Late last month, Chicago drill rap pioneer Lil Durk was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder after five other men were allegedly connected to the death of Durk’s rap rival Quando Rondo’s cousin. Today, a new slate of charges was filed against the Windy City rapper, according to Los Angeles’ Fox affiliate.
Durk’s charges now include one count of “use of interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death,” and another of “using, carrying, and discharging firearms… in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death.” Durk is accused by federal authorities of ordering the murder of Quando Rondo (real name Tyquian Bowman) in retaliation for the Atlanta rapper’s supposed involvement in the death of Durk’s friend and protégé King Von in 2020 — an attempt that ultimately failed but resulted in the death of his cousin after an alleged ambush at the Beverly Center in Los Angeles. The attackers allegedly fired at least 18 rounds at the target vehicle, killing Durk’s cousin instead. Despite Durk allegedly telling the assailants to take steps to avoid implicating him, one of them used Durk’s credit card to book the hotel room where they stayed ahead of the attack.
Durk was arrested at Miami International Airport and was reportedly booked for multiple international flights. He was jailed in Broward County and will be transferred to Los Angeles for his arraignment, where he will enter a plea.
While Lil Durk has seemingly made some positive changes in his life in recent times, the Chicago-born rapper’s alleged past has come back to haunt him. According to reports from ABC7, the FBI arrested the rapper, accusing him of paying money for a retaliatory attack on Quando Rondo in Los Angeles. As more details come forward, we’re breaking down everything we know about the situation right now.
OTF Members Picked Up By Feds Over Alleged Quando Rondo Murder Attempt
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 05: Quando Rondo attends the BET Hip Hop Awards 2019 at Cobb Energy Center on October 05, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
Five individuals tied to Chicago’s hip-hop collective “Only the Family” (OTF) face federal charges in Los Angeles, California, for allegedly conspiring to kill rapper Quando Rondo. Authorities linked these accusations to a supposed retaliatory attack following the 2020 killing of King Von, an artist and friend of OTF’s founder, Lil Durk.
Charges & Allegations Against OTF Members
The feds charged the defendants—Kavon London Grant, Deandre Dontrell Wilson, Keith Jones, David Brian Lindsey, and Asa Houston—with conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire, committing murder-for-hire resulting in death, and using a machine gun in a violent crime, according to the Chicago Tribune. If convicted, these charges carry severe penalties, including potential death sentences.
Prosecutors allege an unnamed OTF affiliate, who reportedly offered cash and music industry opportunities as incentives for killing Quando Rondo, directed the suspects. Authorities accused Lil Durk and OTF of using funds from OTF to cover travel and car rental expenses linked to the planned attack.
ATLANTA, GA – AUGUST 29: Rapper King Von attends Compound Saturday Nights at Compound on August 29, 2020 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)
The charges stem from the 2020 killing of King Von, who died after an altercation with Quando Rondo outside an Atlanta nightclub that resulted in a fatal shooting. King Von, born Dayvon Bennett, had risen in the drill rap scene with popular tracks like “Crazy Story” and “Took Her to the O,” thanks to Lil Durk’s mentorship. Following Von’s death, Durk allegedly offered a “bounty” on Quando Rondo, whose real name is Tyquian Bowman, as reported by FBI Special Agent Sarah Corcoran.
According to federal documents, the plan to kill Rondo took shape nearly two years later. On August 18, 2022, Durk’s associates were allegedly informed of Rondo’s stay at a Los Angeles hotel. Allegedly under Durk’s orders, the OTF members traveled from Chicago to California, financed through Durk’s resources.
Quando Rondo narrowly escaped injury in August 2022 when gunmen attacked him and his family near a West Hollywood gas station. Bowman’s cousin, Saviay’a Robinson, 24, died in the incident, though Bowman and his sister emerged uninjured.
Court records detail how Deandre Wilson, Keith Jones, David Lindsey, Asa Houston, and a fifth, unnamed suspect arrived in Los Angeles and rendezvoused with top OTF associate Kayon Grant. Grant, who allegedly flew in on a private jet, provided accommodations, rented vehicles, and secured firearms, including a modified automatic machine gun. The group wore ski masks, provided by Grant, to conceal their identities.
The indictment outlines how the group tracked Rondo and Robinson, following their black Cadillac Escalade through multiple locations across Los Angeles, including a marijuana dispensary and a West Hollywood clothing store. When the Escalade eventually stopped at a gas station across from the Beverly Center, Houston reportedly positioned the vehicle for the ambush. Three men, including Jones and Lindsey, approached and opened fire, killing Robinson but missing Rondo.
