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.
Don't Love
Lil Durk Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
VVS's dripping down my neck, I'ma drown ho
Smith and Wesson, thinking I'm a game, I'm like Rambo
Came a long way from the trenches and the bando
Now it's me and Booka, Ikey, Doodie in a Lambo
Switchin' lanes, switchin' lanes, can't switch up on my main gang
You will die in the trenches thinking shit a game
These bitches don't love you, these bitches don't love you for real
You can't run from your problems, nigga, you can't avoid it
They don't believe Rondo can get out, I got a lawyer
I'm from the dirt with my brothers like we came from soil
We too loyal to let this money change us, shit not royal
Get out these streets lil bro, this shit ain't for you
Just know that shit a lie when they say they love you
Gotta watch out for that knife when they come and hug you
'Cause it be the same niggas to come and slug you
I'm product of my environment
Bro a ex-killer, come out retirement
If he go down by himself for that case he'll tie you in
They gon' pull your strings like a violin
They gon' shoot your shit in traffic, no matter what car you in
Went to the streets and asked the dope boys is they hiring?
Gotta shoot something just to be with us, can't sign you in
If you over there and you don't 'pose to, you gon' die with them
Mama told me stay off these drugs, I need counseling
Tryna serve without paying, something gotta give
Always gotta chase a check, my son gotta live
How the fuck you want they custody, you ain't got a crib?
Got a crib, got a crib
Never serve a nigga where you gotta live
Secretive, secretive
Never tell a nigga where you live
VVS's dripping down my neck, I'ma drown ho
Smith and Wesson, thinking I'm a game, I'm like Rambo
Came a long way from the trenches and the bando
Now it's me and Booka, Ikey, Doodie in a Lambo
Switchin' lanes, switchin' lanes, can't switch up on my main gang
You will die in the trenches thinking shit a game
These streets don't love you, these niggas don't love you for real
These bitches don't love you, these bitches don't love you for real
These bitches don't love you for real
These niggas don't love you for real
See love get you killed
I swear love gon' get me killed
Been through so much pain, I'm poppin' drugs with the pills
Yeah, I came from nothin' and I made it, niggas hate me
Bitches tryna have my baby, I even don't understand it
I keep get into it with my family
They keep askin' me for paper when they hear me on the radio station
All I wanted was the money, never wanted fame
Niggas actin' like they know me, they don't even know my pain
Bitch actin' like she know me, she don't even know my name
I'm a son of a king but ain't no crown when we talk reign
I got holes in my umbrella
If I would've known, I probably would have done better
Put my trust in niggas when I should have known better
Bustin' my pistol, when it's empty, nigga gon' tell it
I'm jealous 'cause these niggas fake but they get respect
They lyin' in they rhymes, I tell the truth and I get neglect
Really sold nicks and dimes, tryna get a check in
Before dinner time, if not dinner, at least breakfast
VVS's dripping down my neck, I'ma drown ho
Smith and Wesson, thinking I'm a game, I'm like Rambo
Came a long way from the trenches and the bando
Now it's me and Booka, Ikey, Doodie in a Lambo
Switchin' lanes, switchin' lanes, can't switch up on my main gang
You will die in the trenches thinking shit a game
These streets don't love you, these niggas don't love you for real
These bitches don't love you, these bitches don't love you for real
The lyrics of Lil Durk's "Don't Love" talk about the harsh reality of the streets and the danger that comes with it. The first verse talks about Durk's material wealth and how it doesn't matter since the streets and its inhabitants do not love him. He mentions that he has "Switchin' lanes" but cannot "switch up" his main gang since the streets do not have any loyalty. The second verse is about the legal troubles of Durk's friend, Rondo, and how they will not let the money change them.
The chorus of the song repeats the warning that the streets, as well as the people in them, do not have any real love. Durk warns about the dangers that come with trying to leave the streets and the importance of staying alert.
The third verse talks about how love can get someone killed and the pain that Durk has experienced. He mentions that he is going through family problems and how people only come to him when they hear him on the radio. Durk talks about how he didn't want fame, only money and that he has trust issues.
Overall, the lyrics of "Don't Love" serve as a cautionary tale to the listener about the harshness of the streets and the importance of being aware of their surroundings.
Line by Line Meaning
VVS's dripping down my neck, I'ma drown ho
My expensive diamond necklace is so heavy that I feel like I'm going to drown if I continue to wear it.
Smith and Wesson, thinking I'm a game, I'm like Rambo
I carry a Smith and Wesson gun for protection and people try to test me as if it's a game, but I'm not playing and I'm ready to take on anyone like Rambo.
Came a long way from the trenches and the bando
I've come a long way from the dangerous and difficult circumstances of my past, including impoverished neighborhoods and drug-filled areas.
Now it's me and Booka, Ikey, Doodie in a Lambo
Now I'm riding in a luxurious Lamborghini with my closest friends, Booka, Ikey, and Doodie.
Switchin' lanes, switchin' lanes, can't switch up on my main gang
I'm driving fast and changing lanes, but I can't ever switch up on my closest friends and associates who have always had my back.
You will die in the trenches thinking shit a game
If you approach the dangerous situations and lifestyle of the streets as if they're a game, you will end up getting killed.
These streets don't love you, these niggas don't love you for real
The streets and the people in them are unforgiving and don't truly care about you, so you need to be careful and protect yourself.
These bitches don't love you, these bitches don't love you for real
Women are not to be trusted and don't truly care for you, so be wary of their intentions.
Been through so much pain, I'm poppin' drugs with the pills
I've been through so much emotional pain that I have to resort to taking drugs just to feel better.
All I wanted was the money, never wanted fame
My only goal was to make money, not to become famous or well-known.
Niggas actin' like they know me, they don't even know my pain
People claim to know me and my struggles, when in reality they have no idea about the pain and hardships I've faced.
Bitch actin' like she know me, she don't even know my name
Women pretend to be close to me and act like they know me, but they don't even know my basic information like my name.
I'm jealous 'cause these niggas fake but they get respect
I'm envious of people who are fake and deceitful, yet they still receive respect and admiration from others.
They lyin' in they rhymes, I tell the truth and I get neglect
Other rappers lie in their music and still receive attention, but when I tell the truth, people ignore me.
Before dinner time, if not dinner, at least breakfast
I need to make money quickly and efficiently, even if that means selling drugs before dinner time or at least before breakfast.
Lyrics © Universal Music Publishing Group, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Durk Banks, Derez Lenard
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@Ferrari488.
Bro!!!! I just heard this song for the first time right now it's 2023 this song on repeat 🔥🔥🔥 🔥🔥
@julianortiz858
Put Durk in the Hall OF Fame for this one
@johnwulffen698
They saying durk back but homie never left🔥💯
@jiggaa9325
John Wulffen NAH FR🤙🏾🤙🏾🔥
@LamarPlatinum
Derez Deshon went in!!!👏🏾🔥🔥🔥
@micogeorge283
"Gotta watch out for that knife when they come and hug you"
@3hreejay242
That bass in this shit go HARD bruh🔥
@ulishavin9597
Damn Derez Deshon Went In🔥🔥So Much Pain He Next Up 💪💯
@MrKidcash615
+Stadic Jones Derez that guy, been fucking with him since Dunk way before he had a deal
@AlejandroMartinez-yv1gh
Austin Moore #LLDUNK