Yungeen Ace. The project peaked at number 40 on the Billboard 200.

<i>The Voice</i> (Lil Durk album) 2020 studio album by Lil Durk

The Voice is the sixth studio album by American rapper Lil Durk. It was released on December 24, 2020, by Only the Family, Alamo Records and Geffen Records. The album contains guest appearances from late rapper King Von, 6lack, Young Thug, YNW Melly, and Booka600. A deluxe edition was released on January 29, 2021, with twelve additional tracks. It features additional guest appearances from Lil Baby, Pooh Shiesty, and Sydny August.

<i>Welcome to OBlock</i> 2020 studio album by King Von

Welcome to O'Block is the debut studio album by American rapper King Von and the only one to be released during his lifetime. It was released on October 30, 2020, through Only the Family and Empire Distribution. Welcome to O'Block was released just a week before King Von was shot and killed on November 6, 2020, after the official release party of the album. The project features chief production from Chopsquad DJ and other producers including Hitmaka, Tay Keith and Wheezy; and guest appearances from Polo G, Lil Durk, Dreezy, Moneybagg Yo, Fivio Foreign and Prince Dre.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Back in Blood (song)</span> 2020 single by Pooh Shiesty featuring Lil Durk

"Back in Blood" is a song by American rapper Pooh Shiesty featuring fellow American rapper Lil Durk. It was released through Atlantic Records and 1017 Records on November 5, 2020, as the lead single from the former's debut mixtape, Shiesty Season (2021), and two days before his twenty-first birthday. The two artists wrote the song alongside its producer, YC. The song marks the first collaboration between the two artists, and they later reunited in 2021 on Lil Durk's song "Should've Ducked", a track off of the deluxe edition of his sixth studio album, The Voice.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">All These Niggas</span> 2020 single by King Von featuring Lil Durk

"All These Niggas" is a song by American rapper King Von featuring American rapper Lil Durk. It was released on August 5, 2020 as the second single and ninth track from Von's debut studio album Welcome to O'Block (2020). The song was produced by Chopsquad DJ.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Pooh Shiesty</span> American rapper from Tennessee

Lontrell Donell Williams, Jr., better known by his stage name Pooh Shiesty, is an American rapper. He is signed to Gucci Mane's 1017 Records and Atlantic Records. He rose to fame in 2020 from his collaborations with the rapper and other artists within the label. He is perhaps best known for his 2020 single, "Back in Blood" featuring Lil Durk. Pooh Shiesty released his debut commercial mixtape, Shiesty Season, on February 5, 2021, which peaked at number 3 on the US Billboard 200. His stage name was given by his late brother, and it comes from his childhood nickname "Mr. Pooh", and the name "Shiesty", referring to his lifestyle.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Backdoor (song)</span> 2020 single by Lil Durk

"Backdoor" is a song by American rapper Lil Durk, from his sixth studio album, The Voice. It was released as the third single, on December 21, 2020, three days before the album. The song is a tribute to Durk's labelmate and friend, King Von, who was shot and killed outside an Atlanta nightclub in November 2020. The video sees Durk wearing Von's signature O'Block chain, which Von approved of before his death.

"Still Trappin'" is a song by American rappers Lil Durk and King Von. It was released on December 24, 2020, from the former's sixth studio album, The Voice. The song marks the sixth collaboration between the artists. Deemed a "menacing", "sinister" song, it finds the rappers detailing life in gangsterism.

<i>Shiesty Season</i> 2021 mixtape by Pooh Shiesty

Shiesty Season is the debut mixtape by American rapper Pooh Shiesty. It was released on February 5, 2021, through Atlantic Records and 1017 Records. The mixtape features guest appearances from Lil Durk, Gucci Mane, Big30, 21 Savage, Veeze, Foogiano, Lil Hank, Choppa Wop, and Tay Keith. The "Spring Deluxe" edition of the mixtape was released on May 21, 2021. It features additional guest appearances from G Herbo, No More Heroes, and Lil Baby. A "Certified" edition of the mixtape was released on April 29, 2022. It features guest appearances from Gucci Mane, Jack Harlow, Lil Durk, 42 Dugg, Lil Uzi Vert, and others.

Rodney Lamont Wright Jr., better known by his stage name Big30, is an American rapper. He is known for his feature on his childhood friend Pooh Shiesty's 2021 single "Neighbors", which peaked at number 51 on the Billboard Hot 100. Big30 released his debut mixtape, King of Killbranch, in September 2021. It includes appearances from Future, Lil Durk, Pooh Shiesty, and Moneybagg Yo, among others.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Zaza (song)</span> 2021 single by 6ix9ine

"Zaza" is a song by American rapper 6ix9ine. It was released as a single through Create Music Group on February 19, 2021. The song was written solely by the artist and produced by Ray Keys. It marks 6ix9ine's first release following his second studio album, TattleTales (2020). The title of the song is slang for cannabis. In 2022, the song was removed from streaming services.