Surveillance footage allegedly shows the vehicles tailing Bowman’s SUV as it traveled between a marijuana dispensary, clothing store, and ultimately to a gas station where the shooting occurred. Houston reportedly drove the Infiniti to an alley near the gas station, where Jones, Lindsey, and another accomplice exited to carry out the ambush.
After the shooting, the suspects allegedly regrouped at a nearby In-N-Out Burger to discuss payment. The indictment states that the group then returned to Chicago, flying out from San Diego the next day. Payments for the attack were allegedly handled by Wilson, who distributed an undisclosed amount to Jones and Lindsey. Police arrested the suspects on Thursday in Chicago. They now face serious federal charges, including conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire. Court records have yet to confirm attorney representation for the defendants.
The feds charged 32-year-old Lil Durk, whose legal name is Durk Banks, with “conspiracy to use interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death” for Lul Pab’s murder. The FBI affidavit claims the revenge plot tied to the fatal shooting of King Von in 2020. “Mr. Banks is charged with orchestrating a cold-blooded murder that resulted in the death of a rival’s family member,” said Martin Estrada, United States Attorney. “Not only that, the shooting occurred in the open, at a gas station at a busy intersection, endangering many others in the area. If convicted, Durk, along with his co-defendants, could face a maximum sentence of life in prison.
Per Akademiks, the indictment lists Durk as Co-Conspirator 1. Authorities believe Durk’s Chicago-based collective, Only the Family (OTF), has played a central role in the scheme, with additional arrests potentially forthcoming. FBI agent arrested Lil Durk on Thursday night in South Florida and remains in federal custody. He reportedly tried to leave the country, with FBI agents intercepting him before he could board a flight to Italy. His representatives have not yet issued a public comment on the charges.
Durk’s Attempt To Evade Authorities
Following the arrests of his associates, Lil Durk reportedly made arrangements to flee the country, booking flights to Dubai, Switzerland, and, ultimately, a private flight to Italy. However, federal agents apprehended him in Miami before he could leave U.S. soil. Lil Durk and his co-defendants are being held as they await transfer to Los Angeles, where the case will proceed in federal court.
Durk No Longer Has The Key To The City
In recent weeks, Durk’s philanthropic efforts and success have earned him the keys to two Chicago suburbs: Bellwood and Broadview. However, the recent developments have led one of the mayors to withdraw the honor. Mayor Katrina Thompson of Broadview, Illinois, made the announcement on Friday. “While the American system of justice grants everyone the presumption of innocence until proven guilty in a court of law, in the Village of Broadview, the court of public opinion of residents has even higher moral and ethical standards of behavior,” Mayor Katrina Thompson said in a statement to WGNTV.
“And our public partners must also reflect the same uncompromising standards demanded by our residents. Given the news that Durk ‘Lil Durk’ Banks has been arrested in Florida and charged with murder for hire, the Village of Broadview is withdrawing our honorary ‘key to the village’ granted to Durk and is terminating our partnership agreement with his youth organization, Neighborhood Heroes Foundation. As mayor, protecting Broadview’s interests and upholding the values of residents is job number one.”
Bellwood Mayor Harvey says Durk’s arrest came as a shock to him. However, he refused to make a decision on taking away the key until the facts play out in court. “We live in the United States of America where the accused is innocent until proven guilty,” he said, per CBS. “As I said, right now we have allegations. He has not been tried.”
Yesterday, Lil Durk was arrested in Florida for alleged murder-for-hire. He’s currently being held without bond and is scheduled to appear in federal court in Fort Lauderdale later today. Reportedly, he could face the death penalty or life imprisonment if he’s found guilty. Shortly before Durk’s arrest, five alleged OTF affiliates were arrested and charged with alleged murder-for-hire and murder-for-hire conspiracy.
Their charges are in connection to the 2022 death of Quando Rondo’s cousin, Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson. The fatal shooting was allegedly carried out in retaliation for King Von’s death. Authorities believe Quando Rondo was the alleged target. Allegedly, the men were hired to kill Quando Rondo, and an unspecified member of OTF promised “lucrative music opportunities” to whoever would.
Now, according to The Neighborhood Talk, more details of what led to Lil Durk’s arrest have been revealed. Court documents obtained by the outlet show that an OTF member allegedly wore a wire to provide federal agents with information. Reportedly, the individual just got out of prison after serving roughly 12 years.
