Lil Durk Fights Charges, Cites Lyrics Misuse

Chicago rapper Lil Durk, whose real name is Durk Banks, is seeking dismissal of federal murder-for-hire and conspiracy charges related to the 2022 attempted murder of rival rapper Quando Rondo and the resulting death of Rondo's cousin. Durk's attorneys argue that prosecutors misled the grand jury by presenting his song lyrics as evidence, despite sworn producer affidavits confirming the lyrics were recorded months before the incident. Prosecutors allege Durk orchestrated the attack through his OTF collective and placed a bounty on Rondo. The defense argues Durk had no involvement in later versions of the song and asserts that the prosecution's reliance on the lyrics constitutes a critical error justifying dismissal. The case has intensified debate over the use of rap lyrics as criminal evidence, which critics claim endangers free speech. Durk’s legal team is also seeking the release of grand jury records if the motion to dismiss is not granted.