Beginning his career, from 2011 to 2012, Durk released his debut, un-official mixtape, Iβm a Hitta which was released on August 26, 2011. On April 3, 2012, Durk released his sophomore mixtape, a sequel to his previous tape, Iβm Still a Hitta. Durka later released his third mixtape on November 5, 2012, titled Life Ainβt No Joke
Like many drill artists, Durkβs 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 Durkβs 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 βWhat You Do to Meβ.
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 βLike Me.β Later that year, Durk released his sixth mixtape 300 Days 300 Nights which included his then-girlfriend, Dej Loaf-assisted, βMy BeyoncΓ©.β
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 βNobody Knowsβ. 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 βIndiaβ dedicated to his fiancΓ© India Cox otherwise known as India Royale.
In 2018, Durk released two projects, he began with Just Cause Y'all Waited, Durkβs 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 Yβall 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 Durkβs 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 Durkβs first solo project to top the charts.
Rebellious
Lil Durk Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
(Go Grizz)
(Winners Circle)
I still got family in the hood, this shit for real
And I swear they on my mind when I'm off them pills
Only thing on they mind, go and kill
Told my granny I can't deny, gotta pay her bills
I thought my life was supposed to change when I got that deal
So this is how it feel (yeah), this is how it feel
Niggas' vibes different, you even smile different
I even fall out with the niggas that I know'll ride with me
I lost cousins to these streets, it make my high different
I left Ikey around some pounds when the job missing
I put my bitch on JetSmarter, she even fly different
Thirty pair of Amiri jeans, I say my fly different
Even though I'm rich, I'm still not 'round, so all my guys trippin'
I know y'all miss me, I miss y'all too, but I'm out the Chi with it
Whoever thought the bitch we slept around was scandalous
If you gon' cheat on him, don't cheat on him with the fellas
I'm around millionaires, I'ma change, let them tell it
Everybody around me gang, we rebellious
I still got family in the hood, this shit for real
And I swear they on my mind when I'm off them pills
Only thing on they mind, go and kill
Told my granny I can't deny, gotta pay her bills
She said I'm the reason for his death, it gave me chills
I thought my life was supposed to change when I got that deal
So this is how it feel (yeah), this is how it feel
A lot of nights I be smiling, but I still be so lonely
Deedee my roadie, so I'ma know how he feel if he lose his motion
Nowadays, you ask a nigga for a favor, he gon' think you owe him
Shit built in me since 2012, you play and I'ma show 'em
They'll bust your brain, you think I'm playin', you better tuck your chain
Nowadays they goin' off the murders, they don't go off names
But let a nigga play with me, his life gon' go in flame
They say I got some kids out right now that I do not claim
I know I don't so, lil' bitch, chill, you steady chasing fame
I'm tryna figure out why you squeal and got a big name
Take my pain, my pain away, away, away, away
I still got family in the hood, this shit for real
And I swear they on my mind when I'm off them pills
Only thing on they mind, go and kill
Told my granny I can't deny, gotta pay her bills
She said I'm the reason for his death, it gave me chills
I thought my life was supposed to change when I got that deal
So this is how it feel (yeah), this is how it feel
Lil Durkβs song Rebellious portrays the rapper's reflections on his humble beginnings and how his current success has not necessarily brought the changes he expected. He begins by highlighting that he still has family in the hood and their situations are always on his mind, even when he is under the influence. The only thing on their minds is survival, and they will do anything, even killing, to make it through. He admits to his grandmother that he cannot deny that he needs to provide for her and that he feels guilty for the death of someone he knew.
Durk goes on to discuss how his success has changed the people around him. Their vibes are not the same, and even those who he thought would always be loyal have fallen out with him. He has lost family members to the streets, which makes him feel different when he is high. He had to leave one of his guys who had lost his job alone with a lot of guns; a decision that continued to weigh on him. Despite his newfound status, Durk feels distant from his friends and family. He understands that they miss him, but he is out of Chicago, where he can better his life.
He concludes the song by reflecting on the pain he has experienced and how he wishes it could be taken away. The song displays Lil Durk's introspective nature as he raps about the struggles he has faced before and after his success.
