Ye was present to show his support for Lil Durk at the rapper’s murder-for-hire trial in Los Angeles on August 27.

Video footage captured Ye, dressed in black, arriving at the downtown Los Angeles federal courthouse. He also took a photo with Durk’s associate, Doodie Lo, while holding a “Free Durk” T-shirt, which quickly spread across social media.

Kanye West Shows Support For Lil Durk

Kanye West Shows Up At Lil Durk Trial To Showing Support and Love For Smurk

Via: Cousintinofunny pic.twitter.com/mciIMVb6Nq

— Omar G (@OmarFreedurk_) August 27, 2026

As a fellow native of Chicago, Ye has consistently backed Lil Durk throughout his career. They’ve collaborated on several tracks such as “Jonah” from the ‘Donda’ album, which reached number 27 on the Billboard Hot 100, the title track “Vultures,” and Cardi B’s “Hot Shit,” which peaked at number 13 on the same chart in 2022.

Ye isn’t the only notable figure showing support for Durk; Machine Gun Kelly also appeared at the courthouse on Monday as the trial began. He expressed his unwavering support on social media, stating his decade-long friendship with Durk and affirming his presence at the trial to show solidarity.

Meek Mill added his voice to those calling for Durk’s freedom in a post on social media on Thursday.

Free lil Durk!

— MeekMill (@MeekMill) August 27, 2026

Federal prosecutors claim that Lil Durk became driven by revenge, allegedly ordering a hit on rapper Quando Rondo in retaliation for the 2020 killing of King Von, a close associate. In a 2022 shooting at a Los Angeles gas station, Rondo was the intended target, but it was his friend Lul Pab who tragically lost his life.

The rapper known for “All My Life” was arrested in October 2024 near Miami International Airport. He is facing charges of murder-for-hire, conspiracy, and stalking. Despite these allegations, Durk maintains his innocence. If found guilty, he could face a life sentence. The trial in Los Angeles is anticipated to extend over several weeks.