The second posthumous album from the tragically departed King Von continues to build his legacy as one of Chicago’s great drill voices. The project was built by Von’s estate in conjunction with many of his closest collaborators—artists like Lil Durk and Chopsquad DJ—and serves as a reminder of the artist’s powerful voice; one that was taken away far too early when he was murdered in 2020. Highlights like “Don’t Miss” and “Robberies” immediately enter the pantheon of great Von tracks, showcasing his brilliance as a street poet, a keen observer of the way neighbourhoods move and operate, the way its inhabitants become central figures in their very own movies. Von had a hardened perspective on life in the hood, but he was also deeply empathetic, which animates Grandson more than any tales of hustling. The album takes its title from Von’s prison nickname, which is fitting because of the way his stints behind bars helped shape his entire perspective on songwriting, family and being alive. Von had seen the worst, and upon becoming free, every step he took went towards making sure he never lost that freedom. The tragedy and triumph of Grandson is that he sounds his freest.