Lil Durk

Durk Banks, better known as Lil Durk, has risen to become one of the most influential figures in modern hip-hop and a defining voice of Chicago’s drill movement. Widely regarded as the most commercially successful rapper in the subgenre, Durk has consistently translated the raw intensity of drill into mainstream appeal without losing authenticity. His breakthrough came with the success of Viral Moment in 2020, followed by a string of hits such as 3 Headed Goat, Backdoor, and The Voice, which solidified his place on the Billboard Hot 100 and brought him into collaboration with top artists, including Drake, Lil Baby, and J. Cole. His albums The Voice of the Heroes (with Lil Baby) and 7220 both debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200, while his Grammy-winning single All My Life became one of his biggest career milestones. Along with multiple platinum records and high-profile collaborations, he also leads his own label and collective, Only the Family (OTF). 

Lil Durk’s early life was marked by hardship and responsibility, shaping both his struggles and his path toward music.

• He was born as Durk Devontay Banks on October 19, 1992, in the Englewood neighborhood on the South Side of Chicago, Illinois.
• His father was incarcerated when Durk was only seven months old, leaving him to grow up with limited family support.
• He often faced difficult living conditions, including times when there was not enough food at home.
• As a teenager, he began posting music on Myspace and YouTube, slowly building an online fan base.
• At age 17, after becoming a father, he dropped out of Paul Robeson High School and joined the Chicago street gang Black Disciples.
• He ran into legal troubles in 2011 with gun charges, but continued to pursue music despite setbacks.
• His early singles like “Sneak Dissin’” and “I’ma Hitta” gained local attention and set the stage for his breakout with the mixtape Signed to the Streets in 2013.

Lil Durk’s family life has been filled with challenges, losses, and strong bonds that have shaped who he is today.

• His father, Dontay Banks Sr., was arrested in 1993 for a crack-cocaine distribution case and sentenced to life in prison in 1994. He was released in 2019 after nearly 25 years.
• He had several siblings, including his brother Dontay “DThang” Banks Jr., who was shot and killed in 2021.
• His cousin, OTF Nunu, and his manager, OTF Chino Dolla, were both killed in shootings.
• He began dating Nicole Covone in 2008. They had two children together named Angelo Banks in 2011 and Bella Banks in 2013, before parting ways.
• He is also the father of Zayden Banks, Romeo Banks, and Du’mier Banks. The mothers of these children have not been publicly identified.
• His daughter Skylar Banks was born to Tameka Kute.
• Since 2017, he has been with India Royale, who is a social media influencer and entrepreneur. They welcomed Willow Banks in 2018 and got married in 2024.