Audio
Hear King Von’s ‘What It Means To Be King,’ a Posthumous Album
Telling crazy stories with a breathless intensity and a vivid attention to detail, King Von made a major impact in the rap game and in his native O’Block during his too-brief time in the spotlight. Adding a new chapter to the late artist’s career, King Von’s estate partners with Only The Family and EMPIRE to release What It Means To Be King, a testament to Von’s continuing legacy. A labor of love that compiles unheard music from the artist’s oeuvre, What It Means To Be King is packed with the ferocious bars and gripping narratives that earned him a huge fanbase, but also hints at some of the directions he might have taken if he had more time. The album features contributions from many of the people who knew Von best, including regular producer and collaborator Chopsquad DJ, his “twin” Lil Durk, and fellow O’Block natives like Boss Top and DqFrmDaO, along with street rap heroes like like 21 Savage, Moneybagg Yo, G Herbo, and more, making plain the level of respect Von commanded in the rap game at large.
What It Means To Be King opens with “Where I’m From,” a harrowing and emotional origin story for Von, illustrating his mindset as he languished in jail, helpless to prevent the deaths of his friends like O and J.R. To Von, to be a leader, or a king, meant to shoulder the weight of his neighborhood on his shoulders–when his O’Block heroes died, Von knew that it was up to him to stand up for his home neighborhood wherever he went. Following in the wake of the formidable intro, the album paints a full picture of Von’s formidable artistry, with songs that range from the fiery recent single “War,” the vicious Brooklyn-style drill of “Straight To It” ft. Fivio Foreign, and the melodic and romantic “My Fault” ft. A Boogie wit da Hoodie. Also of note is “Evil Twins,“ a sure-to-be fan favorite that reunites the tag team of King Von and Lil Durk, and “Grandson For President,” a beloved freestyle that first surfaced on YouTube in Summer 2020 (36+ million views to date). The album ends with “Family Dedication Outro,” a beautifully simple track that demonstrated how much Von loved his family, and how much he was loved in return.
The album is home to “Don’t Play That” ft. 21 Savage, a banger that is already one of the late artist’s most successful singles to date. “Don’t Play That” was an immediate success, generating 1.4M+ Apple Music streams, 1.2M+ Spotify streams, and 1.1M+ YouTube streams in just the first 24 hours of its February 4th release. Since then, “Don’t Play That” has racked up tens of millions of streams, including 15+ million on Spotify and 6 million on its animated video, and debuted at #40 on the Billboard Hot 100, marking Von’s highest-ever chart position. The song currently sits at #86 on the Hot 100 and at #25 on Billboard’s Hot Rap Songs chart. With additional appearances from Dreezy, on the heartfelt “Hard To Trust,” and OMB Peezy, on the hyperactive and lyrical “Get It Done,” plus production from ATL Jacob, What It Means To Be King is available everywhere via Only The Family / EMPIRE.
What It Means To Be King puts an exclamation point on Von’s legacy, confirming his status as the best storyteller of his generation. A worthy follow-up to Von’s GOLD-certified debut Welcome To O-Block, the upcoming album is a bittersweet treat for fans, and a moment of closure for those who loved him most.
Buy/Stream What It Means To Be King
Artist To Watch
Emerging Alt Hip-Hop Star Kembe X Shares New Song “Rolling Stoned”

