Beginning his career, from 2011 to 2012, Durk released his debut, un-official mixtape, I’m a Hitta which was released on August 26, 2011. On April 3, 2012, Durk released his sophomore mixtape, a sequel to his previous tape, I’m Still a Hitta. Durka later released his third mixtape on November 5, 2012, titled Life Ain’t No Joke
Like many drill artists, Durk’s early career was plagued with legal issues and accusations of violence. These issues eventually led to his shows being canceled.
From 2013 to 2015 Durk released a total of four projects, three mixtapes, and an album. October 10, 2013, marked the release of the first Signed to the Streets, one of Durk’s most notable mixtapes and the start of a series. In the summer of 2014, specifically July 4, Durk released a sequel to Signed to the Streets and released Signed to the Streets 2 featuring his “What You Do to Me”.
2015 would be an enormous year for Lil Durk as in July 2015, Durk released his debut studio album, Remember My Name which featured his Jeremih-assisted “Like Me.” Later that year, Durk released his sixth mixtape 300 Days 300 Nights which included his then-girlfriend, Dej Loaf-assisted, “My Beyoncé.”
From 2016 to 2017, Durk released a total of four solo projects and one collaborative project. On July 22, 2016, Durk released his sophomore studio album, Lil Durk 2X accompanied by features such as Future, Young Thug, Yo Gotti and more. Ending the year, Durk released They Forgot, his seventh mixtape.
Beginning 2017, in February, Durk released his seventh mixtape, Love Songs for the Streets, which is deemed as one of his most notable projects including features from Moneybagg Yo and YFN Lucci. Later that year in August, Durk released a collaborative EP with Lil Reese titled Supa Vultures; the project included his “Nobody Knows”. On October 19, 2017, Durk carried on with his Signed to the Streets series with the highly anticipated Signed to the Streets 2.5. The mixtape included the start of yet another song series titled “India” dedicated to his fiancé India Cox otherwise known as India Royale.
In 2018, Durk released two projects, he began with Just Cause Y'all Waited, Durk’s highest-charting mixtape peaking at #57 on the Billboard 200. Durk then released a sequel to Love Songs for the Streets titled Love Songs 4 the Streets 2. Durk was extremely successful prior to this album, however, many say that this exact album broke Durk into the mainstream rap industry as it had been his first project to chart in the top 10 of the Billboard 200.
2020 was an even better year for Lil Durk as he released his almost chart-topping Just Cause Y’all Waited 2 which peaked at #2 on the Billboard 200. It was later followed up with a deluxe.
The scars of violence run deep in Durk’s discography, particularly arising from the loss of OTF members Nunu (Nuski) and King Von at the hands of gunfire. Both artists are commemorated on his album The Voice, for which a deluxe version was released in 2021.
Anointing himself as the voice of the streets, Durk followed up this project with the release of the collaborative album The Voice of the Heroes with Lil Baby which brought the Chicago native artist his first #1 album.
Marking his first solo #1 album, in March 2022, Lil Durk released a melodramatic take on the deaths of his loved ones through an album titled 7220. The album became Durk’s first solo project to top the charts.
Can't Go Like That
Lil Durk Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
No, uh, ah, uh, no, I can't go like that
No, I can't go like that
Uh, brr-ah, no
I can't go like that
Got a couple thou' then I get a couple shooters
For a couple thou', man, my niggas'll shoot you
Nigga like me, I can't go like that
Thousand-dollar shoes that I put on my feet
These niggas, they bitches, they ain't really from the streets
These bitches love money and you niggas real cheap
Nigga like me, I can't go like that
Everyday not everday, my little niggas'll rob you
Playin' both sides then you get hit with that chopper
All these niggas claimin' that they really in the field
Where I'm from in the field, you gettin' killed
Put ten on a lawyer on the first
I'ma make that money back on a verse
Bitches last, money second, family first (OTF)
Act a ass in that Jag', I'm the worst
And I'm like Tony in my city
Put drug money way before these bitches
Same niggas cookin' chickens turnin' it to pigeons
Well me and you, I can tell you want the difference
If I wife a bitch, man, she better be a rider
Cause the feds watchin', buildin' cases, got us tied up
For a couple bricks'll get you hit or get you tied up
Only the family in my eyes, you can't divide us
Got some old heads tellin' me right
You say I'm snitchin', you just gamblin' with your life
No baseball, my hitters goin' to strike
The D-lab open all night
Friends, I don't do that shit
But my brother, my squad, they goin' to own that bitch
I'm gettin' money, that mean my niggas rich
Still on the block, that mean I'm nigga rich
The song "Can't Go Like That" by Lil Durk is a commentary on loyalty, trust, and the consequences of not living by these principles. Lil Durk begins the song by saying that there are certain situations he cannot tolerate, and he cannot allow his reputation to be tarnished by actions that go against his code. He emphasizes this point by repeating the line "I can't go like that" throughout the song.
