Grammy Award-winning rap artist Lil Durk was arrested Thursday, October 24, in Broward County, Florida, on a federal criminal complaint alleging he hired five acquaintances to murder a rival rapper, Quando Rondo, to avenge the death of a close friend and fellow artist, King Von. While Rondo was the intended target in the August 2022 shooting that took place at a gas station near the Beverly Center Shopping Mall in Los Angeles, the assailants instead claimed the life of Rondo’s cousin, “Lul Pab.” 

The rapper, whose real name is Durk Banks, was arrested near Miami International Airport and charged with conspiracy to use interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire, resulting in death.   

In a press release, United States Attorney Martin Estrada said, “Mr. Banks is charged with orchestrating a cold-blooded murder that resulted in the death of a rival’s family member. Not only that, the shooting occurred in the open, at a gas station at a busy intersection, endangering many others in the area. Violent gun crime of this sort is devastating to our community, and we will have zero-tolerance for those who perpetrate such callous acts of violence.” 

According to the complaint filed Thursday, Durk is the leader of the Chicago-based rap collective known as “Only the Family” or “OTF.” Law enforcement claims OTF also acts as a group of gang members who are involved in violent crimes — including murder — at Durks’ direction and to maintain their status in OTF. Court documents state that the assailants involved in the 2022 shooting were offered rewards, including lucrative music opportunities if they contributed to Rondo’s (referred to as ‘T.B.’ in court documents) death. A credit card linked to OTF. was used to purchase airplane tickets for the co-conspirators to fly from Chicago to California, where Rondo was located at the time of the shooting. 

Durk has since appeared at the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida and remains in federal custody. His arraignment will occur in Los Angeles federal court in the coming weeks.

Co-conspirators Deandre Dontrell Wilson, David Brian Lindsey, Kavon London Grant, Asa Houston, and Keith Jones were arrested in Chicago on October 24 and will also be arraigned in Los Angeles.

Days Before the Arrest

On October 20, rapper Lil Durk celebrated his 32nd birthday with a star-studded concert at the United Center in Chicago. A little over 18,000 fans were in attendance, experiencing the show that featured other musicians such as Hxncho, Sexyy Red, JT, Bossman Dlow, Nardo Wick, and Lil Baby. 

While Durk’s birthday celebration was a joyous and exciting time for the artist and fans alike, the “All My Life” rapper decided to pay homage to several people who have fallen victim to senseless gun violence in the city of Chicago. During an intermission of his performance, Durk commemorated the victims with a 20-second moment of silence, partnered with a picture collage of the victims on a jumbotron.

Some notable Chicago music talents from the collage include FBG Duck, Young Pappy, King Von, Lil JoJo, and more. 

Just days before the concert, Durk was commemorated by Cook County, IL for the work he’s done in his community with his Neighborhood Heroes Kaleidoscope Foundation. The popular rapper was awarded keys to two neighboring cities — one from the Village of Bridgeview and another from the Village of Bellwood. That same evening, Durk’s foundation hosted a private fireside conversation for 50 young Black men from Chicago’s Roseland area. Organizations such as Omega Psi Phi, Phalanx Family Services, and Chicago CRED joined the activity, allowing participants to ask questions and express themselves freely. Durk and his father also spoke to the group, encouraging them to set goals and focus on their dreams and aspirations. 

A Unity Prayer Event was held at Navy Pier the following day. Open to the public, the event promoted unity, self-reflection, and spiritual growth – all of which are taboo practices within urban communities. Lil Durk stressed the importance of community connection and promoting positive change within troubled neighborhoods.

Durk is said to be one of the founding fathers of Drill music, a hip-hop genre that has glorified crime, gang culture, gun violence, and murder. Originating in Chicago, the Drill sound has become popularized in other regions of the United States and has had a large cultural impact overseas. The genre has gained worldwide attention, earning artists millions of dollars in the music industry. 

Despite its popularity, Drill music has served as a co-conspirator in some of the most violent crimes known to date. Some artists continuously perpetuate the negative stereotypes associated with the art form, but it seemed that Durk was in the process of creating a pragmatic persona that emulates peace, spiritual health, and non-violent practices. 

The recent news has thrown a wrench in the entertainer’s efforts to re-vamp his violent rap image into a representation of positivity. Since his arrest, Mayor Katrina Thompson has revoked Durk’s Key to the City of Broadview. Citizens of Chicago are also urging Mayor Brandon Johnson of Chicago to return the $150,000 donation made by Durk to Johnson in 2023. 

It appears Durk’s good deeds and attempts to change his narrative were not enough to deter him from engaging in the harmful lifestyle he tried to turn away from.