Lil Durk, born Durk Derrick Banks on October 19, 1992, in Chicago, Illinois, is a prominent figure in the drill music scene. Growing up in the Englewood neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago, Durk faced many hardships, including the incarceration of his father when he was just seven months old. This early responsibility shaped his life and music. Durk’s foray into music began on social media platforms like Myspace and YouTube, where he started to gain a following with his raw and emotional style.
At 17, Durk became a father and dropped out of Paul Robeson High School, joining the Black Disciples, a street gang in Chicago. This decision led to numerous legal troubles, including a stint in jail in October 2011 for gun charges. Despite these setbacks, Durk’s commitment to his music never wavered. In 2011, he released his first mixtape, “I’m a Hitta,” followed by “I’m Still a Hitta” and “Life Ain’t No Joke” in 2012. His breakthrough came with the single “L’s Anthem,” which caught the attention of Def Jam Recordings.
Durk’s debut album, “Remember My Name,” was released in 2015 and featured collaborations with artists like Logic and Jeremih. The album reached number 14 on the Billboard 200, solidifying Durk’s place in the music industry. His second album, “Lil Durk 2X,” followed in 2016, featuring hits like “She Just Wanna” with Ty Dolla $ign. Despite these successes, Durk parted ways with Def Jam in 2018.
Undeterred, Durk continued to release music independently. His mixtape, “Just Cause Y’all Waited,” dropped in March 2018, and he soon signed with Alamo Records. In April 2020, Durk achieved his first entry on the Billboard Hot 100 as a lead artist with the single “Viral Moment.” That same year, he released “3 Headed Goat” featuring Polo G and Lil Baby, “Backdoor,” and “The Voice.” Durk’s features on Drake’s “Laugh Now Cry Later” and Pooh Shiesty’s “Back in Blood” further cemented his status in the industry.
In 2021, Durk’s collaboration with Lil Baby on the album “The Voice of the Heroes” debuted at number one on the Billboard 200. His seventh album, “7220,” released in 2022, also reached the top of the charts. Durk’s eighth album, “Almost Healed” (2023), included the hit single “All My Life” featuring J. Cole, which peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100 and won a Grammy Award for Best Melodic Rap Performance.
Beyond his solo career, Durk is the founder and lead member of the collective and record label Only the Family (OTF), established in 2010. OTF has released six albums and featured members like the late King Von. Durk’s influence extends beyond music, as he has become a significant cultural figure, known for his perseverance and dedication.
Lil Durk’s journey from the streets of Chicago to the top of the charts is a testament to his talent and resilience. His music, deeply rooted in his experiences and struggles, resonates with fans worldwide, making him a pivotal artist in contemporary hip-hop.