Clean infographic titled “Quick Facts” featuring Lil Durk’s portrait on the left and a fact grid on the right. Details include: Real name Durk Derrick Banks, stage name Lil Durk (aka The Voice, Durkio, Smurk), from Englewood, South Side Chicago, breakout hit “Dis Ain’t What U Want” (2013), Billboard milestone 7220 (2022) debuting No. 1 on the Billboard 200, and a motivational quote: “I want the next kid from our side of town to see school and business as real options.”

Lil Durk – Biography, Age, Songs, Net Worth, Facts (2025) & More

NEED TO KNOW

  • Voice of Chicago’s 2010s street rap wave: Lil Durk born Durk Derrick Banks led the “Signed to the Streets” era and helped turn local drill energy into national momentum through mixtapes, Def Jam releases and later his OTF movement. 1
  • Billboard breakthroughs: His 2022 album 7220 became his first solo No. 1 on the Billboard 200, later returning to No. 1 in April 2022. 2
  • Grammy win: “All My Life” with J. Cole arrived as a hopeful anthem, peaking at No. 2 on the Hot 100 and winning Best Melodic Rap Performance at the 66th Grammys.
  • OTF engine: Only The Family grew from a crew tag to a label platform with compilation series like Family Over Everything, Loyal Bros, and Loyal Bros 2 that lifted a roster of Chicago and Midwest voices. 3
  • Community focus and headlines: His Neighborhood Heroes nonprofit funds scholarships and youth programs, while recent legal events have also kept him in the news. 4

“I decided I had to finish, but the media called me a menace. I sit with politicians, I am trying to change the image.” 5

Durk Derrick Banks was born on October 19, 1992 in Chicago. He grew up on the South Side and began recording as a teen. His early singles and features brought attention to a voice that mixed pain, melody and street detail. He released the “Signed to the Streets” mixtapes, joined Def Jam and kept entertaining a growing base with records that traveled from Chicago blogs to national playlists. 6 OTF evolved from a brand into a label that backed his circle and collaborators and helped launch careers across Chicago’s modern rap.7

Lil Durk Personal Info.

Bio/Wiki
NicknameThe Voice, Smurk, Durkio 8
ProfessionRapper, Songwriter, Entrepreneur
Date of BirthOctober 19, 1992 9
Physical Stats
Height~5'9" (175 cm)
Eye ColorDark Brown
Hair ColorBlack (often dyed blond dreads)
Weight~70 kg (155 lbs)
Career
Debut Song“L’s Anthem” (2012) 10
Breakthrough Feature“Laugh Now Cry Later” with Drake (2020) 11
Genre
  • Drill
  • Hip-hop
  • Trap
Instruments & ToolsVocals, Songwriting
Collaborations
  • Drake
  • Lil Baby
  • King Von
  • Polo G
LabelOnly The Family (OTF), Alamo Records
OccupationRapper, Label Owner
Personal Life
NameDurk Derrick Banks
Age32 (as of 2025)
NationalityAmerican
HometownEnglewood, Chicago
EducationPaul Robeson High School (reported) 12
EthnicityAfrican-American
Partner & Family
Relationship StatusOn-off relationship with India Royale 13
ParentsFather: Dontay “Big Durk” Banks | Mother: Not Public 14
ChildrenWillow Banks + other kids reported 15
SiblingsBrother: DThang (deceased 2021) 16
Earnings & Assets
Net WorthEstimated $8 million (2025, blog reports; not independently verified)
Key Milestones
  • “All My Life” → Grammy win (2024)
  • “The Voice of the Heroes” (with Lil Baby) → Billboard #1
  • Founded OTF label → signed King Von
Income SourcesMusic sales, tours, label, merch, brand deals
Preferences & Interests
Favourite RappersChief Keef, Lil Baby (mentions in interviews)
Favourite SongsHis own “All My Life”, “Ahhh Ha”
Favourite HobbiesGaming, Fashion, Family time
Food HabitNon-vegetarian (assumed; food features in interviews)
Social Media
Instagram@lildurk
Twitter@lildurk
YouTubeLil Durk Official
SpotifyLil Durk
Fun Facts

  • Started recording at home before age 20.

