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Only the Family
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Key Information
Only the Family, often abbreviated as OTF, is an American hip hop group and a record label from Chicago, Illinois formed in 2010.[1] The group is composed of Chicago-based rappers, which included late King Von and Lil Durk.
Record label
[edit]The OTF label was part of French Montana's Coke Boys, and as a result, adopted the nickname 'OTF Coke Boys'. This saw OTF members feature on the subsequent Coke Boys album.[2] The label has since grown to be independent from the Coke Boys imprint and is now cooperating with Empire Distribution, except for Lil Durk, who signed to Alamo Records and Interscope Records in 2018 (after being released from his Def Jam Recordings Contract);[3] his releases for Alamo are now distributed by Sony Music after the latter acquired the label in June 2021.
Notable artists
[edit]| Act | Year signed |
Releases (under the label) |
|---|---|---|
| Lil Durk[4] | Founder (incarcerated) | 29 |
| Booka600[4] | 2017 | - |
| Doodie Lo[4] | - | |
| Lil Mexico[4] | 2021 | |
| OTF DEDE[4] | 2020 (incarcerated) | - |
Former
[edit]| Act | Years on the label |
Releases (under the label) |
|---|---|---|
| King Von[4] (deceased) | 2018–2020 | 10 |
| OTF Nunu[4] (deceased) | 2011–2013 | 2 |
| LA Capone[4] (deceased) | 2013 | 1 |
| RondoNumbaNine[4] (incarcerated) | 2013–2014 | 3 |
| Jusblow600 (incarcerated) | 2018–2019 | 1 |
| Memo600[4] | 2019–2021 | 2 |
Discography
[edit]Compilation albums
[edit]| Title | Album details | Peak chart positions | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| US | US R&B/HH |
US Rap |
CAN | ||
| Only the Family Involved, Vol.1 (with Lil Durk) |
|
— | — | — | — |
| Only the Family Involved, Vol.2 (with Lil Durk) |
|
— | — | — | — |
| Family over Everything (with Lil Durk) |
|
93 | 42 | — | — |
| Loyal Bros |
|
12 | 6 | 5 | 54 |
| Loyal Bros 2 (with Lil Durk) |
|
37 | 13 | 6 | 79 |
| Nightmares in the Trenches (with Lil Durk) |
|
114 | 40 | — | — |
Singles
[edit]| Title | Year | Album |
|---|---|---|
| "Riot" (with Lil Durk and Booka600 featuring G Herbo) |
2019 | Family over Everything |
Other charted and certified songs
[edit]| Title | Year | Peak chart positions | Certifications | Album |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| US [5] | ||||
| "No Auto Durk" (featuring Lil Durk) |
2018 | — | Only the Family Involved, Vol. 2 | |
| "Hellcats & Trackhawks" (with Lil Durk) |
2021 | 69 |
|
Loyal Bros |
References
[edit]- ^ "OTF (Only The Family) - OTF Records | Founded by Lil Durk". Chiraq Drill - Chicago Rap, Hip Hop, Music Reviews, & Breaking News.
- ^ "Lil Durk Lends His OTF Certification To King Von's "Crazy Story 2.0"". HotNewHipHop. May 3, 2019.
- ^ "Chicago Rapper Lil Durk Signs To Alamo/Interscope". musicconnection. July 27, 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Only The Family (OTF) Collective". Discogs. Retrieved December 27, 2024.
- ^ "Lil Durk Chart History: Hot 100". Billboard. Retrieved April 17, 2021.
- ^ "American certifications – Lil Durk". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved August 7, 2022.
- ^ "American certifications – Only the Family". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved April 3, 2022.
