Lil Durk is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter probably best known for being the lead member and founder of his own collective and record label, Only the Family.
He released his debut studio album “Remember My Name” on June 2, 2015, which peaked at number fourteen on the Billboard 200. His highest-charting album titled “7220” was released on March 11, 2022, and reached number one on the Billboard 200 chart. Out of nine albums released by Lil as of July 2025, six albums had charted within the top 5 of the Billboard 200. Known for his melodic style, gritty lyricism, and emotionally honest storytelling, Lil Durk has emerged as one of the most influential voices in modern hip-hop. His journey from Chicago’s South Side to becoming a chart-topping artist is both inspiring and impactful. So, who is Lil Durk? Here’s everything you need to know about the rapper.
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Lil Durk Biography
Durk was born on the 19th of October 1992, in Chicago, Illinois, United States of America. The young rapper is 32 years old as of 2025.
Birth Name | Durk Derrick Banks |
Nickname | Lil Durk |
Date of Birth | October 19, 1992 |
Place of Birth | Chicago, Illinois, U.S. |
Age | 32 |
Sun Sign | Libra |
Profession | Rapper, Singer, Songwriter |
Nationality | American |
Ethnicity | African-American |
Religion | Muslim |
Marital Status | Married |
Spouse | India Royale |
Children | 7 |
Family and Education
Lil Durk is the son of Dontay Banks. He had a younger brother, Dontay “DThang” Banks Jr., who was also a rapper but was tragically killed in 2021. Details about his mother are not available.
The responsibility of his family fell on his shoulders at a young age following his father’s incarceration when he was 7 years old. He didn’t go to school and learned music on his own watching music videos on television.
Durk attended Paul Robeson High School in Chicago but dropped out during his senior year due to gang involvement and to focus on his music career.
Lil Durk Love Life
Lil has been in a relationship with the social media personality, India Royale since 2017. The duo tied the knot in 2024 before his arrest, involving in a murder for hire scheme in 2022 that resulted in the killing of Quando Rondo’s cousin.
He was married to Nicole Covone from 2008 to 2013, with whom he has two sons named Zayden and Angelo and a daughter, Bella.
Lil Durk was rumored to be dating fellow rapper Dej Loaf in early 2016. However, Durk confirmed that it was just a rumor and has never been in a relationship with her.
He has seven children in total from different relationships.
Physical Statistics
Height | Feet – 5 feet 11 inches Centimeters – 180 cm Meters – 1.8 m |
Weight | Kilograms – 72 kg Pounds – 158 lbs |
Body Build | Athletic |
Eye Color | Brown |
Hair Color | Black |
Sexuality | Straight |
Shoe Size | 8.5 (Us) |
Distinctive Features | Tattoos on his hands |
Career Overview
Durk’s career took off with the release of his “Ima Hitta” mxtape series in 2011, which earned praise from critics and fans alike. He signed with Def Jam Recordings and released his debut studio album “Remember My Name” on June 2, 2015, peaking at No. 14 on the Billboard 200. The album spawned hit singles “Like Me” (feat. Jeremih), and “What Your Life Like”.
On July 22, 2016, he released his second album “Lil Durk 2X”, featuring hit tracks “My Beyoncé” (feat. Dej Loaf), “She Just Wanna”. Though less critically acclaimed than his debut, the album peaked at number 29 on the Billboard 200.
Durk’s third studio album “Signed to the Streets 3” arrived on November 9, 2018, which is the last installment of his Signed to the Streets trilogy. The album reached number 17 on the Billboard 200.
He released his fourth studio album “Love Songs 4 the Streets 2” on August 2, 2019. Peaked at number four, it became his first album to rach the top 5 on the Billboard 200. It spawned hit tracks “Like That” and Bougie (feat. Meek Mill).
His fifth album “Just Cause Y’all Waited 2” was released on May 8, 2020. It debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200, becoming his first album to reach the top 2 and spawned hot singles “3 Headed Goat” (featuring Lil Baby and Polo G) and “Gucci Gucci” (featuring Gunna).
That same year, released another album “The Voice,” making it as his sixth album, charted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200.