<i>Loyal Bros</i> 2021 compilation album by Only the Family

Loyal Bros is a compilation album by American record label Only the Family. It was released on March 5, 2021, through the label alongside Empire Distribution. The album contains guest appearances from Lil Durk, late rapper King Von, Booka600, Memo600, Doodie Lo, THF Zoo, Lil Uzi Vert, Chief Wuk, Tee Grizzley, Big30, EST Gee, OTF Timo, Boss Top, C3, Slimelife Shawty, Jusblow600, Lil Mexico, Foogiano, OTF Ikey, Hypno Carlito, Boonie Moe, and Boona. It serves as the fourth compilation album by the label, following the 2019 compilation album, Family over Everything, a collaborative project with Durk. A sequel was released in collaboration with Durk on December 16, 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ahhh Ha</span> 2022 single by Lil Durk

"Ahhh Ha" is a song by American rapper Lil Durk. It was released on February 22, 2022, as the third single from his seventh studio album, 7220. The song features subliminal disses towards rapper YoungBoy Never Broke Again, who took shots at Durk's late Only the Family artist, King Von, on his single, "Bring the Hook", from his eighteenth mixtape, Colors (2022).

"What Happened to Virgil" is a song by American rapper Lil Durk featuring fellow American rapper Gunna from the former's seventh studio album 7220 (2022). Produced by Chopsquad DJ, the song is a tribute to the late fashion designer Virgil Abloh.

Darrell Gregory Jackson, known professionally as Chopsquad DJ, is an American record producer, songwriter, and DJ. He is known for his frequent use of dark piano melodies in his beats. His name is derived from being the in-house DJ for record producer Young Chop's record label, ChopSquad.

<i>Grandson</i> (album) 2023 studio album by King Von

Grandson is the third studio album by American rapper King Von, and his second posthumous work, following What It Means to Be King studio album from 2022. It was released through labels Only the Family Entertainment/Empire on July 14, 2023. The production on the album was handled by various producers including ATL Jacob, Chopsquad DJ, David Morse, DJ Bandz, Ghostrage, IllaDaProducer, Mac Fly, Raw Equity, Scott Storch, Southside, Tahj Money, Twysted Genius, Wheezy; most of which had already collaborated with Bennett on previous albums. It features guest appearances from G Herbo, Polo G, Lil Durk, Tee Grizzley, BreezyLyn, Tink, 42 Dugg, Moneybagg Yo, and Hotboii.

References

  1. ↑ "REVIEW - KING VON 'WHAT IT MEANS TO BE KING' DOESN'T ADVANCE OR HURT HIS LEGACY – IT JUST EXTENDS HIS CATALOG". hiphopdx . Apr 5, 2022. Retrieved July 3, 2023.
  2. ↑ "What It Means to Be King Review by David Crone". AllMusic . March 2, 2022. Retrieved March 2, 2022.
  3. ↑ "REVIEW - KING VON 'WHAT IT MEANS TO BE KING' DOESN'T ADVANCE OR HURT HIS LEGACY – IT JUST EXTENDS HIS CATALOG". HipHopDX . Apr 5, 2022. Retrieved July 3, 2022.
  4. ↑ "King Von "What It Means To Be King" Review". HotNewHipHop . Mar 9, 2022. Archived from the original on March 3, 2023. Retrieved August 6, 2022.
  5. ↑ "Rapper King Von Shot and Killed in Atlanta, Video Shows Chaos". TMZ . November 6, 2020. Retrieved November 6, 2020.
  6. ↑ Aniftos, Rania (January 4, 2021). "Pooh Shiesty & Lil Durk Honor King Von in 'Back in Blood' Music Video". Billboard . Retrieved March 1, 2022.
  7. ↑ A., Aron (April 29, 2020). "King Von Drops Off "Grandson For President (Remix)"". HotNewHipHop .
  8. ↑ Espinoza, Joshua (February 4, 2022). "Stream King Von's Posthumous Track "Don't Play That" f/ 21 Savage Off Upcoming Album 'What It Means to Be King'". Complex . Retrieved March 1, 2022.
  9. ↑ Brown, Preezy (February 4, 2022). "King Von's Estate Announces New 'What It Means To Be King' Album". Vibe . Retrieved March 1, 2022.
  10. ↑ Cummings-Grady, Mackenzie (February 28, 2022). "King Von's Team Reveals Cover Art For Posthumous 'What It Means To Be King' Album". HipHopDX . Retrieved March 1, 2022.
  11. ↑ Cummings-Grady, Mackenzie (March 2, 2022). "Listen to King Von's New Posthumous Single "War"". Complex . Retrieved March 2, 2022.
  12. ↑ Brad Callas. (2020-11-06). "King Von's Estate Shares "Get It Done" Video on Late Rapper's Birthday". Complex. Retrieved 2022-08-11.
  13. ↑ Ghassemitari, Shawn (9 August 2022). "King Von's Estate Releases "Get It Done" Music Video". Hypebeast. Retrieved 2022-08-11.
  14. 1 2 "'Encanto' Makes It Nine Weeks Atop Billboard 200 Albums Chart". Billboard . March 13, 2022. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  15. ↑ "The Final First Week Numbers for King Von and DaBaby x YoungBoy Never Broke Again Projects Are In". Complex . March 14, 2022. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  16. ↑ "Ultratop.be – King Von – What It Means to Be King" (in Dutch). Hung Medien. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
  17. ↑ "King Von Chart History (Canadian Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  18. ↑ "Official Albums Chart Top 100". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 11, 2022.
  19. ↑ "Official R&B Albums Chart Top 40". Official Charts Company. Retrieved March 11, 2022.
  20. ↑ "King Von Chart History (Billboard 200)". Billboard. Retrieved March 13, 2022.
  21. ↑ "King Von Chart History (Independent Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  22. ↑ "King Von Chart History (Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums)". Billboard. Retrieved March 15, 2022.
  23. ↑ "Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums – Year-End 2021". Billboard. Retrieved December 2, 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.