A surprising display of devotion has Ghanaian fans taken to the streets, waving flags and sporting Only The Family (OTF) merchandise. The incident follows a “Free Durk” sign held last Saturday outside the district courthouse in Los Angeles. 

OTF, known as Only The Family, is Lil Durk’s record label. Along with the protests, the wave of attention has amplified Lil Durk’s music, pushing his streaming numbers even higher. This surge of activity reinforces the message that his audience remains steadfastly in his corner during these turbulent times.

Lil Durk, affectionately dubbed “The Voice” by his fans, has become the focus of an extraordinary global support campaign following his recent arrest. From heartfelt social media initiatives to spontaneous street gatherings, fans are sparing no effort to see their idol regain his freedom. Their commitment transcends borders, uniting fans under a single, powerful cause—a striking reminder of Lil Durk’s vast reach and the passion he inspires worldwide.

This week, Durk’s young son, Zayden, released a statement thanking fans for their unwavering support. Reactions were mixed, with critics questioning whether involving him was the right choice.

Lil Durk was arrested in Broward County, Florida, with plans to be extradited to California for trial. If convicted, the Chicago native could receive up to life imprisonment. Meek Mill, Quando Rondo, and Akademiks were among the celebrities who reacted to Durk’s arrest. 

More as this story develops…

The lawsuit alleges that Lil Durk, along with his late brother DThang, both executives at OTF, were aware of and complicit in King Von placing a $100,000 bounty on FBG Duck’s life. It also claims that they participated in the plan to murder him or aided in covering up the crime. 

The lawsuit goes further, accusing Lil Durk of contributing to ongoing criminal activities by signing O-Block gang members to his label. OTF is described as using threats, intimidation, and the promotion of violent “reality rap” to control Chicago’s drill music scene.

Several major record labels—Alamo Records, Sony Music, and Universal Music Group—are also named in the lawsuit. It claims these companies profited from the violent imagery and the murder of FBG Duck, stating they “salivated over the profit garnered by the depiction and eventual killing” of the rapper. 

FBG Duck was gunned down outside a Chicago retail store in August 2020. Six O-Block gang members were convicted for their involvement in the murder, which, according to the lawsuit, was carried out under orders from Lil Durk and King Von.

The suit further alleges that after FBG Duck’s death, Lil Durk, OTF, and King Von glorified the killing on social media and streaming platforms for financial gain. The lawsuit argues that they used the murder to bolster the brands of Lil Durk, OTF, and O-Block, turning them into global names while profiting through music, podcasts, and social media content. In essence, the plaintiffs claim the killing was monetized and used to grow their criminal enterprise.

Weekly, along with Davon Brinson and FBG Duck’s girlfriend, Cashae Williams, is seeking damages for wrongful death, civil conspiracy, and negligence. The lawsuit also lists the City of Chicago, Dolce & Gabbana, and its security firms as defendants, broadening the scope of those allegedly responsible for the tragedy.

According to court documents, Lil Durk reportedly attempted to flee the U.S. He booked several international flights shortly after five associates connected to his Only the Family (OTF) label were taken into custody. The individuals named in the indictment are Kavon London Grant, Deandre Dontrell Wilson, Keith Jones, David Brian Lindsey, and Asa Houston. Law enforcement officials detained the 32-year-old rapper upon his arrival at an airport near Miami. Before his arrest, Durk had reportedly booked flights to Dubai and Switzerland, with a private jet to Italy also lined up.

In an updated indictment, Lil Durk, who was extradited to Los Angeles, now faces additional felony charges. These include conspiracy, using interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire, and multiple firearm-related offenses. U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada stated, “Mr. Banks is charged with orchestrating a cold-blooded murder that resulted in the death of a rival’s family member. Not only that, the shooting occurred in the open, at a gas station at a busy intersection, endangering many others in the area.”

Prosecutors allege that Lil Durk and his co-defendants organized the attack on Quando Rondo. The shooting took place at a gas station in Los Angeles. The attackers fired 18 rounds at Rondo’s vehicle, killing his cousin, Lul Pab. Investigators believe this was a retaliation for King Von’s death. Lil Durk and his co-defendants are awaiting their court appearances, and no pleas have been entered yet.

The discovery includes approximately 230 GB of digital files, including audio recordings and surveillance footage. Additionally, about 20,000 pages of reports detail violent crimes such as murder, supported by photographs, witness statements, and medical records.

In December, the rapper, known for his hit “All My Life,” was denied bond despite an offer from his attorneys to provide $1 million in cash from Sony Music and $2.3 million in property equity. They also proposed round-the-clock surveillance. However, Judge Patricia Donahue ruled against the proposal, citing concerns over community safety. She noted that Lil Durk wields “a significant amount of control over others,” making it impossible to ensure public safety.

