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.
Neighborhood Hero
Lil Durk Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Facts
Gas
I know a bitch who do whatever for some Valentinos (Oh)
I'm with the killers, goin' to BET inside the Vino (Let's get it)
Man, my city was goin' crazy, rest in peace to Chino (Chino)
And free that nigga Meech 'cause he the hood hero (Uh, hero)
And wherever that drama at, we go (We go)
(You know, you know) We the neighborhood heroes
(We know, we know) We the neighborhood heroes
That street shit
We don't reply to niggas with that tweet shit (Facts)
Beef shit, nigga said fuck me, he don't mean it (Pussy)
Sweet shit, foenem caught a body, they gon' beat it
Defense, Glock to his face, he won't eat it (Brr)
All facts, nigga snaked me once and I'ma fall back (Let's get it)
Nigga say he my brother, but he snaked me, what you call that?
I cheated on my BM three times with my dog ass
She gave her number, I delete it, 'cause they all rats
Chiraq, where the police don't call backup
Last nigga played with Durkio, he in a backwood
Chicago niggas play with PnB, but ain't no matchup
If you know me like you know me, where I'm from, I'm not a rapper
Burglar, scammer, a murderer, I'm handsome
When I'm off the drugs, I swear I'm steady throwin' tantrums
Angelo told me once before, he want a Phantom
I can't say no 'cause that's my son, I gotta answer
I know a bitch who do whatever for some Valentinos (You know)
I'm with the killers, goin' to BET inside the Vino (You know)
Man, my city was goin' crazy, rest in peace to Chino
And free that nigga Meech 'cause he the hood hero
Don't gotta prove no point, nigga, we know (We know)
And wherever that drama at, we go (Oh, oh)
Oh, we the neighborhood heroes (We the neighborhood heroes)
We the neighborhood heroes
They say we won't get help unless Obama do it (Turn up)
Don't get shot in my areas, ain't no trauma unit (Let's get it)
If you a snake and they ain't do, just know the opps'll do it (Know the opps'll do it)
And go and drill, this the best time 'cause the opps into it (Brr)
I still sleep around the savages like I ain't rich
You talkin' to me about your homie, that's that fake shit (Turn up)
The city ain't never played my songs, shoutout to Nephets
Just take that watch up of your arm 'fore we take it (Yeah, yeah)
And we the reason for your dead niggas
Breadwinners, when you hit that stain you ain't share with us
Fuck the Instagram, this reality
I know a nigga talk straight cash, and he ain't got a G
They had my momma usin' WIC when we in poverty
And I was tired of eatin' Kix, but she know I gotta eat
Stop lyin', stop tellin' niggas you gon' ride for me
Stop lyin', stop tellin' niggas you gon' die for me
I know a bitch who do whatever for some Valentinos
I'm with the killers, goin' to BET inside the Vino
Man, my city was goin' crazy, rest in peace to Chino
And free that nigga Meech 'cause he the hood hero
Don't gotta prove no point, nigga, we know
And wherever that drama at, we go
Oh, we the neighborhood heroes
We the neighborhood heroes
The lyrics in Lil Durk’s song Neighborhood Hero, despite being a catchy trap melody, show the harsh reality of life in the streets. The first line of the chorus, “Smokin’ your dead homie,” is a reference to smoking weed mixed with ashes of a dead friend or family member and is emblematic of the pain and loss that comes with gang violence. In the next line, Durk talks about a girl who will do anything for expensive shoes, highlighting the materialism that drives people in poverty-stricken areas to do things they may not want to do.
The second verse contains harsh language and violence associated with gang life, but in context, it also shows loyalty and brotherhood. Durk speaks of sticking with his friends despite their flaws, and he also addresses the struggles of his own life growing up in a violent area. The line “stop telling niggas you gon’ die for me” illustrates the pressure placed on young people in these areas to prove their allegiance to friends and family through violence.
The hook emphasizes the idea that they are the neighborhood heroes, not because of superhuman abilities or grand gestures, but because they stand together and support each other through the difficulties of their lives. The song reflects a sad reality often filled with violence, poverty, and lost dreams but also emphasizes the resilience and loyalty of those brought up in these environments.
Line by Line Meaning
Smokin' your dead homie
Acknowledging the grim reality of gang violence and its associated disrespect towards the dead.
Facts
Asserting the truth of the following lyrics.
Gas
Asserting the quality of the music.
I know a bitch who do whatever for some Valentinos (Oh)
Describing a woman who will do anything for expensive shoes, highlighting the influence of materialism in certain parts of society.
I'm with the killers, goin' to BET inside the Vino (Let's get it)
Describing going to the BET awards with a group of individuals who are involved in gang activity and violence.
Man, my city was goin' crazy, rest in peace to Chino (Chino)
Mourning the loss of a local community member who was a victim of the violence plaguing the city.
And free that nigga Meech 'cause he the hood hero (Uh, hero)
Advocating for the release of Meech, a figure who is respected in the local community.
