In a viral incident from Chicago’s O-Block, a local recently blew up the internet by charging visiting tourists nearly $200 just to take a picture in front of King Von’s mural. The mural is prominently placed on the side of Parkway Supermarket at 6435 South King Drive near the Parkway Gardens apartment complex, so it became a landmark of sorts.
Recently, a local man gained viral fame after claiming he made $400 by charging two tourists $200 each for photos at the mural. He escorted them to the site, ensuring their safety while they took their snapshots.
Locals from Chicago’s famous O’Block neighborhood charged a man $200 to take a picture in front of King Von’s mural. PIC.TWITTER.COM/LQCH6RTRJI
— Daily Loud (@DailyLoud) JULY 13, 2024
O-Block, known for its affiliation with drill rap and popular rappers like Chief Keef and Lil Durk—the duo who brought the destination’s lifestyle to the world through their music—has now become an unlikely tourist spot. The King Von mural became a point of interest among fans and any tourists who stopped by this culturally-rich area. Charging money for taking pictures shows, therefore, not just the business acumen of locals but also increasing interest from outsiders.
Much of the infamy of O-Block comes from its close association with the drill rap genre, which has produced several notable artists. Among them is King Von, who even in death seems to gain more and more fans daily. The mural has become a dedication piece in remembrance of him and, for many, a way to affiliate with the roots of drill rap.
In 2023, a similar incident occurred with comedian Tae Marlon. According to Marlon, he charged some tourists two hundred dollars to see the mural. The reactions to this on the internet were very mixed. Some came in accolades for his vibe of entrepreneurship, and others questioned the authenticity behind his claim and the cosmopolitan identity of his claimed tourists. That past incident sheds light upon the nonstop eyes that King Von’s mural has been viably inviting and how locals are caught red-handed reaping its potential.
While O-Block has rapidly evolved into a tourist destination, the safety element remains an important concern for tourists traveling to this place. The unfavorable reputation of the neighborhood along with crimes pose threats to the tourists. The other major issue faced by visitors in these paid tours sometimes is regarding authenticity. Moreover, tourists visiting this area are advised to be very cautious and aware of their surroundings.
