Nicole Covone (OTF Nikki): Lil Durk’s Ex-Wife, The Credit Clique CEO, and Mother of Two

Nicole Covone, often recognized by her nickname OTF Nikki, went from high school sweetheart to single mother to successful business owner. Born in Chicago and once married to rapper Lil Durk, she has built an independent identity as the CEO of The Credit Clique, a credit restoration company serving clients across Illinois.

Her journey includes co-founding the hip-hop collective Only The Family, raising two children, and building a social media presence with over 300,000 Instagram followers. This is the story of Nicole Covone—not just as Lil Durk’s first partner, but as a businesswoman charting her own path.

Who is Nicole Covone?

Nicole Covone is an American entrepreneur and social media personality who gained initial recognition through her relationship with Chicago rapper Lil Durk. Born on April 25, 1990, she is known both by her birth name and her nickname, OTF Nikki.

Early Life and Background

Nicole Covone was born in Elk Grove Village, Illinois, and raised in Chicago by her mother, Diana Covone. She is of Italian descent and holds American nationality. Nicole attended Paul Robeson High School in Chicago, the same school where Lil Durk also studied before dropping out.

Her mother, Diana Covone, was a significant influence in her life until her passing on October 6, 2013. This loss came during one of the most difficult periods in Nicole’s life, occurring the same year she separated from Lil Durk.

Nicole keeps much of her early life private, rarely discussing her childhood or extended family publicly. Her upbringing in Chicago’s South Side exposed her to the city’s hip-hop culture, which would later connect her to the music industry.

Physical Appearance

Nicole Covone stands approximately 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) tall and weighs around 123 pounds (56 kg). She has dark brown hair and blue eyes, with body measurements reported as 35-28-38 inches.

Nicole is known for her distinctive tattoos, including sleeve tattoos on her arms and additional ink on her chest and waist. Her style has become part of her personal brand, influencing her fashion and beauty business ventures.

Relationship with Lil Durk

Nicole Covone and Durk Derrick Banks, known professionally as Lil Durk, met during their high school years. They began dating in 2008 and married in 2011 in a private ceremony attended by close family and friends.

Timeline of Their Relationship:

1. The couple welcomed their first child, Angelo Banks, on November 29, 2011. During Nicole’s pregnancy with Angelo, Lil Durk was arrested and incarcerated for gun possession in October 2011. Nicole supported him through this period, even appearing in court on his behalf.
2. Their second child, Bella Banks, was born on July 19, 2013. Around the time of Bella’s birth, Lil Durk fathered another child, Zayden Banks, with a different woman. This infidelity led to the end of their marriage.
3. Nicole filed for divorce shortly after Bella’s birth in 2013. The separation came during an especially painful time—just weeks after her mother, Diana, passed away in October 2013. Nicole faced the double challenge of navigating a divorce while grieving her mother’s death.
4. Despite their separation, Nicole and Lil Durk maintain a co-parenting relationship for Angelo and Bella. The children split time between both parents, though they primarily reside with Nicole in Chicago.
5. Lil Durk has six children with five different women. Beyond Angelo and Bella, his other children are Zayden Banks, Du’mier Banks, Skyler Banks (with Tameka Kute), and Willow Banks (with India Royale). Lil Durk has never remarried, though he was engaged to India Royale from 2018 to 2022.

Only The Family (OTF) Connection

Nicole Covone is recognized as a co-founder of Only The Family (OTF), the hip-hop collective and record label established in 2010. Lil Durk serves as the lead member and founder, while Nicole played a role in the early formation of the group.

OTF has grown into a significant force in Chicago drill music, featuring artists such as King Von, Booka600, and others. While Nicole is no longer actively involved with OTF operations, her contribution to its founding remains part of her story.

Some reports suggest Nicole financially supported Lil Durk’s early music career, including paying for studio sessions when he was an emerging artist. This support came before his breakthrough with the “Signed to the Streets” mixtape series in 2013.

The Credit Clique: Building a Business Empire

Nicole Covone is the CEO and owner of The Credit Clique LLC, a credit restoration company based in Illinois. The business helps clients repair their credit scores, negotiate with creditors, and achieve financial independence.