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Only the Family
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History
Formation and early years
Only the Family (OTF) was founded by Chicago rapper Lil Durk (born Durk Derrick Banks) in 2010 as a street collective in the Englewood neighborhood on the city's South Side.[7][8] The group initially served as a tight-knit crew of local talents amid the rising Chicago drill scene, reflecting the raw, street-oriented sound that defined early 2010s hip-hop in the area. By 2011, OTF had evolved from a loose affiliation into a formal record label imprint, allowing Durk to release music independently while building a platform for affiliated artists.[7][9] Early efforts centered around Durk, with key collaborators including fellow drill rappers Lil Reese and Fredo Santana, who brought intense, gritty energy through frequent collaborations that captured the violent undertones of Englewood life. The collective's debut project, Lil Durk's mixtape I'm a Hitta, dropped in August 2011 via independent platforms like DatPiff, featuring tracks produced by local beatsmiths and marking OTF's first official release as a label.[10] This tape introduced OTF's sound—dark, booming beats paired with lyrics about street survival—and quickly gained traction in Chicago's underground circuit.[9][11] Deeply rooted in Chicago drill music, OTF drew influences from pioneers like Chief Keef while emphasizing loyalty and family ties, often intertwined with affiliations to the Black Disciples street gang, a common element in the scene's cultural backdrop.[12] Early distribution relied on free mixtape sites like DatPiff, helping spread their music without major backing. However, the group faced significant initial challenges, including legal troubles among affiliates and collaborators—such as Lil Reese's 2012 arrests on assault charges—and the dangers of building buzz through impromptu street performances in high-risk neighborhoods.[13] These grassroots efforts, despite the obstacles, solidified OTF's local presence before broader expansion.[14]Expansion and key milestones
In 2013, Lil Durk secured a joint venture distribution deal between his collective Only the Family (OTF) and Def Jam Recordings, which facilitated broader distribution and promotion of OTF's music releases beyond independent channels.[15][16] This partnership marked a pivotal shift, allowing OTF to leverage major-label infrastructure for increased visibility in the competitive hip-hop landscape. The label experienced significant breakthroughs in the mid-2010s, particularly with the signing of Chicago drill rapper King Von in 2017, who brought raw storytelling and street narratives that resonated widely within the genre.[17][18] Concurrently, Lil Durk's rising solo career, including chart-topping albums and collaborations, elevated OTF's profile by cross-promoting label artists and establishing the collective as a key player in Chicago's drill scene.[19] OTF faced profound challenges in the early 2020s, including the death of King Von on November 6, 2020, who was fatally shot at age 26 during an altercation outside an Atlanta hookah lounge.[20][21] The collective demonstrated resilience in the aftermath, releasing the compilation album Loyal Bros on March 5, 2021, which featured contributions from Durk, posthumous verses from Von, and other OTF members like Booka600 and Doodie Lo, underscoring themes of loyalty amid loss.[22] Further legal hurdles emerged with Lil Durk's federal indictment on October 25, 2024, charging him with conspiracy to commit murder-for-hire in connection with a 2022 shooting in Los Angeles that resulted in the death of Saviay'a Robinson.[23][24] By 2024, OTF expanded its operations through a relaunch partnership with AWAL, enabling enhanced global distribution and support for independent artists under the label.[25] This move facilitated international reach, including tours and streaming growth for OTF projects. In 2025, the label continued its momentum with the release of Chuckyy's album I Live, I Die, I Live Again (Resurrected) on August 6, highlighting emerging talent signed to OTF and maintaining the collective's focus on drill-influenced narratives.[26]Organization and operations
Record label structure
Only the Family (OTF) is an independent record label co-founded in 2012 by Chicago rapper Lil Durk (Durk Banks) along with Dontay 'Dthang' Banks, Cedrick 'SB' Earsery, and Uchenna 'Chino' Agina, with Lil Durk serving as its CEO.[27][28] The label operates as the imprint Only The Family Entertainment Inc., with first commercial use of its branding dating to 2012.[29] Headquartered in Chicago, Illinois, OTF focuses on hip hop and drill genres, drawing from the city's street rap scene to develop and promote affiliated artists.[27] Since its formalization, OTF has maintained independence while securing distribution partnerships to reach wider audiences. Early releases aligned with Lil Durk's personal signing to Def Jam Recordings (a Universal Music Group imprint) in 2013, facilitating initial major-label exposure for OTF projects.[16] By the late 2010s, the label shifted to Empire Distribution for key compilations, such as the 2021 album Loyal Bros, which handled marketing and global rollout. In May 2024, OTF relaunched under a strategic partnership with AWAL (a Kobalt Music Group company), providing enhanced distribution, artist development, and creative support to scale operations internationally; under this deal, OTF released the compilation album Nightmares in the Trenches in November 2024.