By the grace and mercy of Allah, serving 26 years of a life sentence, Big Durk made his re-entry to society on July 19, 2019. Though the road to redemption is the road less traveled for most this proved different for Big Durk. An evolved man with a new name, Abdul Haqq, returned to society a restored man on a mission. Having to first forgive himself for adding to the demise of his community, the infamous Englewood, Abdul Haqq decided to commit himself to uplifting and inspiring the youth using himself as the “bad” example.

Born Dontay Banks, the fourth of ten children, with his three older brothers in prison, Abdul Haqq would often bear the responsibility of caring for his family. Much of which included looking after his mother who suffered from drug addiction. An addiction that would soon lead to their family being evicted from their home, a day that changed his life forever. Abdul Haqq ultimately decided that he would not join his family in relocating and would live in a car parked nearby the home they were just evicted from instead. He did this successfully for some time and would arrive early to school to clean himself up. That is until he found an illegal way to make a lot of money that landed him in front of a judge being sentenced to LIFE in prison.

At the time Abdul Haqq was a father of five, with his youngest being just months old. After reconciling that he would never share in monumental life experiences with his children he decided to being the best father he could from behind bars. He made sure to spend the minutes he received for phone calls split between staying connected with all of his children. Being a father was a title he wore honorably and one that he never let his time in the penitentiary get in the way of. It meant so much to him.

Beyond his biological children, Abdul Haqq currently serves as a mentor to at-risk youth, using his life story and history with gang culture to relate to the young men he comes across. Having been well-known in the streets these young men would consider him an “OG.” A title that comes with much respect and honor. His influence and relatability gives him a unique advantage with these young men. Creating an imprint to impact them with greater significance than the average mentor. It also does not hurt that he is the father of rap superstar Lil Durk. An interesting dynamic that only elevates his OG status.

However, Abdul Haqq lost his oldest son tragically just a short time after being released from prison. Affectionally known as Dthang, Abdul remembers his son as a light and vibrant soul, one who’s energy would transform any room. Though he has not fully processed his son’s passing, this absolutely fuels him to stay on his mission to touch and impact the youth specifically young men that come from his beloved Chicago community. Abdul Haqq currently resides in Chicago with his beautiful wife, Ericka Johnson which they enjoy traveling and spending quality time with their family and friends.