The Chicago artist faces serious charges, including conspiracy, use of interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death, and discharging firearms, including a machine gun, in connection with a violent crime. Prosecutors allege that Lil Durk was involved in a retaliatory shooting that resulted in the 2022 murder of Quando Rondo’s cousin, Lul Pab.

Prosecutors have also attributed delays in the trial to the case’s complexity. With numerous defendants and extensive evidence, they argue that it is “unreasonable to expect adequate preparation for pretrial proceedings or the trial itself.”

One of Durk’s co-defendants, Asa “Boogie” Houston, who was scheduled for a court appearance on January 14, has already pushed back against these developments. Meanwhile, Deandre Dontrell Wilson, one of five affiliates of Lil Durk’s Only The Family (OTF) collective arrested in October, has requested a “pre-plea sentence report.”

As the legal battle unfolds, the high-profile case continues to command attention, shedding light on the intricacies of the justice system and its handling of cases involving multiple defendants and allegations of organized crime.

In a tweet that went viral last month, Durkio wrote, “Hip hop ain’t what it used to be ….”

Talking to podcast hosts Carmelo Anthony and Kid Mero, Fabolous addressed the statement by asking a rhetorical question. He said, “What did it used to be?”

As a response, he stated, “Hip Hop is what it is. It can’t be what it ‘used to be’ because whenever that time was, it was different for them too—even for Lil Durk.”

Fab, a veteran New York rap star from Brooklyn, praised Durk’s ability to evolve with the shifting sounds of Hip Hop. He mentioned how the Chicago native – whom Fabolous collaborated with on his 2019 mixtape Summertime Shootout 3: Coldest Summer Ever –  found a new sound while maintaining his audience. 

“One thing I respect about Durk is that as the sound changed,” said Fab. “He adapted and found the new Lil Durk, keeping his momentum. I don’t think there ever was a ‘used to be.’ Hip Hop has always been evolving, from the ’70s and ’80s when it started.”

Fabolous also touched on how the industry has transformed, citing the rise of streaming, brand partnerships, and major record labels. “It’s a business now,” he added. “At one point, it was just about the craft—something we all loved to do and listen to. Now, it’s a billion-dollar empire, and it has to be treated as such.”

The remarks surround the upcoming release of Lil Durk’s new album, Love Songs For The Streets 3. A tracklist featuring Lil Baby, Rod Wave, Future, and country star Morgan Wallen, surfaced online this week.

In recent weeks, Durk has been promoting the forthcoming album with new singles “Went Hollywood For A Year” and “Turn Up A Notch.” Last month, Fabolous collaborated with Mary J. Blige on “Breathing.”

According to reports, sources close to the rapper say he’s remaining positive behind bars. Durk is being held at the Federal Detention Center in Miami. The source claims Durk’s main complaint is the food.

According to insiders, Durk has been getting along well with the staff and other inmates at FDC Miami. The rapper is described as “super charming” and “agreeable,” he’s managing to keep a good rapport with those around him.

We previously reported that Lil Durk’s arrest resulted in the withdrawal of the key he received to the Illinois city of Village of Broadview, according to the mayor’s office. Mayor Katrina Thompson issued an official statement on the withdrawal on Friday morning (Oct. 25). 

“While the American system of justice grants everyone the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law, in the Village of Broadview, the court of public opinion of residents has even higher moral and ethical standards of behavior.”

Mayor Thompson continued: “And our public partners must also reflect the same uncompromising standards demanded by our residents. Given the news that Durk “Lil Durk” Banks has been arrested in Florida and charged with murder for hire, the Village of Broadview is withdrawing our honorary ‘key to the village’ granted to Durk and is terminating our partnership agreement with his youth organization, Neighborhood Heroes Foundation. As mayor, protecting Broadview’s interests and upholding the values of residents is job number one.”

Over the weekend, Durk’s relatives issued a public statement on Instagram, saying the government “presented false evidence to a grand jury,” leading to his indictment in a murder-for-hire case. “This is not justice,” they wrote. “That’s a violation of the very system that’s supposed to protect all of us.” The family continued, “We refuse to stay silent as Black artists continue to be criminalized for their creativity. Rap is art.” They also urged fans and members of the culture to stand with Durk: “As a family, we are asking the public, the fans, and the culture to stand with us. Stand for truth. Stand for fairness. Stand for The Voice.”

