King Von’s latest project, Grandson, released on July 14, is his third studio album and second posthumous release. Packed with hard-hitting bangers, it leaves an impactful impression. However, it’s a bit forgettable, despite its polished production. Even though it clocks in at 45 minutes, the album drags on with a sense of bloatedness.
As a signee of Lil Durk‘s “Only the Family” label, Durkio collaborates with Von on the highlight track “From the Hood.” This song emphasizes their potential creative partnership had Von not tragically passed away from gun violence in 2020. Unlike many posthumous hip-hop albums that seem like rushed cash grabs for the artists’ record label, Grandson feels well-crafted and professional, a testament to Von’s closest collaborators and his mother’s involvement in its creation.
King Von Returns With His Second Posthumous Album
The album heavily infuses a dark and menacing trap aesthetic, suiting King Von’s in-your-face vocal delivery and adding to his cadence’s brooding and sinister nature. “Don’t Miss,” the album’s opener and last single, kicks things off with menacing 808 drums and a synth-trap beat complete with rattling hi-hats.
“Real Oppy,” featuring G Herbo, shines in its grimy piano-led instrumental, catchy flow patterns, and head-nodding basketball-referencing chorus. The production, particularly by Chopsquad DJ, plays a pivotal role in elevating Grandson, as evident in tracks like “HitMan,” “Pressure,” and “All We Do Is Drill,” which boast ethereal yet anthemic soundscapes.
However, Grandson suffers from its heavy reliance on a banger-driven trap sound, making it feel monotonous and not diverse enough. King Von’s discomfort is palpable when he steps out of his comfort zone on tracks like “Out Of The Streets,” featuring Moneybagg Yo and Hotboii, resulting in a forgettable tune filled with uncharacteristically whiny melodies.
Listen To King Von’s “Grandson” Here:
The album’s lyrical content heavily revolves around gang lifestyle and the gun-toting urban culture seen perpetually in hip-hop. Given Von’s tragic demise, these allusions feel eerily unsettling. Lyrics like:
“Get Back Gang, they got my back
Still won’t lack, I got my strap (Got my strap)
We gon’ score first time we slide
Switch the whip and come right back (Come right back),”
On “All We Do Is Drill” are uncomfortable in its grave foreshadowing. While the penultimate track, “When I Die,” amplifies this discomfort, with Von rapping about his funeral and the potential danger surrounding it.
Despite its flaws, Grandson is a fitting (potential) final posthumous album from the late King Von. While lacking the nuance for a thoroughly captivating listen, Von’s sheer charisma manages to entertain for most of the album’s runtime. Some tracks could have been left on the cutting room floor. However overall, Grandson is a solid output from the talented O-Block rapper.
