Chicago rapper Lil Durk achieved a major milestone on March 11, 2022, with the release of his highly anticipated album 7220. The project debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 chart, marking his first solo album to reach the top spot. The success not only underscored Durk’s standing in contemporary hip-hop but also showcased the power of authenticity and personal storytelling in music.
Named after the address of his grandmother’s home where he was raised, 7220 represents a deeply personal chapter in Durk’s musical journey. The album is a reflection of the rapper’s trials and triumphs, weaving narratives of street life, family loyalty, and the cost of fame. This introspective tone resonated strongly with fans and was a key factor in the album’s success.
The release of 7220 came after a series of collaborative efforts and mixtapes that helped Lil Durk steadily climb the ranks of mainstream rap. However, this album marked a turning point, firmly establishing him as a solo powerhouse. In its debut week, 7220 earned over 120,500 equivalent album units in the United States, with the majority stemming from streaming. That figure includes more than 164 million on-demand streams, highlighting his strong digital footprint and widespread appeal.
The 17-track album includes collaborations with artists like Future, Gunna, Summer Walker, and country singer Morgan Wallen. The unexpected partnership with Wallen on “Broadway Girls” became a standout hit, blending genres and capturing attention across different fanbases. The track charted globally and helped draw new listeners to Durk’s work.
Other key singles like “Ahhh Ha” and “What Happened to Virgil” added further momentum to the album’s rollout. “Ahhh Ha,” which dropped in February 2022, showcased Durk’s direct lyrical style and intense delivery, while “What Happened to Virgil,” featuring Gunna, paid tribute to the late fashion icon Virgil Abloh. The latter became a viral favorite on platforms like TikTok, further cementing Durk’s cultural relevance.
Following the album’s success, Lil Durk launched the “7220 Tour,” which kicked off on April 8, 2022, in Phoenix, Arizona. The tour covered major U.S. cities and concluded in his hometown of Chicago on May 2. Packed venues and fan enthusiasm reinforced the impact of the album and demonstrated Durk’s growing stature as a live performer.
In June 2022, Durk released a deluxe version of 7220, expanding the album with 14 additional tracks and new features from Moneybagg Yo, A Boogie wit da Hoodie, Ella Mai, and others. The deluxe edition extended the album’s chart presence and allowed Durk to experiment with more diverse themes and styles while maintaining the core emotional tone of the original.
Critically, 7220 was praised for its raw honesty and storytelling. While the production leaned heavily on somber piano melodies and minor chords, it provided the perfect backdrop for Durk’s confessional lyrics. The emotional depth of the record set it apart from many of its contemporaries and positioned Durk as a voice for those grappling with hardship and transformation.
With 7220, Lil Durk not only reached a new peak in his career but also redefined what it means to succeed in today’s rap industry. By staying true to his roots and delivering content with real-life resonance, he built a bridge between his past and present—connecting deeply with his audience along the way.