Jay-Z and J. Cole write letters supporting Lil Durk’s release as rapper makes new bond bid

Lil Durk is offering future music earnings, royalties and touring income as collateral while he awaits a second federal trial.

Lil Durk is offering his future music earnings as collateral in a new bid for release from federal custody, while the mother of a man killed in a 2022 shooting says her family does not oppose bond if the judge deems it appropriate. Lil Durk’s bond request follows his September acquittal and the postponement of a second trial until 2027.

Attorneys for the Chicago rapper, whose legal name is Durk Banks, proposed pledging music royalties, publishing income, merchandise revenue and future touring earnings, AllHipHop reported. His lawyers argued that the assets at stake would give him a powerful reason to comply with any release conditions.

The package also includes cash and property pledged by supporters, including the home where Durk’s mother lives. Sony Music Entertainment said in an accompanying letter that it was prepared to guarantee an appearance bond of up to $1 million.

Andrea Robinson, whose son Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson was killed near the Beverly Center in Los Angeles in August 2022, wrote that the family would not object if the court found bond appropriate. The decision remains with the judge.

Prosecutors alleged the shooting was intended to kill rapper Quando Rondo, who survived, and accused Durk of financing the attack in retaliation for the death of rapper King Von. Durk denied the accusations. A jury acquitted him of all five murder-for-hire and stalking counts on September 11.

The verdict did not secure his freedom. Durk remains detained while facing separate murder-in-aid-of-racketeering and firearms charges. He has pleaded not guilty, and his second trial is scheduled for August 30, 2027.

Durk’s attorneys say the acquittal undermines arguments for continued detention, while forfeiting his future income and his supporters’ pledged property would deter him from fleeing. Prosecutors oppose his release.

JAY-Z, J. Cole, businessman Michael Rubin and former Cook County State’s Attorney Kim Foxx also submitted letters supporting Durk’s release or describing his character and community work. J. Cole recalled how Durk wanted their song “All My Life” to carry a message of growth.

U.S. District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald is scheduled to review Lil Durk’s bond request at a November 4 hearing. The judge has not approved the proposed release package.