Federal prosecutors say Lil Durk warned members of his Only The Family (OTF) crew in group text messages that “someone gonna tell” before his arrest, adding, “As long as we don’t break, they can tell them whatever.”
There is a screenshot trending on X, Instagram, and Facebook which apparently shows an iMessage from the “OTF” group chat superimposed on a picture of the Chicago-based rapper. This post made by the account “@mymixtapez” garnered millions of views within minutes and raised discussions on issues such as loyalty, ratting out, and the strength of the case brought forward by the government.
According to prosecutors, the messages came from the phones and iClouds retrieved by the authorities during the case against Lil Durk where he was accused of conspiracy to commit murder and racketeering.
“The texts have appeared in court documents as evidence of awareness of possible co-operation/informants and a supposedly concerted effort to maintain group unity,”
according to reports on the court filings.
The case stems from retaliation following the November 2020 killing of King Von, a close associate of Durk. Prosecutors allege Durk, as leader of OTF, directed members to target rival rapper Quando Rondo. This plot allegedly led to the August 19, 2022, shooting at a Los Angeles gas station near the Beverly Center that killed Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson, an associate of Quando Rondo.
Durk was arrested in October 2024 in Florida near a private jet. He faces charges including murder-for-hire resulting in death, conspiracy, firearms violations, and racketeering counts alleging OTF operated as a violent criminal enterprise. A superseding indictment expanded on details, and the trial is scheduled for August 2026 in the Central District of California. Durk has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Prosecutors highlight digital evidence text messages, burner phones, travel records, and iCloud data plus cooperating witnesses. They cite dozens of devices linked to OTF activity.
The specific wording of the viral group chat messages “he gone tell soon,” “someone gonna tell,” and “As long as we don’t break, they can tell them whatever” comes from prosecutorial allegations in court filings. These have not been conclusively authenticated in open court or ruled upon by a jury. Durk’s defense team disputes the government’s interpretation of the evidence, argues some materials like lyrics are artistic expression, and has filed motions challenging admissibility and seeking separate trials for co-defendants.
If admitted, prosecutors say the messages could show consciousness of the investigation and efforts to keep the group together amid scrutiny. Defense attorneys maintain they do not prove involvement in any crime and reflect general awareness rather than conspiracy.
Lil Durk remains in custody as pretrial motions continue. The allegations have not been proven in court, and he maintains his innocence. The case is one of the most closely watched in hip-hop, with significant implications depending on how jurors view the digital evidence.
