Despite being incarcerated, Lil Durk is proving that nothing can stop his musical grind. The Chicago rapper has officially announced his new album, Deep Thoughts, which is set to drop on March 28.
Durk made the revelation through a short video posted to social media this week, declaring, “The Streets Still Need Me.” The clip features footage of his team working in the studio while he calls in from jail, and at one point, a tentative tracklist flashes on the screen. The list hints at collaborations with Jhené Aiko and Future, adding to the anticipation surrounding the project.
“I like the energy. What y’all been putting together,” Durk says in the video. “Even the list of songs you sent me is good, so I know y’all putting better changes on that shit so I know it’s gonna be bigger and better.”
While fans eagerly await new music from Durkio, his situation remains dire. He has been behind bars since October 2024, facing murder-for-hire charges related to the 2022 killing of Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson, the cousin of his rap rival Quando Rondo. Authorities claim that he financed the hit as revenge for the 2020 death of King Von, his close friend and frequent collaborator.
Durk was denied bail due to allegations of misconduct while in jail, including claims that he repeatedly abused the phone system despite being warned against engaging in three-way calls. If convicted, he faces a potential life sentence, with the death penalty still on the table.
Meanwhile, rapper Rick Ross has criticized the lack of support shown for Lil Durk at Rolling Loud California. The festival, which took place in Los Angeles this past weekend, featured performances from Playboi Carti, A$AP Rocky, YG, Sexyy Red, Quavo, and more. However, Rozay was disappointed that none of the artists publicly advocated for Durk during their sets.
In an Instagram Story posted on March 17, Ross expressed his frustration, questioning: “How many n-ggas screamed ‘free Durk’ at that Rolling Loud? How many?” He continued by urging young Black men to pursue trades like plumbing or construction, before reiterating his question: “How many people said ‘free Lil Durk’ at Rolling Loud? Exactly.”
As Durk prepares for his upcoming trial in October, his legal troubles loom large. Prosecutors allege that flights and rental cars for the individuals involved in Lul Pab’s murder were paid for using a credit card linked to Durk’s label, Only The Family (OTF). A wrongful death lawsuit has also been filed against him by Robinson’s family.
Despite these challenges, Deep Thoughts is set to deliver new material for his loyal fanbase, proving that even behind bars, Durk remains a major force in hip-hop.
