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Lil Durk: In the Top 3 of Billboard with a record start
His trial is due in October 2025.
Chicago's darling, Lil Durk hits hard with his ninth studio album, Deep Thoughts, which made a remarkable entry into the rankings: No. 2 on Billboard Rap Albums and No. 3 on the Billboard 200. Released on March 28, 2025 while the rapper is still incarcerated on a charge of conspiracy to commit murder, this project marks its sixth debut in the Top 3 and his seventh album ranked in the Top 10, confirming his status as an undisputed pillar of hip-hop.
The success of Deep Thoughts is also notable in terms of streaming: the album generated 7.1 million streams on Spotify in its first day, becoming the fifth biggest rap release of 2025 (behind Lil Baby and Playboi Carti). Critics hail this album as the most personal project by Durk, blending energetic anthems with raw vulnerability. Tracks like Shaking When I Pray and 1000 Times (feat. Lil Baby) reveal its narrative depth. The album includes features with Future, Lil Baby, Hunxho and Jhené Aiko, supported by producers like Metro Boomin and Southside.
Despite his incarceration since October 2024, Durk ran a well-oiled marketing campaign. He was jailed in Broward County, Florida, without the possibility of bail.
Rapper Lil Durk is looking at a new trial date of October 14 in his murder-for-hire case in Los Angeles, according to a stipulation today from federal prosecutors and the defense. pic.twitter.com/XtMjADEOPd
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) December 31, 2024
A documentary teaser unveiled on March 17 shows phone calls with his crew OTF to finalize the tracklist. The rapper also announced the release via a voice memo posted on Instagram, recorded from his cell: “The streets still need me”. Fans have reacted enthusiastically, although the streaming figures have rekindled the debate about rap's supremacy over pop (comparisons with the stats ofAriana Grande).
Among the flagship titles, Can't Hide It (feat. Jhené Aiko) explores his relationship with his wife India Royale, mixing R&B melodies and intimate lyrics. They Want To Be You (Future) and Opportunist (Hunxho) dissect loyalty and betrayal in the rap world. The bold production, with experimental beats of Benny Blanco and Lil Yachty, expands the sound of Durk.
Originally planned for October 2024, Deep Thoughts suffered four postponements after the arrest of Durk, linked to a plot targeting Quando Rondo – an alleged revenge linked to the death of King Von in 2020. Federal prosecutors accuse members of OTF of orchestrating a shooting in Los Angeles in 2022 that cost the life of a relative of Rondo. Despite these legal challenges, the album remains a major success for Lil Durk, confirming his lasting influence on the hip-hop scene.
Pursue Lil Durk check out his official website OnlyTheFamily.com to stay up to date with his musical news.
