Lil Durk Biography, Age, News, Wiki, Net Worth, Albums, Songs, Religion

Durk Derrick Banks, popularly known as Lil Durk, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter. He is widely regarded as one of the most influential figures in Chicago’s drill music scene and is often considered the subgenre’s most commercially successful rapper.

He is best known for his raw, melodic style and hit songs like “Laugh Now Cry Later” with Drake and the Grammy-winning “All My Life” featuring J. Cole. Lil Durk is a four-time Grammy Award nominee as well as a one-time winner.

He is the founder of the record label and collective Only the Family (OTF), which he established in 2010. His label has been instrumental in launching the careers of other artists, including the late King Von. In this article, we will explore many interesting details about Lil Durk, including his biography, age, music career, hit singles and albums, income and net worth, current legal status, and family and personal life.

Who Is Lil Durk? (Quick Facts)

Early Life and Education

Durk Devontay Banks was born on October 19, 1992, and raised in the Englewood neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago, an area known for its economic hardship and violence.

His upbringing was marked by instability and struggle from the very beginning. His father, Dontay Banks Sr., was incarcerated on crack-cocaine distribution charges when Durk was just seven months old. This left the family without a breadwinner (primary provider).

Following the imprisonment of his father, Durk was raised by his mother, who was a nurse. His childhood was one of financial precarity. He has openly recalled times when there was not enough food to eat, leading his family to move in with his grandmother, where he lived in a crowded, three-bedroom house with about ten other people.

With no father figure in his life and a desperate desire for a way to provide, Durk ventured into several activities to make a name for himself. His early ambitions of becoming a basketball star were dashed due to his height.

His path took a dramatic turn when he became a father himself at the age of 17. This responsibility, coupled with poor grades, led him to drop out of Paul Robeson High School during his senior year. In search of income, he followed a dangerous path, becoming involved with the Black Disciples street gang and selling drugs.

It was during this tumultuous period that he began to see music as a potential escape route, teaching himself the craft of rapping and songwriting by watching tutorials on YouTube.

Music Career

Lil Durk’s musical career began in earnest around 2010-2011. He leveraged social media platforms like Myspace and YouTube to build a local following. His early singles, “Sneak Dissin'” and “I’ma Hitta,” garnered positive attention in Chicago’s burgeoning drill scene. In 2012, he solidified his local fame with the mixtape Life Ain’t No Joke, which amassed hundreds of thousands of downloads.

His turning point came in 2013 with the release of his critically acclaimed mixtape, Signed to the Streets. Tracks like the defiant “Dis Ain’t What U Want” became street anthems and got the attention of the mainstream music industry. His success earned him a spot on the prestigious 2014 XXL Freshman Class list.

This buzz from his songs led to a joint venture deal with Def Jam Recordings, allowing him to keep his own imprint, Only The Family (OTF), active. Durk released his debut studio album, Remember My Name, in 2015 under Def Jam Recordings, which debuted at number 14 on the Billboard 200.

He followed this with his second album, Lil Durk 2X, in 2016. However, feeling constrained by the label’s system, Durk fulfilled his contract and parted ways with Def Jam in 2018.

Following his departure from Def Jam, Lil Durk took a strategic and vital step by releasing the mixtape Just Cause Y’all Waited independently in 2018. This was his first project to chart on the Billboard 200 without major label backing.  While his departure from Def Jam was considered by many as a risk, his mixtape success proved his direct connection with his fanbase as well as his ability to succeed on his own terms.

His independent success made him an attractive free agent, and he soon signed a new, more favorable deal with Alamo Records and Interscope Records. He quickly delivered Signed to the Streets 3 (2018) and Love Songs 4 the Streets 2 (2019), with the latter becoming his first solo project to crack the top 10 of the Billboard 200.

His album Just Cause Y’all Waited 2 and its deluxe edition soared to number two on the Billboard 200, fueled by the hit single “3 Headed Goat” featuring Polo G and Lil Baby.

