Lil Durk, born Durk Derrick Banks on October 19, 1992, in Chicago, Illinois, grew up in a challenging family environment. His father, Dontay Banks Sr., popularly known as Big Durk, was sentenced to life in prison on federal drug charges when Durk was only about seven months old. He spent roughly 26 years behind bars before being released in 2019. Since his release, Big Durk has remained supportive of his son.

His mother, LaShawnda Woodard, largely raised him and his siblings during his father’s absence. Durk grew up with two sisters and a brother, Dontay Banks Jr., popularly known as DThang, who was also involved in music before his death in 2021.

Education

Education, Lil Durk attended Paul Robeson High School in Chicago, but he did not complete his secondary education. He eventually dropped out as he became increasingly involved in street life and began pursuing music more seriously. His difficult upbringing, his father’s long imprisonment, and becoming a father himself at a young age all played a role in shaping his early life and eventually influenced his music career.

Career Path

Lil Durk began his music career as a teenager in Chicago, releasing independent mixtapes and building a following online. In 2010, he started Only the Family (OTF), a group of artists and friends focused on making music together. OTF later grew into a record label and became closely associated with artists such as King Von and DThang. Durk gained wider attention with songs like “L’s Anthem” and “Dis Ain’t What U Want,” which helped establish him in Chicago’s drill music scene. His growing popularity eventually earned him a deal with Def Jam Recordings, and he was selected for the 2014 XXL Freshman Class.

He released his first studio album, Remember My Name, in 2015 and later signed with Alamo Records in 2018. His career continued to grow with projects such as The Voice, The Voice of the Heroes with Lil Baby, and 7220, which became his first No. 1 album on the Billboard 200. In 2023, his album "Almost Healed" featured the hit song “All My Life” with J. Cole, which won a Grammy Award. Over the years, Lil Durk has developed from a Chicago drill artist into one of the more commercially successful rappers from the city.

Relationship

Lil Durk’s most well known relationship has been with India Royale, a social media influencer, model and entrepreneur. The two began dating around 2017 and welcomed their daughter, Willow Banks, in 2018. Durk also has children from previous relationships and has been involved in raising India’s older daughter, Skylar. Their relationship has had its ups and downs over the years, but they have remained an important part of each other’s lives. Durk proposed to India in 2021 during his Lollapalooza performance, but they later separated before eventually reconciling.

Before his relationship with India Royale, Lil Durk was in a relationship with Nicole Covone, with whom he has two children, Angelo and Bella. Durk has often expressed his feelings for India through his music, including songs such as India, ndia Pt. 2, and “India Pt. 3 which were inspired by their relationship.

Networth and Cars

Lil Durk’s net worth is estimated at $8 million. His wealth comes mainly from his successful music career, streaming revenue, live performances, collaborations, and his Only the Family (OTF) music business.

Lil Durk is also known for his taste in luxury cars. His collection has included highend vehicles such as a Lamborghini Urus, Lamborghini Aventador, Rolls Royce Cullinan, Dodge Challenger SRT Hellcat, Jeep Grand Cherokee Trackhawk, Bentley Bentayga, and Rolls Royce Wraith.

Movie & TV Appearance

Lil Durk has also made appearances outside music. He appeared in the popular crime drama series Power, adding acting to his growing list of entertainment appearances. His appearance reflected his connection to hiphop and urban culture, as the Power franchise has featured several well known rappers and musicians throughout the series.

Controversies

Lil Durk is currently in federal custody in Los Angeles, where he is facing a federal murder for hire case. He was arrested in October 2024 and accused by prosecutors of arranging an attack on rapper Quando Rondo in retaliation for the 2020 killing of his close friend and OTF artist King Von. The 2022 attack took place near a shopping center in Los Angeles; Quando Rondo survived, but his cousin Saviay’a Lul Pab Robinson was killed. Durk has pleaded not guilty and denies the allegations.

His federal trial began in August 2026, and he remains in custody while the case is being heard. Prosecutors are seeking to prove that Durk used members of his OTF circle to carry out the alleged attack, while his defense maintains that he is not responsible for the killing. A separate racketeering related murder allegation was also brought against him, but a judge ruled that those new charges would be separated from the main murder for hire trial.