RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Ye (formerly Kanye West ) was in attendance supporting Lil Durk at the Chicago rapper’s murder-for-hire trial in Los Angeles on Thursday (Aug. 27).
Footage of West draped in all-black strolling into the downtown Los Angeles federal courthouse emerged in the afternoon. Ye also posed for a photo with Durk Affiliate Doodie Lo while holding up a “Free Durk” T-shirt, which has made the rounds on social media.
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As a fellow Chicago native, Yeezy has long been a supporter of Durk’s, as the duo linked up on tracks like Donda ‘s “Jonah” (No. 27 Billboard Hot 100 peak), the Vultures title track, and Cardi B’s “Hot Shit” (No. 13 Hot 100 peak) in 2022.
West isn’t the only rap star to pull up to support Durk: mgk made an appearance at the courthouse on Monday when the trial kicked off. “This been my bro for a decade when he called and asked if id pull up and support im there no question free durk,” the Cleveland native wrote on X.
Meek Mill joined in to call for Durk’s freedom in a post to X on Thursday as well.
Free lil Durk!
— MeekMill (@MeekMill) August 27, 2026
Federal prosecutors are alleging that Lil Durk became “consumed with revenge” and put a hit out on rapper Quando Rondo in response to the murder of King Von, a close Durk affiliate, in 2020. Rondo was targeted in a 2022 shooting at a Los Angeles gas station, but his friend, Lul Pab, was ultimately killed in the crossfire.
The “All My Life” rapper was arrested in October 2024 near Miami International Airport. In addition to murder-for-hire, Durk faces charges of conspiracy and stalking. Durk has maintained his innocence since being apprehended and he can be sentenced up to life in prison if convicted. The Los Angeles trial is expected to last several weeks.
As for Ye, West will be traveling to New Orleans for a show at the Caesars Superdome on Friday (Aug. 28), before heading home to Chicago for a pair of Soldier Field concerts on Sept. 3 and Sept. 4.
Billboard has reached out to Ye’s reps for comment.
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