  • Called himself “The Voice” as a message to Chicago youth.

  • Proposed to India Royale on stage in 2021.

  • Close collaborator and cousin of King Von.

  • Has spoken openly about therapy and growth during Almost Healed rollout.

Some verified facts about Lil Durk (as of 2025)

Infographic timeline titled “Lil Durk: Career Milestones (2019–2025)” with a black-and-gold design. It highlights All My Life (2023) peaking at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 and winning a Grammy, 7220 topping the Billboard 200 twice in one month, Laugh Now Cry Later (2020) with Drake reaching Hot 100 #2, Broadway Girls (2021) as a crossover hit, OTF compilation albums spotlighting Booka600, Doodie Lo, and King Von, the 2023 Neighborhood Heroes Endowment with Howard University and Amazon, and a 2025 RIAA catalog certifications update. A photo of Lil Durk in a checkered suit is on the right.
Lil Durk Career Milestones (2019–2025) chart peaks, Grammy win, OTF moves, and philanthropy.
  • Hot 100 peaks: “All My Life” with J. Cole peaked at No. 2 on the Hot 100 marking his highest placement as a lead artist and later earning a Grammy.17
  • Album milestones: 7220 debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in March 2022 and returned to No. 1 a month later.18
  • Major crossover records: The feature on Drake’s “Laugh Now Cry Later” reached No. 2 and opened up new radio play and festival slots for him.
  • Country rap bridge: “Broadway Girls” with Morgan Wallen charted high and became a streaming event for both audiences. 19
  • OTF compilations: Durk led OTF releases like Family Over Everything and Loyal Bros which gave spotlight to Booka600, Doodie Lo and others.20
  • Philanthropy: Neighborhood Heroes launched the Durk Banks Endowment with Howard University and Amazon Music to fund scholarships for Chicago students. 21
  • Catalog recognition: RIAA documented significant single certifications across his catalog during 2025 updates. 22
See also  Who Is Lil Zay Osama? Real Name, Early Life, Gang Ties & Rise from Chicago's South Side

Career timeline

Early life and background (1992–2010)

A timeline-style graphic of Lil Durk’s early life roots (1992–2010), showing his South Side Chicago upbringing, family challenges, early music efforts, and the founding of OTF.
Lil Durk’s South Side story from Englewood to OTF beginnings
  • South Side roots: Durk grew up on the South Side of Chicago and built buzz by releasing music directly to platforms & not radio stations. He started recording young.
  • Family and upbringing: His father went to prison when he was a child and his mother raised him in Englewood which is a difficult part of the city to stay.
  • Finding music early: Durk has spoken about recording on borrowed equipment and learning to use social platforms to promote his music before he had label support.
  • OTF beginnings: Around 2010 he started calling his group Only The Family (OTF) which later grew into a label and a platform for other artists. 23

Music beginnings and Def Jam (2011–2014)

Infographic timeline of Lil Durk’s breakthrough era highlighting mixtapes, Def Jam signing, XXL Freshman 2014, and Pitchfork praise.
Lil Durk’s breakthrough years timeline (2011–2014).
  • Mixtape foundation: The Signed to the Streets tapes built a lane for melodic street records. The titles traveled through DatPiff era blogs, YouTube channels and social feeds that were learning how to move music at scale.
  • First label chapter: He signed to Def Jam and released Remember My Name in 2015.
  • Breakthrough mixtape: Signed to the Streets in 2013 gained praise from critics and fans establishing him as a standout in Chicago drill. 24
  • Freshman spotlight: Durk appeared in the XXL Freshman Class of 2014 which showcased him alongside other rising stars and boosted his national identity.
  • Critical praise: Pitchfork included Signed to the Streets in its overlooked mixtapes list & highlighting its impact.