[27][30][31] Management at OTF is centralized under Lil Durk's leadership as CEO, with operational support from key executives including COO Cedrick “SB” Earsery, who works on strategic initiatives.[27] The label's revenue streams encompass album and single sales, digital streaming via platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, merchandise sales, and revenue from artist touring, reflecting standard models for independent hip hop imprints.[30] In October 2024, Lil Durk and five OTF affiliates were arrested on federal charges alleging a murder-for-hire conspiracy tied to a 2022 shooting in Los Angeles, with prosecutors claiming OTF functions in part as a criminal street gang; Durk was released on bond, but the case remains ongoing as of November 2025, leading to arrests of members and scrutiny of operations, though the label has continued releasing music.[23][32]Collective dynamics
Only the Family (OTF), founded by Lil Durk in 2010, functions as a tight-knit hip hop collective rooted in Chicago's South Side, where members emphasize loyalty and mutual support as core tenets of their identity. The group's name itself underscores this familial bond, with "Only the Family" symbolizing unwavering solidarity among affiliates who share common origins in the city's Englewood and O'Block neighborhoods, often reflecting these ties in their lyrics through themes of brotherhood and protection. This sense of unity extends to branding, where OTF is prominently featured in music videos, album artwork, and personal symbols that reinforce collective allegiance.[33][34] The collaborative process within OTF is characterized by frequent group recording sessions in Chicago-area studios, fostering a communal creative environment where members frequently appear on one another's tracks to amplify individual voices. For instance, compilation projects like Loyal Bros (2021) and Loyal Bros 2 (2022) showcase this interplay, with Lil Durk and affiliates such as King Von, Booka600, and Memo600 exchanging verses to blend personal narratives into cohesive OTF soundscapes. Joint tours further solidify these bonds; in 2019, Lil Durk embarked on a national tour recruiting OTF brethren, promoting tracks like "Home Body" and highlighting the collective's rising prominence beyond Chicago.[35][36] OTF plays a significant cultural role in representing South Side Chicago's realities, with lyrics that confront street violence, economic hardship, and pathways to success, thereby contributing to the evolution of the drill subgenre. Emerging from Chicago's drill scene in the early 2010s, OTF artists like Lil Durk and the late King Von have influenced drill's raw storytelling style, which draws directly from the poverty and gang dynamics of neighborhoods like O'Block, while also celebrating triumphs over adversity. This portrayal has helped drill gain global traction, positioning OTF as a key exponent of the subgenre's gritty authenticity.[37][38][39] While internal conflicts within OTF have been rare and largely kept private, the collective has demonstrated resilience and unity in the wake of tragedies, particularly following King Von's death in November 2020 and the 2024 federal arrests of Durk and members on murder-for-hire charges. Members rallied to honor Von's legacy through posthumous releases like What It Means to Be King (2022), emphasizing continued solidarity amid external pressures from ongoing rivalries in Chicago's rap landscape and legal proceedings. This focus on cohesion has helped OTF maintain its familial ethos despite losses.[34] In addition to artistic endeavors, OTF supports community initiatives through the Neighborhood Heroes Foundation, established by Lil Durk and the collective in 2020 to aid Chicago youth from underserved areas. The foundation provides scholarships, career readiness programs, and educational tours, such as HBCU visits and college exposure trips for teens aged 12-20, aiming to break cycles of poverty and violence by offering alternatives like music industry training and higher education opportunities. To date, it has awarded over $100,000 in scholarships to more than 50 students, underscoring OTF's commitment to positive impact in their hometown, though some municipal partnerships were revoked in October 2024 following the arrests.[32][40][41][42]Roster
Current artists
Lil Durk (incarcerated as of 2026) serves as the founder and lead artist of Only the Family (OTF), establishing the label in 2010 as a platform for Chicago drill talent while acting as a primary mentor to emerging roster members through collaborative projects and guidance.[43] His role extends to curating OTF's direction, often featuring on collective tracks to amplify affiliates' visibility.[44] Doodie Lo, signed to OTF in 2020, has contributed to the label's sound with gritty street narratives, gaining prominence through singles like "Me and Doodie Lo" (feat. King Von) that exemplify his raw delivery and helped promote OTF's drill aesthetic.[45][46] Within the collective, he participates in promotional efforts, including joint tours and features that strengthen OTF's presence in the Midwest rap scene.[47] Booka600, a longtime OTF member since 2017, is known for his contributions to the label's drill sound through tracks like "OJ" and albums such as Loyal (2022), featuring collaborations with Lil Durk and others, solidifying his role in OTF compilations and live performances.