However, his career-defining moment came with a guest appearance on Drake’s “Laugh Now Cry Later,” which peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned a Grammy nomination. He closed the monumental year with his sixth studio album, The Voice, a tribute to his late friend and protégé, King Von, which also debuted at number two.

The momentum from 2020 propelled Lil Durk into the highest echelons of the music industry. In 2021, he solidified his status with his first number-one album on the Billboard 200, The Voice of the Heroes, a full-length collaborative project with fellow rap superstar Lil Baby.

His solo follow-up, 7220 (2022), became his second consecutive chart-topper. The album was supported by successful singles like “Broadway Girls” with country artist Morgan Wallen.

However, the peak of his critical acclaim arrived in 2023 with his eighth studio album, Almost Healed. The album was led by the powerful single “All My Life,” featuring J. Cole, which became a cultural touchstone. The track debuted at number two on the Billboard Hot 100, matching the peak of “Laugh Now Cry Later” and marking his highest-charting solo single.

Most significantly, “All My Life” won the Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance at the 2024 ceremony, giving Lil Durk his first Grammy award.

Only The Family (OTF)

Lil Durk’s Only The Family (OTF), a collective and record label he founded in 2010, remains a central piece of his identity. OTF is more than a business to him but a tight-knit crew, which he describes as a family. The crew is built around the shared experiences of its members from Chicago’s South Side.

Durk has used OTF as a platform to launch the careers of several artists, most notably the late King Von.

Von, a close friend of Lil Durk, became OTF’s breakout star before his tragic death in November 2020. Other artists associated with the label include Booka600, Doodie Lo, and Memo600.

However, the history of OTF is profoundly marked by loss. This string of tragedies includes:

• OTF Nunu (Nuski): Durk’s cousin, shot and killed in 2014.
• OTF Chino: Durk’s friend and manager, shot and killed in 2015.
• King Von: OTF’s rising star, fatally shot during an altercation in Atlanta in November 2020. His death was a devastating blow to Durk and the entire collective.
• DThang (Dontay Banks Jr.): Durk’s younger brother, shot and killed outside a Chicago nightclub in June 2021.

Personal Life

Durk is a devout Muslim, a father, and a businessman. He is a father to over seven children from previous relationships. He often cites his fatherhood responsibility as his initial motivation to pursue music seriously.

The names of Lil Durk’s children are: Angelo, Bella, Zayden, Du’mier, Skylar, Willow, and the name of his seventh child is kept private.

His most public relationship is with social media influencer and entrepreneur India Royale. The couple began dating in 2017, got engaged in 2018, and welcomed their daughter, Willow, the same year. In 2024, following his federal arrest, it was publicly revealed that Durk and India had married earlier that same year.

Legal Battles

Lil Durk’s legal record includes multiple arrests dating back to 2011, primarily on gun charges. In 2019, he and King Von were arrested in connection with a non-fatal shooting and robbery in Atlanta, though the charges against Durk were later dismissed in 2022.

However, these past incidents were overshadowed by a grave new development in October 2024. Durk was arrested by federal authorities in Broward County, Florida, on a conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire charge. The indictment alleges that he financed and orchestrated a plot targeting fellow rapper Quando Rondo in August 2022 as revenge for the death of King Von. The shooting resulted in the death of Quando Rondo’s cousin, Saviay’a “Lul Pabb” Robinson.

Prosecutors claim Durk used a credit card linked to his Only The Family (OTF) label to pay for flights, rental cars, and expenses for the five alleged shooters, offering “money and lucrative music opportunities” in exchange. Following his arrest, he was extradited to Los Angeles, pleaded not guilty, and is currently being held without bail.

In a separate, unsealed court filing, federal investigators have also linked him to a second murder-for-hire plot in the 2022 fatal shooting of Stephon Mack in Chicago, though he has not been charged in that case.

As of late 2024, his trial for the primary charge is scheduled for January 2026. If convicted, he faces a potential sentence of life in prison.

Lil Durk’s Net Worth

Lil Durk’s net worth is estimated to be $8 million in 2025. This wealth has been accumulated through his music success, and his entrepreneurial efforts include his Durk Landry Trucking LLC and ventures into the NFT space with NXTG3NZ.

