Lil Durk, born Durk Derrick Banks on October 19, 1992, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter from Chicago, Illinois. His unique sound and style have made a name for himself in the hip-hop industry. As the lead member and founder of the record label and collective Only The Family (OTF), Lil Durk has played an influential role in shaping the careers of various artists in the music scene.
Since entering the music world, Lil Durk has released numerous successful projects, including mixtapes, albums, and singles. Collaborating with well-known artists like J. Cole, his music reaches a broad audience and showcases his undeniable talent. Lil Durk’s music often reflects his experiences growing up in Chicago and sheds light on individuals’ challenges in similar situations.
Throughout his career, Lil Durk has continued to evolve as an artist, demonstrating his versatility and ability to connect with fans around the globe. His music has become a staple in the hip-hop community, earning critical acclaim and solidifying his position as a prominent figure in the industry.
Early Life and Career
Growing Up in Chicago
Lil Durk, born Durk Derrick Banks on October 19, 1992, is a rapper from Englewood, a neighborhood on the south side of Chicago, Illinois. At a young age, he took on responsibilities at home as his father was incarcerated when he was just seven months old. He has stated that he faced difficult times, such as not having enough food at home during his childhood.
Entry into Music Scene
Durk attended Paul Robeson High School, where he would rap for fun in front of school crowds, but eventually dropped out. He started taking his music career more seriously and debuted in 2012. He gained popularity within the rap and hip hop scene through a series of mixtapes and projects, including Signed to the Streets (2013), Remember My Name (2015), and Love Songs 4 The Streets 2 (2018).
Collaborations with Lil Reese and Other Artists
Lil Durk’s collaborations with fellow Chicago-based rapper Lil Reese significantly influenced his career growth. They released a joint project titled Supa Vultures EP in 2017, which showcased their chemistry and helped garner attention. Lil Durk’s Love Songs 4 the Streets 2 album released in 2019 also featured guest appearances from notable artists such as 21 Savage, Nicki Minaj, and Meek Mill, further boosting his presence in the music industry.
Throughout his career, Lil Durk has managed to make a name for himself as a prominent rapper from Chicago, while collaborating with various well-established artists and steadily gaining recognition in the music scene.
Musical Style and Evolution
Chicago Drill
Lil Durk’s music career started in the early 2010s with the rise of Chicago drill music. Incorporating raw, gritty lyrics and aggressive beats, Durk was part of the wave that popularized the drill sound. Some of his early songs demonstrate the influence of drill music on his style, which allowed him to gain considerable attention in the hip-hop community.
Hip-Hop and R&B Fusion
As Lil Durk’s career progressed, he developed a fusion of hip-hop and R&B in his music. This transition can be attributed to his ability to adapt to mainstream trends and explore various musical styles. His discography boasts many songs, from hard-hitting drill anthems to melodic, introspective tracks. Durk’s versatility showcases his growth as an artist and contributes to his lasting appeal in the industry.
Influence of Kanye West
Kanye West, a fellow Chicago artist, has significantly impacted Lil Durk’s music. Durk has admired Kanye’s work and drawn inspiration from his experimental approach to hip-hop. As a result, elements of Kanye’s influence can be detected in Durk’s music, whether in his choice of unconventional beats or bold thematic content.
J. Cole
Another influential figure in Lil Durk’s musical journey is J. Cole. Durk has cited Cole as a role model regarding lyrical prowess and storytelling abilities. This admiration for Cole has encouraged Durk to focus on substance in his music, as evidenced by his discography’s deep, introspective tracks. The influence of J. Cole can be heard in Durk’s thought-provoking lyrics and narrative-driven songs.
Discography
Mixtapes and Studio Albums
Lil Durk has released 13 mixtapes and eight studio albums throughout his career. His debut mixtape, titled Signed to the Streets, was released in 2013, which helped him gain significant popularity. Other notable mixtapes include Just Cause Y’all Waited and Love Songs for the Streets.
In 2015, Durk released his debut studio album, Remember My Name, which peaked at number 14 on the Billboard 200 charts. His sophomore album, Lil Durk 2X, was released in 2016 and reached the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Some of his recent studio albums are The Voice (2020) and The Voice of the Heroes (2021).
Collaborative Projects
Lil Durk has also been involved in several collaborative projects. In 2017, he teamed up with fellow Chicago rapper Lil Reese for a collaborative project named Supa Vultures. This EP marked the union of two prominent rap artists from Chicago’s drill music scene.
Top Charting Songs
Over the years, Lil Durk has had numerous songs that have charted on the Billboard Hot 100, showcasing his growth in popularity. Some of his top charting songs include:
- “Love Song”: A hit single that showcases Durk’s versatility as a rapper and singer.
- Tracks from The Voice and The Voice of the Heroes albums, further solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the music industry.
Lil Durk continues to make an impact in the rap scene with his unique blend of drill and contemporary rap styles.