Isaiah Rashad joins Windy City wordsmith Kembe X for his Hippie Sabotage produced cut “Rolling Stoned.” A thought-provoking masterpiece that cleverly disguises its depth with wordplay and ethereal Alternative Hip-Hop instrumentation, “Rolling Stoned” invites listeners to embark on a journey of hidden meanings and insights. Serving as yet another teaser to the Top Dawg Entertainment affiliate’s forthcoming ‘Sleep Paralysis’ project, it may initially appear as brash rap but the record unfurls into a profound exploration of personal growth, dreams, and self-discovery.
“When we made this song in September 2021 it felt like a reunion and an opportunity to show Hippie Sabotage, I’m not the same person who moved from Chicago to LA and crashed on their couch. It was a chance to demonstrate my newfound confidence in my creative abilities and a willingness to adopt a fresh approach to music. It’s not a reinvention of my artistry, but a shedding of old skin and a dreamy exploration of a new version of myself, deeply connected to my psychedelic discoveries,” shares the Chicago native in a press statement when asked about his “Pole Vaulting” follow-up.
Known for his work with artists such as REASON, Guapdad4000, Jay Rock, and Ab-Soul, Kembe X stands as a beacon of innovation in a musical landscape often mired in conformity. His music, with over 10M+ UGC views on TikTok and 5M+ views on YouTube, has ignited a cultural wave, resonating across platforms. Accumulating a staggering 30M+ Spotify streams, Kembe X’s tracks encapsulate the essence of his artistry.
Beyond mere numbers, Kembe X’s compositions, from the introspective depths of “Voices” and “Cozy Forever” to the bluesy contemplation of “Body Language” and “Anyway,” paint a poignant picture of battling depression, touching hearts and minds. His magnetic stage presence has left an indelible mark, from headlining the Hippie Sabotage Tour in 2016 to sharing the stage in the ScHoolboy Q CrasHtalk Tour in 2019, not to mention legendary performances at Rolling Loud Miami from 2014 to 2017 and Rolling Loud Los Angeles 2017, solidifying his status as a festival favorite.
Stream Kembe X’s “Rolling Stoned” on your DSP of choice via BMR / The Orchard and watch his live performance recap of “Pole Vaulting” at Red Rocks.
Artist To Watch
Mon$ter Links With BigXThaPlug For New Song “I’m Cappin Again”

In the sonic battleground of Virginia, Mon$ter emerges as a formidable force, poised to disrupt the tranquility with his explosive artistry. The maestro of mayhem, he’s not here to play games; he’s here to make a statement that resonates through the streets and beyond. In his relentless pursuit of sonic supremacy, Mon$ter has strategically enlisted the prowess of BigXThaPlug, a musical heavyweight in his own right, to amplify the impact.
Their collaboration has birthed “I’m Cappin Again,” a track that’s not just a song; it’s a sonic proclamation, a declaration of dominance in a game where only the fearless survive. Mon$ter’s delivery is razor-sharp, each line dripping with the raw authenticity that defines his narrative. The beats hit like seismic waves, reverberating through the concrete jungle of Virginia and beyond, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape.
Listen below.
Artist To Watch
Sb Nunkk Releases New Album, ‘Too Trimm’

From overcoming adversities to pouring his heart and soul into his art, this tenacious artist has triumphed, solidifying his position in the music industry. Now, he’s gearing up to drop a seismic revelation with his latest project, “Too Trimm.”
In the tumultuous realm of hip-hop, where genuine voices often get drowned out, SB Nunkk stands tall as a beacon of authenticity. His journey has been a rollercoaster, marked by challenges that have only fueled his determination. Pushing boundaries and moving mountains, SB Nunkk’s unwavering commitment is about to materialize in the form of “Too Trimm” – a project poised to redefine the game.
Life experiences, unfiltered emotions, and an unapologetic attitude form the bedrock of SB Nunkk’s musical prowess. He’s not your run-of-the-mill artist; he’s lived through situations that set him apart, and he wears these experiences like a badge of honor. In “Too Trimm,” he lays bare his soul, inviting listeners into the world that molded him.
The authenticity in SB Nunkk’s lyrics is a magnetic force, drawing in fans who crave more than just beats and rhymes. It’s a genuine connection, a shared experience that resonates with those who’ve faced their own battles. The hustle, the pain, the triumph – it’s all there in his verses, forging an undeniable bond between the artist and his audience.
As anticipation builds for the release of “Too Trimm,” SB Nunkk’s journey comes full circle. The hurdles transform into stepping stones, and the hard work crystallizes into a sonic masterpiece. Brace yourself to witness the raw, unfiltered energy of SB Nunkk as he takes the hip-hop world by storm with “Too Trimm.” This isn’t just music; it’s a movement, and SB Nunkk stands at the forefront, poised to make an indelible mark on the game.
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