Lil Durk's Mom Raised Him Alone after His Dad's Imprisonment – More about the Rapper's Family

Lil Durk came from humble beginnings and struggled growing up without a father. His mother, a nurse, worked to make ends meet while his father was incarcerated for over two decades.

Before Lil Durk made waves in the music scene, he was known as Durk Banks, his birth name. Raised in the less prominent side of the state, Durk experienced a tough childhood after his dad's imprisonment.

Durk utilized social media to gain a fan base, specifically YouTube and MySpace. Through his songs, the rapper tells listeners a story of who he is and where he came from.

Lil Durk's Growing Up on the South Side

Durk was only seven months old when his father was placed behind bars. His mom, a nurse, worked to make ends meet, but life was harsh, and her job was insufficient to bring food to the table.

Starving was a feeling all too familiar to the musician, who recalls the scarcity of food they had at home in fifth grade. His difficult life continued until he was 17 when he left school with no father figure and proper guidance. Durk shared:

"I was 17 and out of school, living with my mom, starving, not eating, getting locked up, no focus, no guidance. When you ain't got no guidance, you can't do much."

His father's absence affected him in more ways than one, especially when he saw other kids with a complete family. Nevertheless, Durk communicated with his father when he visited the jail.

Fortunately, Durk picked up valuable life lessons from his growing years. Having been raised by a mom and with three sisters, he knows better than most men when it comes to treating women right. He also works to be a better father to his children, hoping they do not go through the same hardship he did.

Coming from humble beginnings, Durk never thought he would reach the fame he has today. "I never thought it would be how it is right now. I ain't expect it. I just expected to be Chicago famous — 'hood famous. I ain't expect to be outside-of-Chicago famous [sic]," he said.

Who Is Lil Durk's Father?

Durk's father, Dontay Banks, reportedly had $8 million confiscated during his arrest in 1993 for selling drugs. Dontay was one of the five men arrested and sentenced to life imprisonment.

However, after 22 years behind bars, Dontay filed an appeal that was the key to his release. He finally got his freedom from jail in 2019.

Following his reunion with Dontay, Durk said he was left in disbelief that his family was whole again. He could say he has a father with him for the first time in his memory.

Who Is Lil Durk's Mother?

Durk's mother, LaShawnda Woodard, has always tried to nudge her son in the right direction, even amidst his successful career. Using her experiences growing up and singlehandedly raising her kids, Woodard became a philanthropist, motivational speaker, and author.

Looking back, Woodard also has regrets about parenthood, hoping she had done more as a mom. In a previous interview, she revealed how she would ask her kids for forgiveness when battling depression.

Woodard takes complete responsibility for her children's lives, noting that she could have done better to get them out of hardship and give them opportunities. Fortunately, things turned out well for their family.

Lil Durk is now a parent of six, allowing him to relate with and understand his mom's struggles. He became a first-time father at 17 with his then-girlfriend. They had another child, a daughter, in 2013, before going separate ways.

There are no confirmed sources about the moms of his other children. However, Durk is doing his best to be a great parent.