Personal Life
Family and Relationships
Lil Durk, whose real name is Durk Derrick Banks, was born on October 19, 1992, in Chicago, Illinois. His father, Dontay Banks, was incarcerated during most of Lil Durk’s upbringing. He has had children from multiple relationships, including with Nicole Covone. Durk’s children are named Angelo, Bella, and Zayden.
The rapper was closely affiliated with late rapper King Von, who was also a member of the Only the Family collective. King Von and Lil Durk had a strong friendship and collaboration throughout their careers.
Legal Issues
Throughout his career, Lil Durk faced multiple legal issues. In February 2019, he was involved in a shooting in Atlanta and faced criminal charges. Durk was subsequently released on bail.
As an artist, Lil Durk has been known to express his life experiences in his music, including the tragic loss of friends and fellow artists such as Nunu, who was also known as OTF Nunu and was killed in 2014. Lil Durk has turned to therapy as a way to cope with the tragedies in his life, which is evident in his album “Almost Healed,” released in 2023.
Label and Business Ventures
Only the Family (OTF)
Lil Durk is the lead member and founder of the collective and record label Only the Family (OTF). He launched this collective to support and promote the talents of various Chicago artists. OTF has become a strong force in the rap scene, with several of its members gaining significant attention in the music industry.
Alamo Records and Def Jam
Lil Durk’s journey in the music world began when he started rapping on platforms like YouTube and MySpace. His first mixtape, released without a label, gained significant traction and set the stage for his subsequent signing. Durk eventually inked a joint venture deal to bring his rap collective Only the Family under Def Jam Recordings. This partnership provided him with the resources and platform to reach a wider audience and solidify his presence in the music industry.
Lil Durk later signed with Alamo Records, further expanding his career opportunities and strengthening his relationship with the music industry. The success of his seventh studio album 7220 has led to a recent $40 million deal with his label, propelling him further into the limelight and establishing him as a key figure in the rap world.
Throughout his career, Durk has experimented with various styles and collaborations, consistently evolving his sound to reflect his growth as an artist. His dedication to both his own music and the success of his label and collective has cemented his status as a significant player in the music business.
In addition to his music career, Lil Durk has also ventured into other business sectors, such as trucking and real estate, showcasing his entrepreneurial spirit. By diversifying his income streams, he has demonstrated his ability to succeed beyond music and build an empire that spans various industries.
Notable Collaborations
Working with Future and Young Thug
Lil Durk has had some significant collaborations with popular artists such as Future and Young Thug. In 2022, he worked with Future on a track called “Spin the Block,” which quickly gained traction among fans. This successful partnership demonstrated Lil Durk’s ability to blend his unique sound with other well-known artists. Additionally, Lil Durk and Young Thug collaborated on the song “Stay Down,” further proving his versatility and talent in the music industry.
Partnerships with Juice WRLD and Gunna
In recent years, Lil Durk has also collaborated with the late Juice WRLD and rising star Gunna. His teamwork with Juice WRLD led to the creation of the song “Dying to Live,” which showcases both artists’ talents. Moreover, his partnership with Gunna includes the song “Like That,” showcasing his ability to adapt and work with different artists in the rap industry.
Appearances on Songs with Alicia Keys and Kodak Black
Lil Durk’s collaborations extend beyond the hip-hop and rap genre, as evidenced by his work with talented artists like Alicia Keys and Kodak Black. His appearance on Alicia Keys’ song “Trouble,” brought a unique blend of rap and R&B to the track, accentuating both artists’ strengths. In contrast, his work with Kodak Black on the song “No Auto Durk” showcased his skill in the rap genre and his knack for spotting talented collaborators.
In conclusion, Lil Durk’s notable collaborations include working with prominent artists such as Future, Young Thug, Juice WRLD, Gunna, Alicia Keys, and Kodak Black. These partnerships highlight his diverse range and abilities within the industry, appealing to a broad audience and paving the way for further success in his career.
Frequently Asked Questions
Net Worth?
As of 2023, Lil Durk’s net worth is estimated to be $3 million. He has amassed this wealth through his successful career as a rapper, singer, and songwriter.
Reason for Fame?
Lil Durk gained recognition as the lead member and founder of the Chicago rap collective “Only the Family”. He is known for his unique style and powerful lyrics, which have helped him build a dedicated fan base.
Twin Sibling?
Lil Durk does not have a twin sibling. However, he does have siblings, but information on them is less publicized.
Ever Topped Charts?
Yes, Lil Durk has topped charts in the past. In 2022, his album 7220 reached the number one spot on the Billboard 200 chart.
Latest Album?
Lil Durk’s latest album is the platinum-certified “7220”, released in 2022. It features hit songs like “AHHH HA”, “What Happened To Virgil” (feat. Gunna), and “Broadway Girls” (feat. Morgan Wallen).
Associated Artists?
Throughout his career, Lil Durk has collaborated with various prominent artists including Gunna, Morgan Wallen, Polo G, King Von, and more. His music spans across different genres and styles, reflecting his versatility as an artist.