Jay-Z and J. Cole Urge Judge to Release Lil Durk on Bail After Murder-for-Hire Acquittal

Jay-Z and J. Cole have asked a federal judge to release Lil Durk on bail, submitting letters in support of his request. Durk was acquitted of murder-for-hire in September, but remains in custody while awaiting a separate racketeering trial.

Jay-Z’s letter describes Durk’s support for young artists in his community, while J. Cole points to the positive message behind their Grammy-winning collaboration “All My Life”. Durk’s lawyers say the acquittal changes the circumstances behind an earlier decision to deny bail, and have offered his future royalties, touring income and image rights as collateral. A bail hearing is set for 4 November; the remaining charge is due to go to trial in August 2027.