Rap music has no shortage of “Lil” rappers. That three-letter prefix is no free pass to the top, but one guy is making a big splash—Lil Durk.
Learn about Lil Durk age and how he became a hip-hop star.
Who Is Lil Durk?
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Lil Durk, whose real name is Durk Derrick Banks, is the poster boy of Chicago’s drill music, a mix of trap and gangsta rap.
Like many rappers, he uses a lot of auto-tune. But he makes up for it with his powerful storytelling. His lyrics offer a raw, unfiltered look at life in the Chicago streets he grew up in.
How Old Is Lil Durk?
Lil Durk was born on October 19, 1992, in Englewood, Illinois, on the south side of Chicago, making him 31 years old as of 2024. His father, Dontay Banks Sr., was incarcerated when he was just seven months old.
By 17, Lil Durk became a father, dropped out of high school, and joined the Black Disciples， a Chicago street gang. After some run-ins with the law, he decided to take his music career seriously.
At 31, he’s been through gangster life, fatherhood, record deals, chart-topping success, and philanthropy. And he’s still got plenty of time to keep evolving as an artist and a person.
Rise to Fame
Durk started freestyling in 2010. He later released several mixtapes, including “Sneak Dissin” and “I’m a Hitta,” to some positive buzz.
Durk’s big break came when he dropped “L’s Anthem” and “Dis Ain’t What U Want” in 2013. This led to a deal with Def Jam Recordings—a significant step up in his career.
His first studio album, “Remember My Name,” peaked at number 14 on the Billboard 200. Then, it was official: Lil Durk was mainstream!
As his fame grew, so did his list of collaborators. Durk began working with industry greats and had many successful album releases. His feature on Drake’s “Laugh Now Cry Later” in 2020 earned him his first Grammy nomination.
Eight studio albums later, he finally won a Grammy for the single “All My Life” featuring J. Cole.
Personal Life
How Many Kids Does Lil Durk Have?
Lil Durk was 17 when he became a father for the first time and now has six children, each from a different mother. Angelo, Bella, Zayden, Du’mier, Skylar, and Willow are his kids. He has been engaged to his longtime girlfriend, India Royale, since 2020.
What Tragedies Has Lil Durk Experienced?
Lil Durk has faced multiple tragedies, including the deaths of his cousin OTF Nunu in 2014, his friend and manager OTF Chino Dolla in 2015, his affiliate King Von in 2020, and his brother Dontay “DThang” Banks Jr. in 2021.
Additionally, in July 2021, Durk and his girlfriend India were targeted in a home invasion but managed to defend themselves without injury.
What Legal Problems Has Lil Durk Had?
Lil Durk has had several legal issues over the years. He was arrested on a weapons charge in 2011 and again in 2013 for unlawful use of a weapon by a felon.
In 2019, he and King Von were arrested in connection with a non-lethal shooting in Atlanta but were later released on bond. The charges against Durk were dismissed in October 2022.
Personal Growth and Philanthropy
What’s impressive about Durk’s story is how he’s grown. Recently, he’s been open about turning to therapy to deal with some personal tragedies.
But Durk’s personal growth extends beyond himself. He’s also pouring energy and resources back into his community. Through his nonprofit, Neighborhood Heroes, he aims to give Chicago’s youth opportunities he didn’t have growing up.
Plus, he set up the Durk Banks Endowment Fund to send two high school grads to Howard University on full rides. Lil Durk has big ambitions and an even bigger heart.
Net Worth
As of 2024, Lil Durk’s net worth is about $8 million. He has collaborated with various rappers and singers, including Drake, Future, and Morgan Wallen. In addition to releasing his music, Lil Durk is also the founder of the collective and record label Only The Family.
Wrapping Up
Lil Durk is only 31, but he’s leaving big shoes to fill for all the future Lils.
He was a high school dropout who went from running the streets to running the charts and his charities. And let’s not forget, he’s doing all this while raising six kids!
Keep an eye on Durk. Something tells me he’s got plenty more surprises for us!
