Lil Durk and his family have endured plenty of heartbreak over the past several years. Five years ago, the rapper’s older brother, D-Thang, was killed. Years later, Durk was arrested and charged in a murder-for-hire case. He ultimately defeated those charges and is now awaiting a separate VICAR trial in California.
Through it all, Durk’s mother, LaShawnda Woodard, has carried an enormous emotional burden. She recently sat down with Amber Grimes on If You Knew Better, where she reflected on her 2021 book, 7220, as well as the events that have unfolded over the past few years. During the conversation, Woodard heartbreakingly took responsibility for both Durk’s circumstances and D-Thang’s death.
“I feel like everything that has happened is my fault,” Woodard said tearfully. “I blame myself for everything that’s happening. I blame myself for my son getting killed, and I blame myself for my son being locked up.”
Woodard went on to explain that, despite everything she has endured, she knows she has to remain strong for her children. With Durk currently dealing with legal troubles, her main priority is being there for her son and supporting him through it all.
“I try to show up the best I can. You know, now with different situations that’s going on, I try to blank out my pain and like be there for them and be strong for them,” Woodard explained. “I know for a fact this popped up because if I would listen to my mom then on what to do and how to do it, how to move, how to go finish school, how to get your career going so that you can get out of the neighborhood that we living in, which is 7220.”
During another part of the interview, Woodard opened up about surviving sexual assault. She now speaks at various high schools about her experiences and works to build connections with young women so they can access the support and help they need.