Lil Durk then goes on to talk about the lengths he will go to protect his reputation and status. He mentions that he has 'shooters', and anyone who crosses him or his friends will face consequences. But he also acknowledges that not everyone around him is trustworthy - he talks about how some people are only motivated by money, and not true loyalty. He also emphasizes that family is always his top priority, and he will put them above anything else.
The song is a reflection of the difficult choices that come with being part of the street life, and the importance of maintaining a certain moral code even in the face of temptation or danger. Lil Durk's evocative lyrics and powerful delivery bring this message home in a way that is sure to resonate with fans of the genre.
Line by Line Meaning
Uh, I can't go like that
I cannot live my life in a way that compromises my values or puts me in danger.
No, uh, ah, uh, no, I can't go like that
I am emphatic in my refusal to lead a life that goes against what I stand for.
No, I can't go like that
I am steadfast in my decision to stick to my principles.
Uh, brr-ah, no
I am expressing my firm denial of any situation that goes against my morals and code of ethics.
I can't go like that
I cannot compromise my values and beliefs for anyone or anything.
Got a couple thou' then I get a couple shooters
When I have some money, I can easily pay some people to protect me.
For a couple thou', man, my niggas'll shoot you
For the right amount of money, my associates are willing to use weapons to protect me.
Nigga like me, I can't go like that
As someone like me, I cannot lead a life that involves deceit, disloyalty or compromise.
Thousand-dollar shoes that I put on my feet
I am successful and wealthy, as shown by the expensive footwear I wear.
These niggas, they bitches, they ain't really from the streets
These individuals claiming to be street-smart and tough are actually weak and fake.
These bitches love money and you niggas real cheap
Women who are only interested in money are attracted to these weak individuals who are undervalued and easily manipulated.
Everyday not everday, my little niggas'll rob you
My young associates can rob anyone on any given day.
Playin' both sides then you get hit with that chopper
If you are found to be disloyal or deceitful, you will face violence from our group.
All these niggas claimin' that they really in the field
Many people claim to be streetwise and experienced, but few truly are.
Where I'm from in the field, you gettin' killed
In the area where I come from, being involved in street activity can lead to death.
Put ten on a lawyer on the first
I am willing to spend money on the first day of the month to hire a good lawyer.
I'ma make that money back on a verse
I will earn back the money I spend on lawyers by writing music and earning revenue from it.
Bitches last, money second, family first (OTF)
My priorities are in this order: my family, my finances, and women will come last. (OTF refers to the group Only The Family)
Act a ass in that Jag', I'm the worst
When I am driving recklessly in my Jaguar, I am at my most dangerous and reckless.
And I'm like Tony in my city
I am like Tony Montana from Scarface, as I am fearless and respected in my area.
Put drug money way before these bitches
I prioritize earning money through illegal drug sales over my romantic relationships.
Same niggas cookin' chickens turnin' it to pigeons
The individuals who were once the lowest members of our group are now becoming the leaders.
Well me and you, I can tell you want the difference
I can confidently say that I am different and better than you.
If I wife a bitch, man, she better be a rider
If I decide to marry a woman, she must be loyal and willing to protect and support me.
Cause the feds watchin', buildin' cases, got us tied up
The authorities are currently monitoring us in order to build a case against us and restrict our activities.
For a couple bricks'll get you hit or get you tied up
For just a few blocks or amounts of drugs, you can either be killed or taken hostage by our group.
Only the family in my eyes, you can't divide us
My group of associates is extremely important to me, and nothing can split us apart.
Got some old heads tellin' me right
Some older and wiser individuals are providing me with guidance and advice.
You say I'm snitchin', you just gamblin' with your life
If you accuse me of betraying my associates, you are risking your life with such an accusation.
No baseball, my hitters goin' to strike
My associates do not play by the rules, they will use extreme violence to win.
The D-lab open all night
The laboratory where we create drugs is open 24/7.
Friends, I don't do that shit
Making and keeping friends is not a part of my philosophy or lifestyle.
But my brother, my squad, they goin' to own that bitch
My brothers and associates will take care of anyone who messes with me or our group.
I'm gettin' money, that mean my niggas rich
My financial success equates to wealth and prosperity for my associates.
Still on the block, that mean I'm nigga rich
Although I have money now, I still spend time in my old neighborhood where I am well-respected and influential.
Contributed by Matthew G. Suggest a correction in the comments below.