His seventh album “7220,” named after his grandmother’s house address was his career defining album that met with mainstream success eventulaly became his first album to top the Billboard 200. It was released on March 11, 2022, and featured hit tracks “AHHH HA”, “Broadway Girls” (feat. Morgan Wallen).
On May 26, 2023, Durk released his eighth album “Almost Healed” and it peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. It included the top-ten single, “All My Life”, featuring J. Cole.
His most recent studio album “Deep Thoughts” was released on March 28, 2025. It also peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200.
Lil Durk Net Worth
Lil Durk’s net worth is estimated at $8 million dollars. The artist had an on-and-off kind of music career because he was jailed much of the time during his career. Much of his earnings come from music.
He lives in a luxury Hollywood mansion in Los Angeles. The house is exquisitely designed with a spacious living area, two pools with a grandeur outlook.
The budding artist has a penchant for sports cars. He has a customized all-chrome Ferrari, a red Bentley, and a Porsche.
Controversy & Legal Issues
Lil Durk’s journey through fame has not been without its legal battles and controversial headlines. While he has matured as an artist and public figure, his early years and associations have frequently brought him into the spotlight for the wrong reasons.
Early Legal Troubles
In 2011, Durk was first arrested on a weapons charge after police found a loaded .40 caliber handgun in his car. At the time, he was charged with unlawful use of a weapon by a felon and served a brief stint in jail. In 2013, he was again arrested for allegedly tossing a loaded handgun when approached by police. Though he maintained his innocence, these incidents branded him with a criminal reputation early in his career.
2019 Attempted Murder Case
In May 2019, Lil Durk turned himself in to Atlanta police after a warrant was issued for his arrest in connection with a shooting incident outside The Varsity, a restaurant in Atlanta. Prosecutors charged him with attempted murder, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm during a felony. Durk denied all allegations and was released on bond in June 2019.
The case dragged on for several years but was finally dismissed in October 2022, citing insufficient evidence to proceed to trial. The dismissal was seen as a significant legal win and a turning point in Durk’s life.
2024 Firearms Arrest
In March 2024, Lil Durk was arrested again in Atlanta after a firearm was discovered in a vehicle tied to him during a traffic stop. As a convicted felon, possession of a firearm violated federal laws, leading to serious weapons charges.
His legal team responded swiftly, asserting that Durk had no knowledge of the weapon and was cooperating fully with authorities. The arrest sparked debate online, with fans launching the viral hashtag #FreeDurk, expressing their support and urging fairness in the legal process.
Murder-for-Hire Arrest
In a shocking twist, Lil Durk was arrested in October 2024 on federal charges related to a murder-for-hire plot. According to the FBI, the rapper was allegedly involved in coordinating a payment scheme to target a rival gang affiliate in Chicago. The charges include conspiracy to commit murder, wire fraud, and unlawful use of communication devices to arrange the crime.
Authorities cited phone records, financial transactions, and alleged witness testimony tying Durk to the case. His legal team has denied all accusations, stating the evidence is “circumstantial” and based on misinterpretation of his communications. As of mid-2025, the case is pending trial in federal court, and Lil Durk is out on conditional bail under strict legal monitoring.
This latest development could prove to be the most serious legal challenge the rapper has ever faced, potentially carrying a life sentence if convicted.
Facts
Durk Banks started his music career at an early age and learned music by watching TV videos. At 19, he took music seriously and worked with fellow rapper Chief Keef.
Lil Durk had a rough childhood and had to take care of his family at an early age as his father was arrested in a drug case.
The violent neighborhood in which he was brought up had a deep impact on Lil Durk. During his teens, he was incarcerated briefly on charges of possessing weapons.
He was named “Rapper of the Year” by Underground Interviews in 2016.
In 2011, Durk was arrested on a weapon charge and sentenced to three months in jail. He was arrested multiple times and was on and off the jail.
His two children Angelo and Bellara were born to his wife Nicole Covone, however, the third child Zayden was born to another woman. he hasn’t disclosed a lot of information about her yet.
He follows fashion and is always noticed with sophisticated accessories like watches, glasses, and jewelry. Lil Durk is also a fan of dirt bikes.
In 2021, he released the song titled The Voice of the Heroes, which debuted atop the Billboard 200.
In August 2021, Durk was featured in Kanye West’s tenth studio album Donda.