After leaving her previous employment, Nicole pivoted to the credit repair industry. She built The Credit Clique from the ground up, establishing it as a reputable service provider in the financial sector.

The Credit Clique Services:

• Credit report analysis and error correction
• Creditor negotiation
• Credit score improvement strategies
• Financial literacy education
• Personalized credit restoration plans

The company operates through multiple channels, including a website and a mobile app available in the App Store under “Credit Clique LLC.” Nicole actively promotes her business on social media, sharing client success stories and credit management tips.

Beyond The Credit Clique, Nicole launched Credit Clique University (CCU), where she mentors aspiring entrepreneurs in the financial services industry. She has conducted raffles and giveaways, including free credit repair services for winners.

Nicole’s social media presence, particularly on Instagram (@thereal_nikkic_1), serves as a platform to discuss credit restoration, single motherhood, and entrepreneurship. As of 2026, she has over 304,000 followers on Instagram and maintains growing accounts on TikTok and Facebook.

Children: Angelo and Bella Banks

Nicole is the mother of two children with Lil Durk. Angelo Banks, born November 29, 2011, is the older sibling. Bella Banks, born July 19, 2013, is the younger daughter.

Both children maintain a presence on social media, with Angelo gaining attention as an emerging social media personality. Nicole frequently shares moments with her children on Instagram, though she remains protective of their privacy and limits their public exposure.

Angelo and Bella share a close bond with each other and maintain relationships with their four paternal half-siblings: Zayden Banks, Du’mier Banks, Skyler Banks, and Willow Banks.

Nicole describes herself as a hands-on mother who balances business responsibilities with parenting. She has spoken about the challenges of raising children in the public eye while maintaining normalcy in their lives.

Net Worth and Assets

Nicole Covone’s net worth is estimated between $700,000 and $1 million as of 2026. Her primary income source is The Credit Clique, though exact earnings remain undisclosed.

Nicole owns property in the Chicago area where she resides with her children. She has been seen with luxury vehicles and maintains a collection of designer fashion and jewelry.

For comparison, Lil Durk’s net worth is estimated at $8 million as of 2026, primarily from his music career.

Recent Media Attention

Nicole Covone gained renewed media attention in October 2024 when an old photo of her with Lil Durk went viral following the rapper’s arrest. The post, shared on X (formerly Twitter), accumulated over 4.9 million views and sparked widespread discussion among hip-hop fans.

Many users defended Nicole, praising her for supporting Lil Durk during his early career struggles. Comments highlighted her loyalty and the fact that she was with him before fame, even paying for studio sessions.

In September 2025, Nicole sparked conversations with a body transformation post showing before-and-after photos from her time with young Lil Durk to her current appearance. The post generated mixed reactions, with supporters celebrating her transformation and critics questioning whether it was natural or surgical.

These viral moments demonstrate Nicole’s continued relevance in hip-hop culture, despite maintaining distance from the music industry.

What Nicole Covone is Doing Now?

Nicole Covone remains single and focused on raising her children and expanding her business. She maintains a private personal life, with no public romantic relationships since her divorce from Lil Durk.

Nicole continues to grow The Credit Clique and Credit Clique University, positioning herself as a leader in credit restoration services. Her social media platforms remain active, where she shares business updates, parenting experiences, and motivational content.

She has expressed commitment to financial literacy education, particularly for single mothers and underserved communities in Chicago. Nicole occasionally participates in charitable initiatives focused on children and families.

Conclusion

Nicole Covone has transformed from being known primarily as “Lil Durk’s ex-wife” to establishing herself as a successful entrepreneur and business owner. Her journey from high school sweetheart to single mother to CEO of The Credit Clique demonstrates resilience and business acumen.

While her early life was defined by her relationship with Lil Durk and the challenges of young motherhood, Nicole has built an independent identity. She successfully co-parents Angelo and Bella, maintains a thriving credit restoration business, and serves as an example for women navigating similar circumstances.

Nicole’s story resonates particularly with single mothers in the hip-hop community who face the challenge of building careers while raising children. Her willingness to share both struggles and successes on social media has created a loyal following that extends beyond her connection to Lil Durk.

As Nicole Covone continues growing her business empire and raising her family in Chicago, she remains a figure of interest both for her past relationship with a prominent rapper and her current success as an entrepreneur.