Federal prosecutors likened Lil Durk’s “Only The Family” cast to a terrorist squad for using his own lyrics and videos against him in his upcoming murder-for-hire trial. The FBI is blocking Duke’s attempt to prevent prosecutors from playing selected songs and videos at trial.
The government is comparing the OTF’s structure and violence to the Liberian counterterrorism unit at the center of a landmark U.S. torture case
Chuckie Taylor, the son of former Liberian President Charles Taylor Sr., was convicted in Florida in 2008 of directing torture and violent abuse in Liberia from 1999 to 2003 and sentenced to 97 years in a U.S. federal prison.
Taylor is the commander of the country’s anti-terrorism force, also known as the “Devil Force.” When Taylor was arrested at Miami International Airport for trying to enter the United States using a fake passport, agents discovered rap lyrics mentioning ATU.
Take this for free / Six feet is where you’re going / ATU n###### on site / All you see are body bags
More sweat in my training means less blood in my life / So stay dead and precise with your gun shots / Bull ambush in battle / Try to cut off my supply / You’ll lose your life
The lyrics were used against Taylor during his trial and helped convict him. Taylor protested, but during the appeal, a judge ruled that the raps were highly relevant.
Prosecutors argue that, like the ATU, the OTF allegedly serves as an armed law enforcement arm of powerful leaders, enforcing brutal orders while enjoying money, status and protection.
The government said Lil Durk made similar “musical admissions” proving OTF is a gang that targets “ops,” as Durk bragged about paying rent for his shooters, buying guns and handing out “bounties” to rivals.
The FBI didn’t use all of Duke’s lyrics against him. They claim there are isolated lines suggesting he was the leader of OTF who ordered a hit on rival rapper Quando Rondo in retaliation for King Von’s murder.
Heavy traffic, we’re in Cali riding a helicopter through Beverly Hills Bounty Hunter/For the n##### that can carry it, I’ll buy them 50,000 guns
Don’t respond to s### with Von/I said, “f###, you tripped,” go get your gun/They dropped the spot, I’m done/F### Twitter, we coasted, the FBI is coming
Prosecutors also highlighted a line in which Durk said he was “the kind of guy who jumps on a plane with a warrant,” which they said reflected his attempts to escape after his co-defendants were arrested.
Duke is awaiting trial in federal court in Los Angeles on charges he orchestrated an ambush on Quindo Rondo outside the Beverly Center in 2022. Prosecutors say the OTF affiliate traveled from Chicago to California to track the rapper and fatally shot his friend, Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson, in broad daylight.
Agents said he put a bounty on Quando Rondo’s head, financed flights, leased cars and weapons and used encrypted or coded messages to communicate with trusted gunmen.
Lil Durk is charged with conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death, using interstate commerce to arrange attacks and firing machine guns in the course of violent crimes.
He has pleaded not guilty and remains in custody.