Lil Durk’s team slams indictment over old lyrics, fan edits, and alleged misconduct

The Chicago rapper’s legal team is pushing back on claims that connect him to an alleged assault referenced in Babyface Ray’s “Wonderful Wayne & Jackie Boy,” arguing the track was written months before the incident. In court filings, Durk’s lawyers accused the government of mishandling key evidence, saying, “The government’s misrepresentation in the Superseding Indictment, whether knowing or reckless, undermines the integrity of the grand jury’s true bill against Mr. Banks.” They’re asking the court to throw out the indictment entirely.

Durk’s defense also blasted prosecutors for allegedly using fan-made, edited videos from social media to link him to rival rapper Quando Rondo—claims they say are “misleading” and “flat-out wrong.”

Lil Durk’s trial is expected to begin later this year.

In a video posted to his Instagram Stories on Monday, March 17th, Ross questioned why no one shouted out Durk during their sets. “How many n***as screamed ‘free Durk’ at that Rolling Loud? How many?” he asked his followers. He then switched gears, advising young Black men to consider trades like plumbing or construction before circling back to his main point. “How many people said ‘free Lil Durk’ at Rolling Loud? Exactly.”

Lil Durk has been behind bars since October after being arrested on murder-for-hire charges connected to the 2022 killing of Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson, the cousin of Quando Rondo. The Chicago rapper was denied bail due to reported misconduct while in jail, including alleged misuse of the phone system despite clear restrictions.

Authorities accuse Durk of financing Lul Pab’s murder as retaliation for the 2020 death of his close friend and collaborator, King Von, who was killed in an altercation with Quando Rondo’s crew. Prosecutors claim that flights and rental cars for the five suspects involved in the shooting were paid for using a credit card linked to Durk’s OTF label.

Durk is facing the possibility of life in prison, with the death penalty still on the table. His trial, initially scheduled earlier, was postponed to October due to the case’s complexities, including reports that one of the defendants may be negotiating a plea deal.

Lil Durk donated $150,000 to Mayor Johnson’s campaign in 2023. During the press conference, Johnson remained undecided about the future of those funds. The donation allocation depends on Durk’s verdict in the upcoming case, which Johnson reserves.

“I don’t operate in feelings; I operate in truth and justice,” said Mayor Johnson. “I don’t know all the circumstances surrounding these accusations.” Pressed further on the optics of retaining the contribution, he stood firm, “If you’re asking me to judge a Black man before a full trial, I hope you understand why it’s not my position to decide someone’s fate prematurely.”

Johnson’s response follows Broadview, Illinois’s mayor rescinding Lil Durk’s recently granted Key to the City and terminating a partnership with the rap star’s charity organization. Mayor Katrina Thompson issued an official statement on Friday.

In a Facebook post, Mayor Thompson wrote: “While the American system of justice grants everyone the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law, in the Village of Broadview, the court of public opinion of residents has even higher moral and ethical standards of behavior. And our public partners must also reflect the same uncompromising standards demanded by our residents. Given the news that Durk “Lil Durk” Banks has been arrested in Florida and charged with murder for hire, the Village of Broadview is withdrawing our honorary ‘key to the village’ granted to Durk and is terminating our partnership agreement with his youth organization, Neighborhood Heroes Foundation. As mayor, protecting Broadview’s interests and upholding the values of residents is job number one.”

Banks’ community involvement and Neighborhood Heroes have linked him to numerous prominent figures, both locally and nationally. Legal expert Gil Soffer cautioned against drawing premature conclusions about political ties, stating, “We’re far from any criminal exposure for political officials. The focus here is on the violent crime charged; everything else is noise.”

More as this story develops.

According to recent reports, the rapper now faces one count of conspiracy, one count of using interstate facilities to commit a murder-for-hire that resulted in death, and one count related to the use, carrying, and discharge of firearms, including a machine gun, in furtherance of a violent crime that also resulted in death.

We previously reported that Lil Durk’s arrest resulted in the withdrawal of the key he received to the Illinois city of Village of Broadview, according to the mayor’s office. Mayor Katrina Thompson issued an official statement on the withdrawal on Friday morning (Oct. 25). 

“While the American system of justice grants everyone the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law, in the Village of Broadview, the court of public opinion of residents has even higher moral and ethical standards of behavior.”

Mayor Thompson continued: “And our public partners must also reflect the same uncompromising standards demanded by our residents. Given the news that Durk “Lil Durk” Banks has been arrested in Florida and charged with murder for hire, the Village of Broadview is withdrawing our honorary ‘key to the village’ granted to Durk and is terminating our partnership agreement with his youth organization, Neighborhood Heroes Foundation. As mayor, protecting Broadview’s interests and upholding the values of residents is job number one.”