Rappers Jay-Z and J. Cole have shown support for Lil Durk's request for bail by submitting letters to a federal judge. Durk, whose legal name is Durk Banks, was acquitted in September 2026 of murder-for-hire charges but remains in custody while awaiting a separate racketeering trial scheduled for August 2027. In his letter, Jay-Z described Durk as 'kind, respectful and focused on his career,' highlighting his efforts to sign young artists from his community to recording contracts. J. Cole's letter focused on their collaboration on the 2023 hit 'All My Life,' noting the track's message of peace and growth, which Durk advocated for despite initial reluctance. Durk's attorneys argue that his acquittal has changed the circumstances that previously led to his denial of bail, and they are offering collateral including all future royalties, touring income, and name, image, and likeness rights. A hearing to review Durk's bond is set for November 4. The prosecution opposes his release and declined to comment. Durk was acquitted in September following a two-week trial in which prosecutors accused him of putting a bounty on rival rapper Quando Rondo in retaliation for the 2020 killing of his close friend King Von. Rondo was shot at a Los Angeles gas station in 2022 and survived, but his cousin Saviay'a Robinson was killed. Durk still faces one remaining charge under the federal VICAR statute, though his lawyers have suggested they may try to get it dismissed under double jeopardy rules.
