Written By:  Omari “Cashaz” J.(@CashazJ)

Lil Durk is shooting for the top spot in 2013— not talking Nowitzki! The 20-year-old rapper, whose real name is Durk Banks grew up on the drastic South Side area of Chicago, Illinois. In 2011, he served time in prison for weapon charges. At that moment, he proclaimed his seriousness about hip-hop.

“I was young, dumb. Still running around going crazy. After I had my son and got my deal, I had started thinking and using my head,” said Lil Durk. “A lot of people don’t get this opportunity.”

Since his start, the Def Jam signee hasn’t limited any opportunities to increase his stardom. He’s recorded tracks with Band Kamp producer Paris Beuller and made appearances on hooks with MMG’s Meek Mill and several Dipset rappers. As often as he’s featured on tracks with King Louie, Chief Keef, Lil Reese, & other Chicago natives, one would mistake him as a part of the infamous GBE camp. But Durk leads his independent franchise label OTF, which stands for Only The Family.

“Music wise in Chicago, everybody knows GBE. OTF is the streets. 300 is all the same, loyalty means a lot to us,” said Durk. “We gotta take advantage of the spotlight. [GBE] the guys, but I’m self-made too at the end of the day. I branched off to try to do my own thing.”

After dropping his Life Ain’t No Joke mixtape hosted by Chicago’s own DJ Moondawg, DJ Pharris & DJ Victoriouz last year, Durk’s buzz began to grow. Not long after dropping the official video for “I’m a Hitta,” the numbers took off and reached over five thousand views. The video caught the attention of the viral world and ignited the rapper’s career.

Mostly known for his auto-tune robotic pitches and catchy hooks, Durk’s music delivers street anthems that correspond with his neighborhood and events that took place throughout his life. As he gears up for the summer release of his anticipated mixtape Signed To The Streets, hosted by DJ Drama, Durk has the streets locked into “This Ain’t Watchu Want,” his latest single that has reached the spotlight of national television and radio.

“I’m lyrical, that’s what makes me different, I’mma stick to that real rap shit.”

Keep up with Lil Durk on Twitter: @lildurk_