Call Me Coach

JAY-Z just wrote a letter showing full support for Lil Durk, ahead of his upcoming trial: “Dear Judge Fitzgerald: I write in support of Durk Banks (professionally known as "Lil Durk") and respectfully ask the Court to grant him pretrial release so that he may be with his family while the remaining charges against him are resolved. I met Durk several years ago. He was kind, respectful and focused on his career. He approached his work with seriousness and discipline. He was also genuinely curious about deepening his spirituality, and he spoke about faith as something he wanted to grow in, not something he wore for show. What stood out most to me was how he used his success. Durk was signing young artist from his community Durk understood that, and he worked to help others find a way out of those conditions rather than leaving them behind. I also note that Durk recently stood trial in this District, and a jury found him not guilty. That verdict deserves weight. He remains presumed innocent of the charges still pending, and I respectfully submit that the jury's verdict, together with that presumption, supports giving him the opportunity to await trial at home under whatever conditions the Court considers appropriate. I do not minimize the seriousness of the charges Durk faces, and I respect the Court's obligation to protect the community. However, Durk has now spent nearly two years in custody with his remaining trial not set to begin until August 2027. Release would allow him to support his family and continue the work in his community that I saw firsthand.”