[48][49] OTF Ikey (also known as Mikey Ikey), an active affiliate since the early 2010s, brings intense street narratives to OTF with singles like "Dead Bodies" (2019) and features on collective projects, maintaining visibility through ongoing releases and OTF loyalty as of 2025.[50] Chucky Wackemm (also known as Chuckyy), a recent signee in 2024, marked his active status with the 2025 album I Live, I Die, I Live Again (Resurrected), bringing high-energy drill flows to OTF's roster and collaborating on label sessions to build momentum for new releases.[51] His rapid integration highlights OTF's focus on scouting young Chicago talent for immediate contributions to group dynamics.[52] Sydny August, the label's prominent female artist signed around 2021, adds R&B-infused versatility to OTF, serving in roles that diversify the collective's output through melodic hooks on shared tracks and performances that expand the label's appeal beyond traditional drill.[53] Her involvement includes mentoring younger vocalists and participating in OTF's community-oriented events.[54] Rising talents like Lil King and YFG Fatso, both signed in 2024, represent OTF's youth infusion, with Lil King focusing on energetic anthems and YFG Fatso delivering versatile trap verses that support the label's ongoing expansion.[55] These artists contribute by engaging in OTF cyphers and social initiatives, fostering the next generation under Durk's mentorship.[56]Former artists
King Von, born Dayvon Daquan Bennett, joined Only the Family in late 2017 shortly after his release from prison, becoming one of the label's most prominent artists through his raw storytelling and vivid depictions of Chicago street life.[57] His tenure with OTF marked a pivotal growth period for the collective, highlighted by breakout singles like "Crazy Story" in 2018, which showcased his narrative-driven style and helped elevate OTF's profile in the drill genre.[57] Von released his debut album, Welcome to O'Block, in 2020 under OTF and Empire, solidifying his role as a major star before his death on November 6, 2020, from gunshot wounds sustained outside an Atlanta nightclub.[58] Following his passing, Von's estate has continued to release posthumous material through OTF, including features on compilations and new projects as recent as 2024, maintaining his influence on the label's output.[59] Lil Reese, born Tavares Lamont Taylor, was an early affiliate of Only the Family starting around 2010, aligning with founder Lil Durk during the formative years of Chicago's drill movement and contributing to OTF's initial collaborations.[60] His key contributions included the 2012 track "Beef," a collaboration with Durk and Fredo Santana that exemplified the raw energy of OTF's early sound and bridged alliances in the local scene.[61] Reese departed from OTF around 2015 amid disputes stemming from the 2013-2014 rift between Durk and Chief Keef, where Reese sided with Keef's GBE camp, leading to a temporary fallout and his shift toward independent pursuits.[62] Post-OTF, Reese has focused on solo releases and his own label affiliations, including a stint with Def Jam, while occasionally reconciling with Durk for features into the 2020s.[63]Discography
Compilation albums
Only the Family's compilation albums serve as showcases for the label's roster, blending drill-influenced tracks with themes of loyalty, street life, and collective unity, often featuring Lil Durk alongside OTF artists like Booka600, Doodie Lo, Memo600, and the late King Von. These projects highlight early collaborations in the Involved series and later major releases distributed through partners like Empire, Alamo, and Interscope. The label's initial compilation efforts began with Lil Durk Presents: Only the Family Involved, Vol. 1[64], released on July 31, 2018, via Empire Distribution. This 12-track project introduced key OTF affiliates through raw, collaborative cuts emphasizing Chicago drill aesthetics, with Lil Durk appearing on tracks like "In a Hole." It laid the groundwork for subsequent group releases by spotlighting emerging talents without major guest features.[60] A follow-up, Only the Family Involved, Vol. 2, arrived on December 21, 2018, also via Empire, expanding to 12 tracks and incorporating broader collaborations, including appearances from Tee Grizzley and YNW Melly. Highlights include "What You Like," which underscored the collective's growing cohesion and production style rooted in trap beats. The volume built on its predecessor's momentum, demonstrating OTF's ability to integrate external artists while maintaining a family-oriented narrative.[65] Family Over Everything, released December 11, 2019, through Alamo Records and Interscope, marked OTF's first major-label compilation with 16 tracks. Produced largely in-house, it featured standout collaborations such as "Career Day" with Polo G and "3 Headed Snake" with Edai and Lil Durk, focusing on themes of familial bonds amid adversity. The album debuted and peaked at number 93 on the Billboard 200, driven by streaming activity and reflecting the label's rising profile post-signing to Alamo.