In 2020, Timothy “Lul Tim” Leeks was arrested and hit with murder charges in connection with King Von’s death. Last year, his charges were dropped under Georgia’s “stand-your-ground” law, meaning that he was allegedly defending himself. There have been no other suspects named in King Von’s death since. As for Lul Pab, he was shot and killed at an LA gas station in 2022. He was in a vehicle with Quando Rondo, who walked away unscathed. What do you think of Lil Durk getting arrested for alleged murder-for-hire in Florida last night? What about reports that he was allegedly snitched on by a member of OTF who wore a wire? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
Yesterday (October 24), Lil Durk was arrested in Broward County, FL. According to XXL, the Chicago rapper is facing a murder-for-hire charge and is currently being held without bond. Akademiks TV reports that he could receive the death penalty or life imprisonment if convicted. Further details of the arrest have yet to be revealed but his lawyers Brian Bieber and Alek Ubieta say he’ll appear in federal court in Fort Lauderdale today.
Durk’s arrest took place just hours after five alleged OTF affiliates were arrested for alleged murder-for-hire and murder-for-hire conspiracy. Their charges are in connection to the 2022 murder of 24-year-old Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson, Quando Rondo’s cousin. Feds believe the murder was committed in retaliation for King Von’s 2020 death.
Prosecutors allege that these men were hired to kill Quando Rondo and that an unnamed member of OTF promised “lucrative music opportunities” to whoever would. The men allegedly used OTF-affiliated credit cards to book flights and rental cars, according to the Chicago Tribune. In August of 2022, Quando Rondo and Lul Pab were at a gas station in Los Angeles when their vehicle was shot at. Quando Rondo, who authorities believe was the alleged target, walked away unscathed while Lul Pab succumbed to his injuries.
In November 2020, Timothy “Lul Tim” Leeks was arrested and hit with felony murder charges in connection with King Von’s death. In August of 2023, his charges were dropped under Georgia’s “stand-your-ground” law, suggesting he acted in self-defense. At the time, King Von’s girlfriend Asian Doll took to X with a brief message. “Because the police said Tim ain’t kill him, the police did,” she alleged. No other suspect has been named in King Von’s death since. What do you think of Lil Durk getting arrested in Florida for alleged murder-for-hire? What about reports that he could potentially face the death penalty if convicted? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
FBG Duck’s mother, LaSheena Weekly, and two surviving bystanders of the 2020 attack on the late rapper have filed a lawsuit against Lil Durk, Only The Family Entertainment (OTF), several other record labels, and even the City of Chicago. They reference allegations of wrongful death, civil conspiracy, negligence, and failure to render aid.
In a press release put out by The Dinizulu Law Group, they accuse Lil Durk, King Von, and their associates of allegedly engaging in a conspiracy to murder Duck and placing a $100,000 bounty on his life. “Lil Durk…engag[ed] in, plann[ed], approv[ed] the bounty on FBG Duck’s life and condon[ed] the acts of violence King Von engaged when he knew or should have known of the violent conduct, and violent histories of King Von and other known gang members he affiliated [with],” the filing alleges, as caught by HipHopDX. “Lil Durk knew long before 2020 that King Von had a vendetta against FBG Duck, sought to rob and kill in the music industry, and consistently sought to build a brand of violence and reality rap based on committing real acts of violence on FBG Duck and the public at large.”
Lil Durk Performs During Dreamville Music Festival
RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA – APRIL 7: Rapper Lil Durk performs during the 2024 Dreamville Music Festival at Dorothea Dix Park on April 7, 2024, in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by Prince Williams/FilmMagic)
The lawsuit also targets several record labels including Alamo Records, Sony Music Entertainment Inc., Universal Music Group Recordings Inc. (Interscope Records), and Empire Distribution Inc, alleging that they knowingly signed, promoted, and profited from artists with gang affiliations and promoted “diss tracks” between them. The complaint accuses them of contributing to an environment that allegedly incited and monetized the violent behavior that led to FBG Duck’s death. It also alleges that OTF is “a hub for the O-Block criminal enterprise and street gang,” and “the media outpost of the O-Block criminal organization.”
As for the City of Chicago, The Dinizulu Law Group’s filing alleges police and emergency services failed to promptly aid FBG Duck after the shooting. They allege he lay alive for over 17 minutes on the sidewalk outside of the Dolce & Gabbana store where he was shot before receiving medical treatment. This is a developing story and we will continue to keep you informed with updates on HotNewHipHop.
Earlier this week, Lil Durk and his OTF group dropped off their new LP, Nightmare In The Trenches. The release came only a few months after Durk’s eighth studio album Almost Healed, also arriving amid his previously-announced feature run. So far, fans are impressed with the 11-track offering, and quickly turned their attention to one song in particular, “Eyes Red.”
