THE ATLANTA HERALD — SPECIAL REPORT

Tekashi 6ix9ine Claims King Von Was “Abandoned” During Deadly 2020 Shooting; New VladTV Interview Sparks Fresh Debate

In a newly released segment of his long-form VladTV interview aired Sunday (Oct. 12), Brooklyn rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine reignited controversy surrounding the tragic death of Chicago artist King Von, offering sharp commentary and pointed criticism toward Von’s associates on the night he was fatally shot outside an Atlanta lounge in 2020.

The interview, part of a multi-hour conversation with the media platform’s founder DJ Vlad, delves into lingering disputes, unresolved tensions, and 6ix9ine’s own long-standing feud with members of Chicago’s drill scene. Although the rapper has commented on the incident before, this latest appearance features his most direct— and most contentious—claims about what he believes happened in the final moments leading up to King Von’s death.

6ix9ine Claims Von Was Surrounded by “Dozens” Before Chaos Erupted

During the conversation, 6ix9ine insists that King Von was not alone on the night of the fatal shooting and asserts that the crowd who arrived with the Chicago rapper fled once gunfire broke out.

According to him, Von “came with a large group” that night. In the interview, he asks Vlad to pull up security footage from the scene, arguing that video recordings show numerous individuals dispersing after shots were fired.

He claims that despite the rapper being surrounded by friends and associates beforehand, no one stayed close enough to intervene or protect Von once violence erupted. The Brooklyn artist uses this point to frame a larger argument about loyalty within rap crews, a topic he frequently revisits in his public statements.

Vlad attempts to push back on the narrative, noting that video footage can be interpreted in multiple ways and that chaos, fear, and confusion are common responses in sudden outbreaks of violence. Nonetheless, Tekashi maintains his position, insisting he “watched the footage over and over.”

Revisiting the Deadly Night in Atlanta

On Nov. 6, 2020, King Von— born Dayvon Bennett— was involved in a physical altercation with rapper Quando Rondo outside Monaco Hookah Lounge in Atlanta. Video of the incident shows Von approaching and confronting Rondo before the fight escalates rapidly.

Moments later, gunfire erupted.

Authorities concluded that Timothy “Lul Timm” Leeks, an associate of Quando Rondo, shot Von during the altercation. Von was transported to a hospital where he later died of his injuries.

The shooting triggered widespread confusion and panic, with multiple armed parties involved. According to official reports:

King Von was fatally shot during the confrontation.
Five additional individuals were wounded.
Two of Von’s associates were killed in separate exchanges with responding law enforcement officers.

The incident instantly became one of the most polarizing and widely analyzed moments in modern hip-hop, prompting intense debate across social media and within rap communities nationwide.

Longstanding Tensions Between 6ix9ine and King Von

Before Von’s death, the two rappers had exchanged public criticism. King Von had previously commented on Tekashi’s legal history, including testimony he provided in a federal case. Von was famously outspoken in interviews about his distrust of the Brooklyn rapper.

Since Von’s passing, 6ix9ine has referenced him several times in online posts and interviews, often in ways critics viewed as disrespectful or inflammatory. The rapper has defended himself by arguing that the remarks were directed at those who had previously targeted him online—not at Von personally.

Still, the ongoing feud and the sensitive nature of Von’s death make every new comment from 6ix9ine a flashpoint of controversy.

Why the Interview Is Gaining Traction Again

Sunday’s interview segment has quickly spread across social media platforms, drawing reaction from fans, commentators, and other artists. Many argue that 6ix9ine’s remarks oversimplify a chaotic and complex situation. Others believe he is using the tragedy to reinforce his public persona—or to provoke responses from rival camps.

VladTV’s platform, known for long-form discussions that dissect both hip-hop culture and street politics, has become a central archive for artists’ perspectives on past conflicts. This new interview joins a growing collection of public accounts that attempt to reconstruct the intense, fast-paced events of that November night.

At the same time, critics warn that revisiting volatile moments so publicly can risk inflaming old tensions that many feel should be left to rest.

A Continuing Conversation in Hip-Hop

Nearly four years after King Von’s death, the hip-hop community continues to grapple with the tragedy, its causes, and its aftermath. The VladTV video is the latest reminder of how deeply the event remains embedded in rap culture.

While 6ix9ine’s comments sparked immediate backlash and debate, they also highlight a much larger issue: the cycle of violence, provocations, rivalries, and public discourse that often surround artists in the industry.

What remains clear is that King Von’s legacy endures, his fanbase remains strong, and the circumstances of his death continue to be revisited—each time through a new lens, a new voice, or a new controversy.