Nicole Covone isn't just a name in a headline. Honestly, she’s arguably the most foundational person in the entire Lil Durk narrative. If you’ve followed Durk Derrick Banks from his early days in Chicago, you’ve heard the name Nicole Covone—often referred to as "OTF Nikki"—pop up in comment sections and deep-dive threads.
But there is a massive amount of noise out there. People confuse her with other women or act like she only appeared once Durk got famous. That's just wrong.
She was there when he had nothing.
The Englewood Beginnings
Their story didn't start in a VIP lounge or at a video shoot. These two were high school sweethearts. They met around 2008, back when Durk was just another kid in the Englewood neighborhood trying to figure out if social media could actually launch a rap career. They were teenagers.
Nicole was born in April 1990. She’s a bit older than Durk, and by all accounts, she was the steady hand during his most volatile years. When Durk was transitioning from a kid on the block to a local drill pioneer, Nicole was the one helping him stay afloat. There’s a persistent rumor in the Chicago scene that she even helped fund his early studio sessions.
You’ve gotta realize: 2010 wasn't like now. There was no massive "Alamo Records" contract. There were just raw mixtapes and a whole lot of risk.
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Establishing the OTF Legacy
Most fans associate OTF (Only The Family) strictly with the label and the collective of rappers like the late King Von. However, Nicole was actually a co-founder of the brand in 2010. That is why she still carries the "OTF Nikki" moniker despite not being with Durk for over a decade.
She wasn't just a bystander; she helped build the infrastructure.
By 2011, their first child, Angelo Banks, was born. Durk was only 17 or 18 at the time. Becoming a father changed his trajectory—he’s said it himself in multiple interviews. It made the music "real."
Their second child, Bella Banks, arrived in 2013. This was a peak year for Durk professionally, but it was the breaking point for the relationship. They split shortly after Bella’s birth.
Nicole Covone and the Life After Durk
Separating from a superstar is never quiet. Nicole has spent the last decade carving out a life that is entirely her own, and she's been remarkably successful at it.
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- Entrepreneurship: She is the CEO of The Credit Clique, a credit restoration company.
- Social Presence: With nearly 300,000 followers on Instagram, she’s a legitimate influencer in her own right.
- Heritage: She often discusses her Italian heritage, which is a point of curiosity for many fans who assume everyone in the OTF circle shares the same background.
While the internet loves to pit "babymommas" against each other—especially Nicole against India Royale—Nicole has largely stayed out of the petty drama. She focuses on her business and her two children with Durk.
What People Miss About the "First" Title
There's a lot of weight in being the first. When Durk was arrested in late 2024 on federal charges, old photos of him and Nicole started circulating again. Why? Because fans look at her as the person who knew him before the "Smurk" persona took over.
She represents the pre-fame era.
It’s interesting to note that despite the multiple relationships Durk has had since, Nicole remains a figure of respect among his core fanbase. You'll see comments like "She held him down when he was nobody" all over her posts. That kind of loyalty is rare in the industry.
Addressing the Misconceptions
Let’s clear up a few things. You might see the name "Nicole Levy" floating around in some searches. That’s a different person entirely—usually associated with Swizz Beatz or sports coaching. Don’t get them confused. Nicole Covone is the Chicago original.
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Also, people often ask if she's still part of OTF. Business-wise? No. She has moved on. But she still supports the "Only The Family" ethos in how she raises Angelo and Bella. She isn't trying to live in Durk's shadow; she's building her own light.
Why This Story Still Matters in 2026
In 2026, the conversation around Lil Durk is often dominated by legal battles and his evolution into a Grammy-winning artist. But to understand the man, you have to understand the foundation.
Nicole Covone provided that foundation.
She witnessed the transition from Signed to the Streets to global stardom. She saw the loss of DThang and King Von from a perspective very few people have. She is a survivor of the Chicago drill era just as much as the rappers are.
Moving Forward: Real Insights
If you're following the OTF saga, keep your eyes on the children. Angelo and Bella are growing up in the spotlight, and Nicole’s parenting has been a massive factor in their stability.
Next steps for those following the story:
Check out Nicole’s business ventures if you're interested in the entrepreneurship side of the "rap-adjacent" world. It's a masterclass in how to pivot from a high-profile relationship into a self-made career. Avoid the fake "feud" narratives on TikTok; they usually lack the historical context of what these two actually built together in the early 2010s.