Listeners noticed that they name-drop internet personality 1090 Jake on one of the verses. “Deeski beat his body, he the man / Even though the witness took the stand (Yeah) / 1090 Jake on the ‘Gram / Blastin’ snitchin’, show it to the fam’ (Yeah),” the lyrics read. 1090 Jake is known for finding people’s paperwork and exposing them online, usually for snitching.
While clearly Durk doesn’t have a problem with the controversial figure, a lot of people do. He sat down with VladTV at the end of last month, revealing that putting people on blast comes with quite a few downsides. According to him, he even allegedly has a $100K bounty on his head. “I don’t think the city would matter. I think it’s just wherever, f*ckin’ $100k is $100k,” he added. “It’s just rumors that just floated in my direction but it’s like, you know, that’s what comes with the YouTube world. You make more enemies than you know of.”
1090 Jake doesn’t only expose people for snitching, however. He also occasionally comes forward in defense of those accused of snitching, providing paperwork that proves otherwise. He came to Ralo’s defense during the interview, for example, arguing that people misinterpreted his paperwork, resulting in false snitching allegations. 1090 Jake alleged that Ralo actually tried to pay people to take charges so that he could cooperate with authorities to shorten his sentence. What do you think of Lil Durk and OTF name-dropping 1090 Jake on their new track? Are you a fan of their new album, Nightmare In The Trenches? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.
Lil Durkpromised a busy year for his fans a little after he dropped his studio album, Almost Healed. He has certainly delivered on that by going on a feature run and now he is back with another full project. Last week, the Chicago rapper put out his single, “Smurk Carter.” It was a clear nod to one of the greats, Lil Wayne.
From the flow to the cover art for the track, he did everything to emulate the Louisiana legend. Now, he along with some friends, are back with some more heat. The OTF group is here to accompany their leader for some gnarly and head-knocking tracks. Almost all of the gang is here to bring all the energy they can.
Listen To Nightmares In The Trenches By OTF And Lil Durk
However, maybe one of the best cuts here features a dominant performance from Rob49. He lands on the opener, “Nobody’s Safe” along with OTF Boonie Moe. “Eyes Red,” which follows, is another highlight, and “Smurk Carter” closes it out. Other outsiders that land on here are up-and-comer YTB Fatt and Icewear Vezzo.
What are your initial thoughts on Lil Durk and OTF’s brand-new album, Nightmares In the Trenches? Who is your favorite member of the OTF group? Which tracks are you liking the most so far? We would like to hear what you have to say about all of this. With that in mind, be sure to leave all of your hottest takes in the comments section below. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest breaking news around Lil Durk and OTF, as well as all of the best album drops.
Nightmares In the Trenches Tracklist:
Nobody’s Safe with OTF Boonie Moe, Rob49, Only The Family
Eyes Red with Lil Durk, Only The Family
Posted At with THF Zoo, CoKilla, Only The Family
Them Ones with Lil Durk, Only The Family
I’m The Type with Lil Durk, chief wuk, Only The Family
Last One with Doodie Lo, YTB Fatt, Only The Family
F*** It with Icewear Vezzo, Only The Family
Hood Said with Lil Durk, Only The Family
Whatever You Wit with CoKilla, Deeski, Only The Family
Lil Durk is no longer a newcomer to the hip-hop scene. In the last decade, Durk’s rose from the underground buzz of Chicago’s drill scene into one of the biggest names in music. However, in the past few years, he’s clocked in a collaborative project with Lil Baby and an iconic feature on Drake’s “Laugh Now Cry Later” that led to his massive commercial success. He went from a high-school dropout with numerous run-ins with the law to decked-out Rolls Royces and multiple real estate properties. But despite the evolution in his life, his latest album sees him stray away from stories surrounding his lavish lifestyle. Instead, the hard reality of fatherhood and sustainability in the hip-hop industry is setting in. 7220 touched on these topics, with Durk’s crooning bars becoming the highlight of the album. However, Almost Healed does so in an even more revealing manner.
The album title gives it all away for Lil Durk’s Almost Healed. Returning a little over a year after his 2022 album 7220, the narrative focuses on the Chicago MC’s personal development, touching on how his aspirations to become a better man as a father and an artist. Ahead of the project, he released hit lead single “All My Life” with Dreamville’s J Cole. The two muse on the state of the hip-hop industry. Durk states, “I done sat with mayor and politicians, I’m tryna change the image.” Cole vehemently spits, “If you ain’t never posted a rapper when he was alive / You can’t post about him after he gets hit.” The in-depth political and street-induced themes of “All My Life” continues throughout Almost Heated.