[66] In 2021, Lil Durk Presents: Loyal Bros dropped on March 5 via Alamo and Geffen Records, comprising 23 tracks that emphasized unity following the loss of King Von. Key highlights include the posthumous "JUMP" featuring King Von, Booka600, and Memo600, as well as "Hellcats & Trackhawks" with high-energy flows from multiple OTF members. It debuted at number 12 on the Billboard 200, selling 28,000 album-equivalent units in its first week, bolstered by 33.2 million on-demand streams, and underscored the collective's resilience and commercial viability.[66] The series continued with Lil Durk Presents: Loyal Bros 2 on December 16, 2022, through Alamo and Empire, again spanning 23 tracks with guest spots from Future, Kodak Black, and EST Gee. Tracks like "Get Back" and "Gleesh Place" reinforced themes of loyalty and post-Von solidarity, peaking at number 37 on the Billboard 200. Nightmares in the Trenches, released November 17, 2023, via Alamo Records, features 16 tracks with contributions from OTF artists including Lil Durk, Booka600, and Doodie Lo, peaking at number 114 on the Billboard 200. By 2025, OTF's compilation albums had collectively amassed hundreds of millions of streams across platforms, contributing to the collective's overall Spotify streams exceeding 1.15 billion.[67]| Album Title | Release Date | Label(s) | Tracks | Billboard 200 Peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lil Durk Presents: Only the Family Involved, Vol. 1 | July 31, 2018 | Empire | 12 | — |
| Only the Family Involved, Vol. 2 | December 21, 2018 | Empire | 12 | — |
| Family Over Everything | December 11, 2019 | Alamo, Interscope | 16 | 93 |
| Lil Durk Presents: Loyal Bros | March 5, 2021 | Alamo, Geffen | 23 | 12 |
| Lil Durk Presents: Loyal Bros 2 | December 16, 2022 | Alamo, Empire | 23 | 37 |
| Nightmares in the Trenches | November 17, 2023 | Alamo | 16 | 114 |
Mixtapes
Only the Family's early mixtape releases were instrumental in establishing the collective's presence in Chicago's drill scene, primarily through projects featuring contributions from affiliated artists. A notable OTF-affiliated mixtape from the late 2010s was King Von's Grandson, Vol. 1 (September 20, 2019), a 13-track debut presented by OTF and distributed via DatPiff, which highlighted Von's storytelling prowess on tracks like "Crazy Story" and included features from Lil Durk and Booka600, peaking at No. 75 on the Billboard 200 and marking a bridge between mixtape grit and rising commercial appeal. Throughout this era, OTF mixtapes were predominantly shared on DatPiff for free streaming and downloads, alongside SoundCloud for track previews and playlists, allowing the collective to cultivate a dedicated online following without traditional retail distribution. This strategy proved effective in pre-major deal promotion, with projects like these generating millions of streams and laying the groundwork for OTF's expansion.[68] Post-2015, following Lil Durk's Def Jam signing, OTF shifted toward studio albums and compilations for broader release, reducing the frequency of standalone mixtapes while retaining their independent spirit in promotional drops. In the 2020s, artists like Doodie Lo continued this evolution with loose tape-style releases under OTF, such as his 2021 project Big Doodie Lo, a 15-track effort blending mixtape accessibility with album production values, distributed via Empire and featuring OTF staples like raw trap beats and collaborative verses that echoed early OTF vibes. These later efforts maintained the promotional ethos, often premiering on SoundCloud before wider rollout, underscoring OTF's adaptation from underground mixtapes to a hybrid model sustaining fan engagement.[69]Singles and featured tracks
Only the Family (OTF) has released several prominent singles that highlight the label's drill-influenced sound, often featuring collaborations among its artists and affiliates. Early key singles include "What Happened" by Lil Durk featuring Lil Reese, released in 2013 as part of their Supa Vultures EP, which captured the raw energy of Chicago street life. Similarly, "She Say" by Lil Durk from 2011 marked an early breakthrough, showcasing his melodic flow over trap beats.[70] Post-2020 releases continued to build momentum, with "Backdoor" serving as a notable OTF-affiliated single by Tee Grizzley featuring Lil Durk in 2021, emphasizing themes of loyalty and betrayal. Doodie Lo's "Ahhh Ha" in 2020 exemplified the label's gritty storytelling, while Timo's "Rules" from 2021 became a lead single for the Loyal Bros compilation, produced by Yung Dza and DJ Kidd. In 2025, Timo followed up with additional singles like "Ricky," maintaining OTF's output amid evolving label dynamics.[71][72] Featured tracks have extended OTF's reach beyond label projects, such as King Von's appearance on "Gleesh Place" in 2019, a non-OTF song that narrated personal narratives from Chicago's O'Block neighborhood. OTF's release strategy typically involves dropping singles to precede full projects, generating buzz through music videos filmed in Chicago locations to authenticate their street-rooted aesthetic.[73]| Single/Featured Track | Primary Artist(s) | Release Year | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| What Happened | Lil Durk ft. Lil Reese | 2013 | From Supa Vultures EP; early OTF collaboration |
| She Say | Lil Durk | 2011 | Debut-era single highlighting melodic style |
| Ahhh Ha | Doodie Lo | 2020 | Standalone drill track |
| Backdoor | Tee Grizzley ft. Lil Durk | 2021 | OTF-affiliated loyalty anthem |
| Gleesh Place | King Von | 2019 | Featured narrative on non-OTF release |
| Rules | Timo | 2021 | Lead single for Loyal Bros compilation |
| Ricky | Timo | 2025 | Recent follow-up single |