Don't gotta prove no point, nigga, we know (Oh yeah, we know)
Asserting that there is no need to prove one's credentials, as they are already known by those around them.
And wherever that drama at, we go (We go)
Showing a willingness to engage in conflict and violence when necessary.
(You know, you know) We the neighborhood heroes
Reiterating that the local community views them as heroes for their defense of it.
(We know, we know) We the neighborhood heroes
Further emphasizing their status as protectors of the community.
That street shit
Referring to the harsh realities of life on the streets.
We don't reply to niggas with that tweet shit (Facts)
Disregarding online beef and asserting the importance of face-to-face confrontation.
Beef shit, nigga said fuck me, he don't mean it (Pussy)
Not taking threats seriously unless the person is willing to act on them.
Sweet shit, foenem caught a body, they gon' beat it
Describing how those who commit violent acts are celebrated in their community.
Defense, Glock to his face, he won't eat it (Brr)
Asserting that they are willing to use deadly force to defend themselves and their community.
All facts, nigga snaked me once and I'ma fall back (Let's get it)
Retaliating against a perceived betrayal, but then choosing to take a step back and not escalate the situation.
Nigga say he my brother, but he snaked me, what you call that?
Confronting the betrayal of a supposed friend.
I cheated on my BM three times with my dog ass
Confessing to infidelity with a woman who is not his partner.
She gave her number, I delete it, 'cause they all rats
Refusing to engage with women who might bring drama or negative attention.
Chiraq, where the police don't call backup
Describing the state of law enforcement in their city and the lack of support they receive.
Last nigga played with Durkio, he in a backwood
Threatening those who disrespect them with violent retribution.
Chicago niggas play with PnB, but ain't no matchup
Asserting their dominance over other local rappers.
If you know me like you know me, where I'm from, I'm not a rapper
Stating that they are first and foremost a resident of their city and not just a rapper.
Burglar, scammer, a murderer, I'm handsome
Boasting about their criminal activities while also acknowledging their physical attractiveness.
When I'm off the drugs, I swear I'm steady throwin' tantrums
Acknowledging the negative effects of drug use.
Angelo told me once before, he want a Phantom
Referencing a desire for a fancy car and showing the influence of societal materialism.
I can't say no 'cause that's my son, I gotta answer
Feeling a sense of obligation to provide for and protect those who are close to them.
They say we won't get help unless Obama do it (Turn up)
Expressing frustration with a lack of resources and support for their community.
Don't get shot in my areas, ain't no trauma unit (Let's get it)
Highlighting the lack of basic services, such as trauma units, in their neighborhood.
If you a snake and they ain't do, just know the opps'll do it (Know the opps'll do it)
Warning those who betray their trust that they will be targeted by their enemies.
And go and drill, this the best time 'cause the opps into it (Brr)
Encouraging their fellow gang members to engage in violent conflict when the opportunity arises.
I still sleep around the savages like I ain't rich
Refusing to distance themselves from their roots or act above their community.
You talkin' to me about your homie, that's that fake shit (Turn up)
Not interested in hearing gossip or insincere praise.
The city ain't never played my songs, shoutout to Nephets
Acknowledging the local music industry's lack of support and giving a shoutout to a friend.
Just take that watch up of your arm 'fore we take it (Yeah, yeah)
Issuing a warning to those who flaunt their wealth in their neighborhood.
And we the reason for your dead niggas
Claiming responsibility for the violent deaths of their enemies.
Breadwinners, when you hit that stain you ain't share with us
Expressing frustration with those who don't share the spoils of illegal activities.
Fuck the Instagram, this reality
Rejecting the superficiality of social media and emphasizing the importance of the real world.
I know a nigga talk straight cash, and he ain't got a G
Criticizing those who talk about money but don't actually have it.
They had my momma usin' WIC when we in poverty
Describing the experience of growing up poor and needing government assistance.
And I was tired of eatin' Kix, but she know I gotta eat
Acknowledging the struggle of growing up poor and needing to do what it takes to survive.
Stop lyin', stop tellin' niggas you gon' ride for me
Calling out those who make false promises about standing up for them or having their back.
Lyrics © BMG Rights Management, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Written by: Durk Banks, Gianni van den Brom
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
@courtcourt2x649
If You ah real Durk Fan “ #Like this ♥️
@RamonDawnings
Like, comment & Listen to RNO Ramon- Foxx Facts not even 2 minutes https://youtu.be/GFHnq3gxyQ4
@bluecookedwaffle6301
SIUL RUIZ FEBLES same even went to one of his shows
@FastLifeRaider
❤
@solosolodoloofficialchanne2277
During the hate..lil Durk holding it down
@lonniexnlmbnell2863
💯💯
@jacobrowe8676
This was my brothers favorite song and he is gone now but never forgotten and I listen to this song to make me feel better thank u lil durk
@georginajones7642
Jacob Rowe love
@P31N
RIP to your brother man
@OG-KEEF300
Jazahn Panton lame ass boa