Line by Line Meaning
I still got family in the hood, this shit for real
Despite his success, he still has loved ones living in dangerous neighborhoods
And I swear they on my mind when I'm off them pills
He often thinks about his family and their safety, especially when he's under the influence
Only thing on they mind, go and kill
His family members are desperate to survive and may resort to violence
Told my granny I can't deny, gotta pay her bills
He feels responsible for taking care of his grandmother's financial needs
She said I'm the reason for his death, it gave me chills
His actions or lifestyle may have put someone he cared about in danger or led to their death
I thought my life was supposed to change when I got that deal
He expected his success to drastically change his life, but it hasn't
So this is how it feel (yeah), this is how it feel
He's coming to terms with the reality of his situations and emotions
Niggas' vibes different, you even smile different
The people around him have changed since he became successful, and their attitudes and behavior reflect this
I even fall out with the niggas that I know'll ride with me
Even close friends may be impacted by his success and change in lifestyle
I lost cousins to these streets, it make my high different
The violence in his hometown has affected him personally and made it difficult to fully enjoy his success
I left Ikey around some pounds when the job missing
He may have put a friend or associate in danger by associating with them or exposing them to illegal activity
I put my bitch on JetSmarter, she even fly different
His wealth has led to changes in his personal relationships
Thirty pair of Amiri jeans, I say my fly different
His material possessions reflect his newfound wealth
Even though I'm rich, I'm still not 'round, so all my guys trippin'
Despite his financial success, he still may not be able to be there for his friends or family who need him
I know y'all miss me, I miss y'all too, but I'm out the Chi with it
He's aware of the impact his absence has on those he cares about but is unable to return to his hometown or prior lifestyle
Whoever thought the bitch we slept around was scandalous
Someone close to him may have betrayed him or caused drama
If you gon' cheat on him, don't cheat on him with the fellas
He's expressing frustration with someone's disloyalty or infidelity
I'm around millionaires, I'ma change, let them tell it
His new social circle may have an impact on his behavior or personality
Everybody around me gang, we rebellious
He and his friends have a strong bond and may engage in risky or defiant behavior
A lot of nights I be smiling, but I still be so lonely
Despite his success, he still feels isolated and disconnected from others
Deedee my roadie, so I'ma know how he feel if he lose his motion
His close friend Deedee may be going through a difficult time, and he can empathize with him
Nowadays, you ask a nigga for a favor, he gon' think you owe him
People may have become entitled or expect special treatment now that he's successful
Shit built in me since 2012, you play and I'ma show 'em
He's tough and won't let anyone take advantage of him
They'll bust your brain, you think I'm playin', you better tuck your chain
He's warning others that he won't hesitate to use violence if provoked or threatened
Nowadays they goin' off the murders, they don't go off names
People are more interested in the drama and tragedy of violent crimes than the actual individuals involved
But let a nigga play with me, his life gon' go in flame
He's not afraid to defend himself or take revenge if necessary
They say I got some kids out right now that I do not claim
There may be rumors or gossip surrounding his personal life
I know I don't so, lil' bitch, chill, you steady chasing fame
He's tired of people spreading lies about him or trying to exploit his success
I'm tryna figure out why you squeal and got a big name
He's questioning why others are pretending to be tough or important when they really aren't
Take my pain, my pain away, away, away, away
He's seeking relief or escape from his struggles and emotions
Lyrics Β© Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC, Kobalt Music Publishing Ltd., Warner Chappell Music, Inc.
Written by: Durk D. Banks, Kevin Andre Price
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Note Bucks
THIS SONG GIVESSS U GOOSE BUMPS, durk really making soul touching songs
Username
Clay White cuz he aint got his own
Linford Hlahane
facts brudda
Young Almighty
Exactly bro
Yxng Russell
Fr
sayha
@Username LMAO
Lee Majikija
You canβt hear this song once and NOT want to hear it again. What a blessing manπ₯π₯π₯
Rare_breed
Aye ma how u doin
Ariana Michelle
βA lot of nights I be smiling but I still be so lonelyβ... Thatβs deep π€§
Jerrick Granville
Hay