Lil Durk still has a racketeering-related case awaiting him later this year, but for now, he and his supporters have reason to celebrate following his acquittal on murder-for-hire charges. His father, Dontay Banks Sr., also known as Big Durk and by his Islamic name Abdul Haqq, spoke with TMZ Friday (September 11) outside the Los Angeles courthouse, where a jury found the Chicago rapper not guilty on every count.
“It’s a great moment for us right now,” he said. “The feeling is just… I’m just bursting with joy right now. Can’t contain it, almost, right now. This is a beautiful thing for us. The family is on a high right now. [Durk’s] always been strong, focused, and prideful. He knew that this day was coming right here. He used to keep me smiling. ‘Cause every time I talked to him, he always got a smile on his face. He always happy. Always looking at this as ‘My day gon’ come, and they gon’ give me the verdict which I deserve: not guilty.'”
Big Durk revealed that he had not yet spoken with his son following the verdict. “I just seen him in the court, waved at him… Thank God for what just happened, and then we’ll talk later on tonight. When he walk out of there, we gon’ do a big celebration. Alhamdulillah… [I was] nervous, anxious. My emotions were out of control.”
Many in the hip-hop world have also celebrated Lil Durk’s verdict, including several of his rap peers. Young Thug, Meek Mill, Drake, Ye, G Herbo, 21 Savage, and others took to social media to show their support for the Chicago MC and celebrate his not guilty verdict.
Lil Durk’s father also spoke out as the trial unfolded, making his support known in court while addressing the latest developments. He was especially upset over OTF Jam’s testimony against Durk for the prosecution, but he now has more reason to celebrate.
Next, The Voice is scheduled to face trial on racketeering-related charges on October 5 of this year, provided the current schedule remains unchanged at press time. Prosecutors allege that he was involved in or helped plan violent crimes in Chicago and Atlanta in 2022 and 2019, respectively. Ahead of the next trial, both sides will present their arguments over whether Durk should remain behind bars or be granted bond.
