DJ Akademiks took his Lil Durk trial coverage to another level by dressing up in a full judge’s costume during a recent livestream about the rapper’s federal case.
Lil Durk, whose real name is Durk Devontay Banks, went on trial on August 24 in connection with murder-for-hire allegations. The federal proceedings in Los Angeles are being overseen by Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald.
During a recent stream focused on the case, Akademiks addressed his viewers while wearing a judge’s robe and wig.
Although Akademiks has not attended the trial himself, he has continued to closely follow the case. The proceedings have also reportedly drawn support from major names in hip-hop, with artists including Kanye West, Drake, 21 Savage, and Lil Baby allegedly helping cover Durk’s legal fees.
Lil Durk is accused of orchestrating an August 2022 murder-for-hire plot targeting rapper Quando Rondo, which allegedly resulted in the death of Rondo’s cousin, Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson.
Prosecutors allege the shooting was carried out in retaliation for the 2020 killing of Chicago rapper King Von. King Von was shot and killed by Timothy “Lul Timm” Leeks during a fight involving Rondo outside an Atlanta hookah lounge.
Durk, along with his co-defendants DeAndre “OTF Dede” Wilson and David “Browneyez” Lindsey, has pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
Prosecutors have relied heavily on former associates who have since become witnesses. Kacey “OTF Jam” Hester took the stand last week and identified Durk, Wilson, and Lindsey as being involved in the 2022 shooting outside the Beverly Center.
Kavon “OTF Vonni” Grant, King Von’s cousin, has already pleaded guilty and is expected to testify. However, Durk’s legal team has argued that Grant was actually the mastermind behind the alleged plot.
Lil Durk is facing five federal charges and could receive a life sentence if convicted.
