Hip-hop mogul Rick Ross is speaking out about what he sees as a glaring lack of support for Lil Durk during Rolling Loud California. The festival, which took place over the weekend in Los Angeles, boasted a star-studded lineup featuring Playboi Carti, A$AP Rocky, YG, Sexyy Red, and Quavo. However, Ross took to social media to express his disappointment, stating that none of these artists publicly acknowledged Durk’s ongoing legal troubles.
Rick Ross Questions Industry Support for Lil Durk
In a video shared to his Instagram Stories on Monday, March 17, the “Hustlin'” rapper directly questioned his followers about the situation.
“How many n*as screamed ‘free Durk’ at that Rolling Loud? How many?”** Ross asked. He then momentarily shifted focus to advise young Black men to consider learning trades like plumbing or construction, before circling back to his main concern. “How many people said ‘free Lil Durk’ at Rolling Loud? Exactly.”
Ross’s remarks reflect a broader discussion in the hip-hop community about loyalty and solidarity, especially when an artist faces serious legal issues.
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Lil Durk’s Legal Battle: What’s at Stake?
Lil Durk, born Durk Derrick Banks, has been behind bars since October 2024 after being arrested on murder-for-hire charges related to the 2022 killing of Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson, the cousin of Quando Rondo. Authorities allege that Durk played a key role in orchestrating the murder, allegedly funding the attack as retaliation for the 2020 death of his close friend and fellow rapper, King Von.
Prosecutors claim that flight tickets and rental cars for the five suspects involved in Robinson’s murder were paid for using a credit card linked to Durk’s Only The Family (OTF) label. Due to the severity of the allegations, Durk was denied bail, with reports indicating he also faced disciplinary action in jail for violating phone restrictions.
Legal experts suggest that if convicted, Durk could face a life sentence—or even the death penalty. His trial, initially set to begin in early 2025, was postponed to October due to the case’s complexity. There are also reports that one of Durk’s co-defendants is negotiating a plea deal, which could have major implications for the case’s outcome.
Hip-Hop’s Support for Incarcerated Artists
Rick Ross’s frustration is not unfounded. The hip-hop community has a long history of rallying behind artists who have faced legal troubles. From Meek Mill’s probation battle to Young Thug’s ongoing RICO trial, fans and fellow musicians have often voiced their support through social media, music, and public appearances. However, the absence of vocal solidarity for Lil Durk at Rolling Loud raises questions about industry politics and whether support is selective.
In contrast, Gunna and 21 Savage openly supported Young Thug while he faced his legal troubles, even addressing the issue in their music. Similarly, Drake, J. Cole, and Lil Baby have all shown vocal support for fellow artists caught in legal disputes.
Will Rick Ross’s Comments Spark a Larger Conversation?
Ross’s statements could reignite discussions about how the hip-hop industry treats artists in crisis. While some fans agree with his criticism, others argue that Lil Durk’s case is too serious for casual public endorsements, given that it involves allegations of orchestrated violence.
Meanwhile, neither Durk’s legal team nor his label, OTF, have responded to Ross’s remarks. Whether this sparks a broader wave of support from hip-hop’s elite remains to be seen.
One thing is certain—Rick Ross isn’t afraid to speak his mind, and his call for solidarity has put Lil Durk’s case back in the spotlight.