Independent reset and OTF momentum (2015–2019)

Infographic titled “Lil Durk: Independent Reset & OTF Momentum (2015–2019)” with a dark red theme. Key milestones include his pivot to independence and OTF growth, signing with Alamo Records in 2018, releasing Signed to the Streets 3 with major collaborations, and the 2019 Family Over Everything OTF compilation. On the right, Lil Durk is pictured wearing a “SMURKIO” cap, hoodie, and layered Cuban link chains.
Lil Durk: Independent Reset & OTF Momentum (2015–2019) from Alamo signing to Family Over Everything.
  • New phase: Following his two Def Jam releases, Durk moved into a more independent model and focused on growing OTF. His music showed tighter hooks and cleaner production and OTF shifted from being a tag to becoming a pipeline for talent and projects.25
  • OTF releases: The 2019 compilation Family Over Everything reintroduced the circle to a wider audience and gave space to new voices within the camp.
  • Alamo signing: In 2018, he signed with Alamo Records and gained a new label base for his next stage.26
  • Key mixtapes: Signed to the Streets 3 (2018) showed his consistency and featured high-profile collaborations. 27

Mainstream rise and big collaborations (2020–2022)

Infographic showing Lil Durk’s mainstream success from 2020 to 2022, highlighting “Laugh Now Cry Later,” “Broadway Girls,” 7220 album, OTF compilations, and Voice of the Heroes with Lil Baby.
Lil Durk’s mainstream rise with chart-topping hits and major collaborations (2020–2022).
  • Drake moment: The success of “Laugh Now Cry Later” marked a turning point by placing Durk in heavy rotation and securing a No. 2 spot on the Hot 100.
  • Country rap handshake: “Broadway Girls” with Morgan Wallen became a multi-platform event pushing him deeper into pop radio conversations. 28
  • 7220 era: 7220 debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in March 2022 and later returned to the top in April 2022.
  • OTF compilations continue: Loyal Bros arrived in 2021 and Loyal Bros 2 in 2022 to keep the pipeline active. 29
  • Collaboration album: His joint project with Lil Baby “The Voice of the Heroes” also topped the Billboard 200 in 2021.

Almost Healed and New Heights (2023)

  • Album vision: With Almost Healed, Durk showed a softer lane by mixing choir textures with vulnerable lyrics. “All My Life” went on to be his highest-charting solo record and a Grammy win.30
  • Rollout: The run included an Apple Music on-camera conversation and a therapy-styled video pairing “Therapy Session” and “Pelle Coat” with Alicia Keys. 31
  • Grammy recognition: “All My Life” with J. Cole won Best Melodic Rap Performance at the 2024 Grammy Awards. 32

Durk in 2024-2025

  • Legal headlines: In late 2024 and into 2025, authorities charged Durk in connection with a 2022 Los Angeles killing with media noting he has pleaded not guilty. Reporting continues and the case remains active till date.
  • Music and shows: His catalogue kept chart activity through features, festival bookings and the long tail of Almost Healed and 7220. Tour runs in 2022 and 2023 built a larger live base for later cycles. 33
  • Philanthropy: Through his Neighborhood Heroes foundation, he funded scholarships at Howard University showing his effort to give back. 34

Controversies and legal issues

Infographic showing Lil Durk’s controversies and legal issues from 2019 to 2025, including Atlanta charges dismissal, Georgia home invasion, and LA federal case.
Lil Durk’s legal controversies timeline (2019–2025)

2019 Atlanta case resolved (dismissed in 2022)

In 2019 a shooting outside The Varsity in Atlanta led to Durk facing charges including attempted murder and aggravated assault. Three years later in October 2022, the Fulton County District Attorney decided not to pursue the case. The charges were dismissed and he was not convicted.35

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2021 home invasion in Georgia (no injuries)

In July 2021 authorities reported that several people tried to enter a home linked to the rapper in Braselton, Georgia. The Georgia Bureau of Investigation confirmed shots were fired between the intruders and those inside. No one was injured but the event showed the security risks public figures face.36

New Los Angeles federal case reported in 2024–2025 

In late 2024 federal prosecutors in Los Angeles filed a superseding indictment that accused Durk of being tied to a murder-for-hire plot connected to an August 2022 shooting near the Beverly Center. Reports through 2024 and 2025 note he has pleaded not guilty, is presumed innocent and that hearings on detention and bail are still moving through federal court.3738

Recent projects and Moves (2023–2025)

Infographic of Lil Durk’s recent career (2023–2025) featuring “All My Life,” Almost Healed interview, tours, global collaborations, and Grammy recognition.
Lil Durk’s 2023–2025 era highlights global collaborations, Grammy win, and live shows.

