Hip-hop stars Jay-Z and J. Cole are backing Lil Durk's latest attempt to secure release from federal custody. The two artists submitted letters to a federal judge on Tuesday urging that the Chicago rapper be granted bond while he awaits trial.
According to Rolling Stone, the letters accompanied a new bail proposal presented to U.S. District Judge Michael Fitzgerald. Durk, born Durk Banks, is awaiting an August 2027 trial in Los Angeles on racketeering-related charges. Those charges were separated from a murder-for-hire trial that ended in his acquittal on all counts.
Under the newly submitted proposal, Banks pledges to sign over all future royalties and earnings. Additionally, Sony Music Entertainment has offered to post an appearance bond of up to $1 million. Defense attorneys noted that violating the agreement would leave Banks and his family penniless.
In his letter, Jay-Z praised Banks' seriousness, discipline, and spirituality. He noted that the artist worked to help peers from Chicago find legitimate paths in music rather than leaving them behind. J. Cole, who collaborated with Banks on the Grammy-winning hit "All My Life," also sent a letter in support of the rapper's release.