Lil Durk is drawing backing from two of hip-hop’s biggest names as he fights to secure his release following an acquittal on murder-for-hire charges.
According to Billboard, Jay-Z and J. Cole each submitted letters to a federal judge on Tuesday in support of his bail request.
The seasoned artists are backing Durk’s bid to be freed.
The Chicago rapper, born Durk Banks, was found not guilty last month of arranging a hit on rival rapper Quando Rondo. Despite the acquittal, he remains in custody while awaiting a separate racketeering trial.
In his letter, Jay-Z recalled how they met several years ago and described Durk as kind, courteous, and focused on his career.
“What stood out most to me was how he used his success,” he stated.
“Durk was signing young talents from his community to recording deals and giving them a real route into a legitimate industry. Many of us come from neighborhoods with limited options and high risks. Durk understood that, and he worked to help others find a way out of those conditions rather than leaving them behind.
“A release would enable him to support his family and continue the community work I saw firsthand,” Jay-Z concluded.
J. Cole’s note centers on his collaboration with Durk on the Grammy-winning 2023 track All My Life.
Cole points out that the song carries a message of peace and growth, a sentiment Durk has championed.
“It reflects Durk’s vision to mature and recognize the impact his art can have, and then to be willing to fight for the chance to make that impact positive, even if it means defying the instincts of an artist he respects and admires,” wrote J. Cole.
Durk was previously denied bail after being deemed a flight risk.
A hearing to reassess his bond is scheduled for 4 November.