“All My Life” impact

  • The single showed a different side of Durk by blending a children’s choir and reflective lyrics about image and growth to move beyond his usual drill sound.
  • The video directed by Steve Cannon strengthened the song’s uplifting theme and helped Durk reach casual listeners who value both melody and message.39
  • The track went on to win Best Melodic Rap Performance at the 66th GRAMMYs marking it as a modern career touchdown alongside his biggest features.40

Interview moments “Almost Healed” Mindset

  • During his Apple Music interviews with Nadeska, Durk shared how therapy and personal losses influenced his new direction.
  • He explained that Almost Healed was about growth not bravado and that the choice of collaborator on All My Life came after a patient & careful process.4142

Tour energy 2022-2023 runs that built live equity

  • The 7220 tour and its Deluxe run kept Durk active in core markets through late 2022 giving him steady time in arenas and amphitheatres while sharpening the live show.43
  • At the 2023 iHeartRadio Music Festival, Durk performed for a broad national crowd that spanned genres and he surprised fans by bringing out J. Cole for “All My Life” giving the single a big festival moment.44

Remix lift & Global reach

  • By releasing official remixes with Burna Boy and Stray Kids, he gave the single new life and tapped into Afrobeats and K-pop markets.45

Health Pause and Tour Adjustments

  • In mid-2023 Durk canceled several shows after being hospitalized for severe dehydration and exhaustion.46

Discography

Graffiti-style mural infographic titled “Lil Durk: Discography Wall (2013–2025)” featuring twelve covers arranged in a two-row grid. Projects include Signed to the Streets (2013), Remember My Name (2015), Lil Durk 2X (2016), Just Cause Y’all Waited (2018), Signed to the Streets 3 (2018), Family Over Everything (2019), The Voice (2020), The Voice of the Heroes (2021), OTF Loyal Bros (2021), 7220 (2022), Almost Healed (2023), and the crossover single Broadway Girls (2021). The backdrop shows Chicago’s skyline and graffiti textures, with Lil Durk’s portrait blended into the wall and an OTF logo watermark.
Lil Durk Discography Wall (2013–2025) from mixtape breakthrough to Grammy-winning singles.
Title / ProjectDetails
Remember My Name (2015)Debut studio album on Def Jam / Only The Family; includes “Like Me” with Jeremih and set the tone for his melodic drill lane.47
Lil Durk 2X (2016)Second studio album with a sharper melodic tilt and tighter hooks following his 2015 debut.48
Signed to the Streets 3 (2018)First full release after the Alamo/Interscope move; features the standout “Neighborhood Hero.” 49
Love Songs 4 the Streets 2 (2019)Follow-up studio album that broadened themes and high-profile features while keeping his street-report writing. 50
Just Cause Y’all Waited 2 (2020)Addresses setbacks and growth; later expanded with a deluxe edition. 51
The Voice (2020)Late-year studio album that cemented his reflective, personal tone in the wake of heavy losses. 52
7220 (2022)Diaristic writing over piano-led production and a continued mainstream run.53
Almost Healed (2023)Therapy-framed project with the anthem “All My Life,” pushing confessional themes and uplift. 54
The Voice of the Heroes (with Lil Baby, 2021)High-profile collaborative album pairing two leaders of melodic street rap. 55
Family Over Everything (OTF, 2019)OTF compilation showcasing roster depth and Durk’s collective vision. 56
Loyal Bros (OTF, 2021)Label compilation highlighting OTF members and collaborators after *The Voice* era. 57
Loyal Bros 2 (OTF, 2022)Second OTF set continuing the showcase of the camp’s artists and affiliates. 58
Life Ain’t No Joke (2012)Breakout mixtape from the early drill era that helped build his core audience. 59
300 Days, 300 Nights (2015)Mixtape run that kept momentum between albums with a grittier street focus. 60
They Forgot (2016)Street tape with a back-to-basics feel between major releases. 61
“Dis Ain’t What U Want” (2013)Early calling-card single that spread through YouTube and mixtape circuits.62
“Like Me” (feat. Jeremih) (2015)Lead single from the debut that showcased his melodic approach. 63
“AHHH HA” (2022)Pre-release single powering the run-up to *7220*.64
“All My Life” (feat. J. Cole) (2023)Uplifting single from *Almost Healed* that became a major cultural touchpoint. 65

