With jury selection scheduled for August 20, a federal judge ruled Thursday that rapper Lil Durk's music video and lyrics for his 2021 single "Pissed Me Off" will be admitted as evidence in his murder-for-hire trial in Los Angeles.
According to Rolling Stone, U.S. District Judge Michael Fitzgerald granted prosecutors' request to admit the video and lyrics over the objection of the defense. Durk, whose legal name is Durk Banks, denies any involvement in the killing at the center of the case.
Prosecutors allege that Banks blamed fellow rapper Quando Rondo, born Tyquian Terrel Bowman, for the death of his friend and protégé, Dayvon "King Von" Bennett. They argue Banks orchestrated a hit on Bowman that instead killed bystander Saviay'a "Lul Pab" Robinson in Los Angeles four years ago.
"Pissed Me Off" was the lead single on Banks' seventh studio album, 7220. On the track, Banks raps, "Grab a gun if you ain't with it, put up money for a gun. Put up money for a hot car, put up money for a bond. I don't see you on the regular, but I see you screamin', 'Von.'" Prosecutors argue those lyrics show Banks' intent to pay for a firearm and vehicle to retaliate for King Von's death.
Defense lawyer Marissa Goldberg argued that showing the video at trial could create "so much risk of prejudice and confusion." She told the court the song is largely about Banks' slain older brother, Dontay "DThang" Banks Jr., and said its opening lyrics state "Long live DThang." Goldberg also noted that the judge had previously severed recently filed charges accusing Banks of racketeering and involvement in a 2022 Chicago killing, arguing that allowing the video would effectively reintroduce evidence the court had already set aside.
"It's just inappropriate, and the court has already noted there are areas of danger here," she argued.
Prosecutors told the judge that a cooperating witness who was present when "Pissed Me Off" was filmed would offer interpretations of the lyrics and video at trial. The judge agreed to allow the video. Jury selection begins August 20.