Lil Durk Focuses On Personal Growth
Lil Durk recently eclipsed the 30-year-old mark. Therefore, he’s beginning to reflect on the trials and mistakes of his formative years. Many of his close friends who he grew up with in Chicago are still struggling to make it out, relying on crime or unemployment benefits to make ends meet. In addition, children are exposed to a world of drug addiction far before they’re able to mature. With Lil Durk throwing an ugly spotlight onto these topics, he’s looking to bring greater awareness to the struggles in Chicago. However, Almost Healed isn’t the first time Lil Durk has opted to rap about reality rather than grandiosity. It’s why the certified rap star has self-proclaimed himself as “The Voice.”
Durk takes the listener through his healing process by inscribing how he’s processing the losses of his brother DThang and close friend, King Von. With each passing within a matter of months of each other, Durk has been through a lot since the outset of the 2020s. Alicia Keys sets the stage on album opener, “Therapy Session.” The vocal icon states, “How you feel about the rap beef on top of all of the chaos? / Despite all this, you continue to be a warrior, a leader in the rap industry / And the voice in your community.”
Almost Healed also recruits artists such as 21 Savage, Kodak Black, and more. In a sense, it’s symbolic of Durk’s conscious approach to the company he keeps, whether in his personal life or in the music industry. On “Never Again,” he struggles with the notion of giving back against the melodic piano chords. Durk passionately repeats, “Think I’ma help ’em, won’t help ’em again.”
Almost Healed Has Its Highs And Lows
Almost Healed is Lil Durk’s most vulnerable project to date. However, the project falters due to its bloated track listing and sonic inconsistencies. The country-trap formula of the Morgan Wallen-aided “Stand By Me” is blatantly looking to recreate the magic of 7220’s “Broadway Girls.” It’s understandable, considering the track eclipsed 200 million streams on Spotify alone. In addition, the album’s 21-song track list makes for a tedious listen. The middle portion of Almost Healed drags both sonically and narratively. Durk’s verses begin implying personal regression rather than the healing process that the album titles suggest. This becomes most apparent on tracks such as “Before Fajr” and “War Bout It,” which contradict the more positive revelations on songs such as “All My Life.”
Even if the overall record isn’t Lil Durk’s most consistent work, tracks such as the Future-aided “Never Imagined’ make it more than worth a listen. Future’s flow is captivating, with the two demonstrating seamless chemistry throughout the track. With a sentimental beat and a melodic flow from Durk, the production complements his vocal pallet skillfully. Almost Healed sees the 30-year-old rebrand himself into a more thoughtful MC. While the singing attempts don’t always land, the nearly hour-long effort compacts the highs and lows of where Lil Durk is at both musically and personally.
Lil Durk has released the fifth Only The Family label compilation tape, Loyal Bros 2.
Contributors include OTF signees such as Doodie Lo, Booka600, C3, Chief Wuk, and others, as well as an all-star lineup of features such as Kodak Black, Future, PGF Nuk, Icewear Vezzo, and Lil Zay Osama.
The new 23-track tape is a monument to OTF’s brotherhood’s tenacity, with posthumous cameos from King Von, dynamic flows from THF Zoo, and iron-tough rhymes from Doodie Lo.
The estate of King Von teams up with Only The Family and EMPIRE to create What It Means To Be King, a tribute to Von’s legacy. What It Means To Be King is a labor of love that gathers previously unreleased songs from the artist’s output. It’s packed with the fiery bars and riveting storylines that have gained him a devoted following, but it also hints at some of the routes he may have explored if he had more time. Many of the people who know Von best contributed to the album, including longtime collaborator and producer Chopsquad DJ, his “twin” Lil Durk, and fellow O’Block natives like Boss Top and DqFrmDaO, as well as street rap heroes like 21 Savage, Moneybagg Yo, G Herbo, and others.
Previously, the video for King Von’s recently released track “Don’t Play That” ft. 21 Savage was shared by his estate. “Don’t Play That,” the lead song from Von’s upcoming What It Means To Be King album, set for March 4, collected 1.4 million+ Apple Music streams, 1.2 million+ Spotify streams, and 1.1 million+ YouTube views in just 24 hours after its release.
King Von lives out a wild day of mobbing with his crew and linking up with his lady friend to ride through the city and to the studio before meeting up with 21 Savage and speeding away in a vehicle chase in the song’s animated video. Atop the buzzing Kid Hazel beat, the visual matches Von’s hyperactive delivery and 21 Savage’s sinister deadpan delivery. The video follows this past Friday’s announcement of Von’s upcoming posthumous album What It Means To Be King.
