Lil Durk Converts 13 Prison Inmates To Islam As He Awaits Murder Trial

In the midst of ongoing legal struggles and time spent behind bars, Lil Durk is reportedly finding solace and strength in his faith—and using it to inspire others.

According to his father, Dontay Banks, better known as Big Durk, the Chicago rapper has embraced a spiritual leadership role during his incarceration, helping to guide fellow inmates toward Islam, the faith both father and son practice.

Big Durk recently appeared on The Breakfast Club, where he shared a candid update on his son’s mindset and spiritual growth while incarcerated. While acknowledging the challenges that come with federal imprisonment, he also emphasized the positive influence Durk has had on those around him.

“[Being locked up] is always gonna have its effect on you. But, you know, you always bounce back and look at the greater picture,” Banks said. “He’s definitely in their building. He was telling me that when he came in, it was four Muslims on the block. He said now it’s 17 Muslims on the block. So, he’s in there converting.”

Durk’s growing influence in prison underscores a dramatic shift in the rapper’s approach to adversity—one that is rooted in resilience, spirituality, and community. His father, who has also served significant time in prison, explained the emotional weight of watching his son endure a similar experience.

“From being in there and knowing what he’s up against now, you run right there, so I can be with him to help him through this,” Banks explained. “‘Cause being in the feds ain’t no small task, this is a big thing. They don’t give no room, they just snatch you up and put you in a hopeless situation.”

“It hurts to know that he has to go through what I just went through,” he continued. “It hurts real bad. First losing the older son to the streets, and now losing him to the government. That’s why I’m there hands on with lawyers, hands on with him, telling him every step of what to do now and how to fight this.”

Durk has been charged in a sweeping indictment stemming from a murder-for-hire plot in vengeance of his late childhood friend and artist King Von, who was murdered in 2020 during a physical altercation with rival rapper Quando Rondo and his entourage.

Durk is alleged to have ordered a hit on Rondo that ultimately led to the death of Rondo’s cousin, Lul Pab, in 2022.

See Big Durk’s The Breakfast Club interview below.