Fan connection and community impact

Infographic of Lil Durk showing grassroots fan support, social media influence, and community programs through his Neighborhood Heroes foundation.
Lil Durk’s fan power and Neighborhood Heroes foundation highlight his community impact.
  • Durk’s fanbase grew because of his direct communication and steady stream of music. Before big playlists backed him, supporters shared links and fans debated songs on forums. That same grassroots energy still drives how his news spreads today.66
  • He also uses mainstream platforms to put mission statements on camera. Apple Music and podcast shows gave him room to speak on growth and responsibility. 67

“I want the next kid from our side of town to see school and business as real options. That is why we started funding scholarships with Neighborhood Heroes.”68

  • Through his Neighborhood Heroes foundation, Durk created experiences that gave young people direct access to opportunities. One example was flying 19 Chicago students to New York to tour St. John’s University putting opportunity on display and living out the values of growth and responsibility he’s spoken about.69
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Business ventures and label deals

Infographic showing Lil Durk’s business ventures, OTF label expansion, and educational partnerships with Amazon Music and Howard University from 2019 to 2025.
Lil Durk’s OTF label growth and scholarship partnerships (2019–2025).

Only The Family (OTF): from rallying tag to label + compilation engine

What started as a crew slogan grew into a label platform that showcases its roster through regular compilations. In 2019 Family Over Everything put names like Booka600, Doodie Lo, Memo600 and King Von in front of fans.70 That formula carried forward with Loyal Bros in 2021 and Loyal Bros 2 in 2022 backed by EMPIRE’s distribution.

Scholarships and partners (Neighborhood Heroes × Amazon Music’s Rotation × Howard University)

In 2023, Durk announced the Durk Banks Endowment Fund with Amazon Music’s Rotation brand and Howard University granting $50,000 scholarships to two Chicago students and adding $250,000 for Howard’s GRACE retention grants.717273 Several outlets noted the funding structure and Springfest announcement presenting clear proof that the partnership was a planned programme & not just a one-off event.

Relationships and family

Collage highlighting Lil Durk’s family journey from 2018–2025, including Willow’s birth, public proposal, India Royale’s posts, and Almost Healed reflections on growth.
Lil Durk with India Royale and daughter, reflecting family milestones.
  • Lil Durk’s relationship with India Royale has been in the public eye for years. Like many long relationships they’ve had close periods and breaks. Their daughter Willow was born in 2018 and both parents have often shared family updates on social media and in interviews.74
  • In December 2021, Durk proposed in front of a Chicago crowd turning a career high into a family-centered moment. It connected his personal story directly to what he was rapping about at the time.75
  • In a People feature, India is shown balancing her own platforms with family life. She shares milestones such as birthdays and school days and fans have followed Willow’s growth through small posts and party highlights which made the family feel relatable as well as famous.74
  • In the Almost Healed period, Durk began talking more about therapy and being there for family. He connected his growth to how he approached fatherhood and his relationship. Fans could already see that message in India’s content and their posts together and it helped explain breaks when life or health got heavy.76
  • Over time, the relationship became part of Durk’s public story. Willow’s birth in 2018 brought fatherhood to the front. His 2021 onstage proposal showed family as the focus during a peak career run. Since then, posts and interviews have highlighted daily life and steady co-parenting more than drama.

