On Dec. 24, 2020, Chicago rapper Durk Derrick Banks, professionally known as Lil Durk, released his new album titled “The Voice.” Durk announced his album on Dec. 23 via Instagram after posting a picture of the album cover and captioning the post, “The voice dropping at midnight tell the trenches I am back…#doit4von.”

This album pays homage to fellow Chicago rapper King Von, one of Durk’s best friends who was shot and killed in an Atlanta nightclub on Nov. 6, 2020, after getting into a physical altercation with Louisiana rapper Quando Rondo. “The Voice” includes 16 tracks and features collaborations with rappers King Von, Young Thug, 6LACK, YNW Melly, and Booka600. Durk shows how he has improved both musically and spiritually. He acknowledges his role as a voice for underprivileged kids and speaks to them fluidly. The dark tone in this album shows how Durk is willing to battle his current demons and express himself.

“Still Trappin,” featuring King Von, is the most popular song on the album. In this track, Von calls out his friends for being fake, clout-chasing people and how they are not the gangsters they claim to be online. Durk raps about his past experiences with drugs, and how his life has changed now that he is making lots of money.

“Death Ain’t Easy” is the third track on the album. Durk talks about death and how it has directly impacted him. This song is mostly about his recently deceased friend King Von. Von provides a spoken intro to this song; this addition creates an emotional tone that allows listeners to feel personally connected.

“Free Jamell,” featuring YNW Melly, is the eighth track on the album. In this track, both artists rap about the crimes they witnessed during their upbringing and how that has impacted both of them. In addition, they both talk about their legal troubles as well as Melly’s double murder charge, which is the reason he is in prison today. 

After relistening to this album and really digesting the lyrics, I have come to appreciate it even more. Overall, I would give this album a solid seven out of 10.