Lil Durk, born Durk Derrick Banks on October 19, 1992, in Chicago, Illinois, is a renowned American rap artist with a net worth of $8 million at the age of 31. He is the founder of the record label Only the Family (OTF) and has become a prominent figure in the rap industry. His journey to fame began with his mixtape series “Signed to the Streets” in 2013, which eventually led to a record deal with Def Jam and later Alamo Records. Durk’s collaborations with high-profile artists such as Drake and Kanye West have further cemented his status in the music world.
Early Life and Struggles
Lil Durk grew up in the challenging neighborhood of Englewood on Chicago’s South Side. His father, Dontay Banks Sr., was imprisoned when Durk was just seven months old, leaving his family in a difficult financial situation. Durk has often recalled his childhood struggles, including times when there was not enough food in the house.
Despite these hardships, Durk found a way to express himself through music. He gained early recognition on social media platforms like MySpace and YouTube. By the age of 17, Durk became a father and dropped out of Paul Robeson High School to join the street gang Black Disciples. His involvement with the gang led to multiple legal issues, including gun charges, for which he pleaded guilty to aggravated unauthorized use of a weapon.
A Promising Career Amidst Legal Troubles
In 2011, Lil Durk released his first mixtape, but his rising career was interrupted by a jail sentence for weapons charges. After his release, he quickly returned to music, releasing “I’m Still a Hitta” in 2012. The track “Sneak Dissin'” started gaining attention, leading to collaborations with other Chicago artists like Lil Reese, Fredo Santana, King Louie, and Chief Keef.
Durk’s 2013 mixtape, “Signed to the Streets,” marked a turning point in his career. It was named the 8th Best Mixtape of the Year by “Rolling Stone” and caught the attention of Def Jam Records, leading to a record deal. His debut studio album, “Remember My Name,” released in 2015, reached 2 on the US Rap and US R&B/Hip-Hop charts and #14 on the “Billboard” 200 chart.
His second studio album, “Lil Durk 2x,” released in 2016, continued his success, reaching #4 on the US Rap chart and featuring the hit single “My Beyonce” with Dej Loaf. Durk’s career trajectory continued upward, with successful collaborations with artists like Meek Mill, French Montana, and Travis Scott.
Major Success and Collaborations
In 2020, Lil Durk achieved his first “Billboard” Hot 100 entry with the single “Viral Moment” from his fifth studio album, “Just Cause Ya’ll Waited 2.” He saw further success with singles such as “3 Headed Goat” featuring Polo G and Lil Baby, and his joint album with Lil Baby, “The Voice of the Heroes,” which debuted at the top of the “Billboard” 200 charts.
His appearance on Kanye West’s album “Donda” and his own 2022 album “7220,” which became his second consecutive 1 album, solidified his position in the rap industry. Durk’s achievements include four Grammy nominations, winning Best Melodic Rap Performance for “All My Life” featuring J. Cole from his 2023 album “Almost Healed.”
Personal Life and Tragedies
Lil Durk is a practicing Muslim and a father of six children, each from different mothers: Angelo, Bella, Zayden, Du’mier, Skylar, and Willow. In 2021, he became engaged to Instagram model India Royale.
Durk’s life has been marked by significant personal tragedies. His cousin, rapper McArthur “OFT Nunu” Swindle, was murdered, followed by the death of his friend and manager, Uchenna “OTF Chino Dolla” Agina, in 2015. In 2020, his close friend King Von was killed in Atlanta, and in 2021, his brother Dontay “DThang” Banks Jr. was murdered. Durk and his fiancée were also victims of a home invasion in 2021, during which they exchanged gunfire with the suspects.
Legal Issues and Resilience
Lil Durk’s legal troubles have been a recurring theme in his life. After his initial 2011 weapon charge, he faced multiple arrests, including a 2013 arrest on South Green Street in Chicago for allegedly throwing a loaded handgun into his car when approached by police. Despite these challenges, Durk’s legal team often managed to secure his release.
In 2019, Durk and King Von faced attempted murder charges for an incident outside an Atlanta drive-in. They were accused of robbing and shooting a man, but both were released on significant bonds, and the charges were eventually dismissed in 2022.
Conclusion
Lil Durk’s journey from the streets of Chicago to becoming a successful rap artist is a testament to his resilience and talent. Despite facing numerous personal and legal challenges, he has managed to build a thriving career and leave a lasting impact on the music industry. His story continues to inspire many, proving that with determination and talent, one can overcome even the most daunting obstacles.