He signed a massive $40 million deal with Alamo Records, and his albums, particularly *7220* and Almost Healed, have sold hundreds of thousands of units and generated billions of streams globally. Moreover, he has endorsement deals with brands like Beats by Dre, Luc Belaire, and Adidas.

Despite his legal situation, Durk’s team has continued to roll out his music to hungry fans. His most recent studio album, Deep Thoughts, was released on March 28, 2025, preceded by singles like “Old Days” and “Turn Up a Notch.”

However, his primary status is that of a defendant awaiting trial. He remains in custody, with his murder-for-hire trial now scheduled to begin in January 2026.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is Lil Durk’s real name?

His real name is Durk Devontay Banks.

How old is Lil Durk?

As of 2025, Lil Durk is 32 years old. He was born on October 19, 1992.

What is Lil Durk’s net worth in 2025?

Lil Durk’s estimated net worth in 2025 is $8 million.

What religion is Lil Durk practicing?

Lil Durk is a practicing Muslim.

Does Durk have a twin brother?

Lil Durk does not have a twin brother. He had a younger brother named Dontay Banks Jr. (DThang), who was tragically murdered in 2021.

Does Lil Durk have a dad?

Yes. His father, Dontay Banks Sr., was released from prison in 2019 after serving nearly 25 years on a drug distribution sentence. He was incarcerated when Durk was just seven months old.

How many baby mothers does Durk have?

Lil Durk has seven children with multiple different women. The exact number of their mothers has not been publicly confirmed.

How many kids does Lil Durk have?

Lil Durk is the father of seven children: Angelo, Bella, Zayden, Du’mier, Skylar, Willow, and a seventh child whose name has been kept private.

Is Lil Durk married?

He married his long-time partner and fiancée, India Royale, in 2024.

Why is Lil Durk in jail?

In October 2024, Lil Durk was arrested on a federal conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire charge, related to a 2022 shooting targeting rapper Quando Rondo. He is currently in custody awaiting a trial scheduled for January 2026.

What is OTF?

OTF stands for “Only The Family,” the record label and music collective founded by Lil Durk in 2010.

What was Lil Durk’s biggest song?

One of his most commercially successful songs is “All My Life” (featuring J. Cole), which peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy in 2024. His guest feature on Drake’s “Laugh Now Cry Later” also reached #2.

What is Lil Durk’s most popular song?

Based on chart performance and cultural impact, his guest feature on Drake’s “Laugh Now Cry Later” and his own single “All My Life (feat. J. Cole)” are among his most popular, both peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100. “All My Life” also won a Grammy.

Did Lil Durk win a Grammy?

Lil Durk won his first Grammy in 2024 for Best Melodic Rap Performance for his song “All My Life” featuring J. Cole.

What is Lil Durk’s most recent album?

His most recent album is “Deep Thoughts,” which was released on March 28, 2025, while he was in federal custody.

Where is Lil Durk today?

As of late 2025, Lil Durk is in federal custody, awaiting trial on a conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire charge. His trial is scheduled for January 2026.

Are Lil Durk and King Von friends?

Lil Durk and King Von were extremely close friends and label mates. Durk was a mentor to Von, signing him to OTF. Von’s death in 2020 was a devastating loss for Durk, who has since paid tribute to him in his music and by featuring him posthumously on the cover of his album The Voice.

Did NBA YoungBoy apologize to Lil Durk?

There has been no public, verified apology from NBA YoungBoy to Lil Durk. Their long-standing feud, which was fueled by the conflict between YoungBoy’s crew and Lil Durk’s protégé King Von, has seen periods of intense diss tracks but no formal reconciliation.

What does Lil Baby say about Lil Durk?

Lil Baby has consistently expressed respect and admiration for Lil Durk, both as an artist and a person. Their successful collaborative album, The Voice of the Heroes (2021) is an indication of their partnership. Lil Baby has publicly supported Durk during his legal troubles, stating in interviews that their bond is genuine and that he considers him a “real one.”