📌 Show Footnotes
  1. Source: Wikipedia Lil Durk[↩]
  2. Source: Uproxx First No. 1 with 7220[↩]
  3. Source: Apple Music Family Over Everything[↩]
  4. Source: Neighborhood Heroes  Official site[↩]
  5. Source: Apple Music Interview Almost Healed[↩]
  6. Source: Wikipedia Lil Durk profile[↩]
  7. Source: Wikipedia Loyal Bros[↩]
  8. Source: Pitchfork[↩]
  9. Source: AllMusic[↩]
  10. Source: The FADER[↩]
  11. Source: Pitchfork[↩]
  12. Source: HipHopScriptures[↩]
  13. Source: GQ Couples Quiz[↩]
  14. Source: XXL[↩]
  15. Source: Capital XTRA[↩]
  16. Source: ABC7 Chicago[↩]
  17. Source: XXL Hot 100 peak[↩]
  18. Source: Uproxx – 7220 returns to No. 1[↩]
  19. Source: Billboard Broadway Girls chart story[↩]
  20. Source: Apple Music Loyal Bros[↩]
  21. Source: MusicBiz.org Endowment[↩]
  22. Source: RIAA Certification roundup[↩]
  23. Source: Last.fm OTF bio[↩]
  24. Source: Wikipedia Signed to the Streets[↩]
  25. Source: Pitchfork OTF context[↩]
  26. Source: The FADER Alamo Records[↩]
  27. Source: Wikipedia Signed to the Streets 3[↩]
  28. Source: Billboard Broadway Girls[↩]
  29. Source: Wikipedia Loyal Bros 2[↩]
  30. Source: Apple Music Almost Healed[↩]
  31. Source: Wikipedia Pelle Coat[↩]
  32. Source: Pitchfork  Grammy news[↩]
  33. Source: Consequence Tour news[↩]
  34. Source: HBCU Sports Scholarships[↩]
  35. Source: AJC Charges dropped in 2019 Atlanta case[↩]
  36. Source: Vulture GBI-confirmed home-invasion details[↩]
  37. Source: U.S. DOJ (CDCA)  Superseding indictment, Nov 8, 2024[↩]
  38. Source: LA Times Judge orders detention; not-guilty plea noted[↩]
  39. Source: Sony Music Press release & video framing[↩]
  40. Source: Recording Academy 2024 winners list[↩]
  41. Source: LA Times[↩]
  42. Source: REVOLT Apple Music/Nadeska takeaways[↩]
  43. Source: Audacy  2022 7220 tour announcement & dates[↩]
  44. Source: iHeartMedia 2023 festival lineup w/ Durk[↩]
  45. Source: Rap-Up “All My Life” remixes (Burna Boy & Stray Kids)[↩]
  46. Source: People  cancellations amid health issues[↩]
  47. Source: Discogs Remember My Name[↩]
  48. Source: Pitchfork Lil Durk 2X[↩]
  49. Source: AllMusic – STTS 3[↩]
  50. Source: AllMusic – Love Songs 4 the Streets 2[↩]
  51. Source: AllMusic – Just Cause Y’all Waited 2[↩]
  52. Source: AllMusic – The Voice[↩]
  53. Source: Metacritic 7220[↩]
  54. Source: AllMusic – Almost Healed[↩]
  55. Source: AllMusic – The Voice of the Heroes[↩]
  56. Source: Discogs Family Over Everything (artist page listing)[↩]
  57. Source: AllMusic – Loyal Bros[↩]
  58. Source: AllMusic – Loyal Bros 2[↩]
  59. Source: Pitchfork – Mixtape Review[↩]
  60. Source: AllMusic – 300 Days, 300 Nights[↩]
  61. Source: AllMusic – They Forgot[↩]
  62. Source: YouTube “Dis Ain’t What U Want” (Official)[↩]
  63. Source: YouTube – “Like Me” (Official)[↩]
  64. Source: YouTube “AHHH HA” (Official)[↩]
  65. Source: YouTube – “All My Life” (Official)[↩]
  66. Source: Reddit r/hiphopheads OTF discussion[↩]
  67. Source: YouTube Million Dollaz Worth of Game channel[↩]
  68. Source: Neighborhood Heroes Who We Are[↩]
  69. Source: FOX 32 Chicago NYC college exposure trip[↩]
  70. Source: HipHopDX Family Over Everything release + roster[↩]
  71. Source: iHeart (Power 99) scholarship announcement summary[↩]
  72. Source: HipHopWired endowment + $250K GRACE contribution[↩]
  73. Source: The Hype Magazine programme details + GRACE grant support[↩]
  74. Source: People India Royale profile[↩][↩]
  75. Source: iHeart on-stage proposal[↩]
  76. Source: LA Times therapy and mindset[↩]

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