6ix9ine
Biography
Daniel Hernandez (born May 8, 1996), known professionally as 6ix9ine (pronounced "six nine") or Tekashi69, is an American rapper. He is known for his aggressive style of rapping, distinctive rainbow-colored hair, extensive tattoos, and a controversial public persona marked by legal issues and publicized celebrity feuds.
Early Life
Hernandez was born in Bushwick, Brooklyn, New York City, to a mother from Mexico and a father from Puerto Rico. His father was murdered when Hernandez was 13, an event that deeply affected him. He was expelled from school in the 8th grade and began working various jobs and selling drugs to help support his mother.
Career
2014–2017: Career beginnings
Hernandez began releasing rap songs in 2014. He gained initial attention through his aggressive rapping style and the use of anime visuals in his music videos. His eccentric look, featuring rainbow-dyed hair and numerous tattoos, helped him become an internet meme and build an online presence.
2017–2018: Rise to Fame
His mainstream breakthrough came in late 2017 with the release of his debut single "Gummo," which peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum. An Instagram post in July 2017 went viral, further boosting his prominence. In early 2018, he released his debut mixtape, "Day69," which debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 album chart. His single "Fefe," featuring Nicki Minaj and Murda Beatz, became a top-five hit on the Billboard Hot 100. His debut studio album, "Dummy Boy," was released in November 2018 and debuted at number two on the Billboard 200.
2020–Present: Post-Prison Career
Following his release from prison, Hernandez achieved brief commercial success. His single "Gooba" and his collaboration with Nicki Minaj, "Trollz," peaked at numbers three and one on the Billboard Hot 100, respectively. His second album, "TattleTales" (2020), debuted at number four on the Billboard 200. However, his subsequent Spanish-language album, "Leyenda Viva" (2023), did not achieve significant chart success. His public image has been significantly damaged due to his cooperation with law enforcement in the Nine Trey Gangsters trial.
Legal Issues
2015: Child Sexual Performance Case
In 2015, Hernandez pleaded guilty to a felony count of use of a child in a sexual performance. He received a four-year probation period and was ordered to complete 1,000 hours of community service.
2018–2019: Nine Trey Gangsters Trial
In November 2018, Hernandez was arrested on federal racketeering and firearms charges along with other members of the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods. Facing a potential life sentence, he pleaded guilty to nine charges in February 2019 and agreed to cooperate with prosecutors, testifying against his former gang associates. In December 2019, he was sentenced to two years in prison, having already served 13 months. He was released to home confinement in April 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Recent Legal Troubles
In October 2024, Hernandez was arrested for violating the terms of his supervised release. He was released in December 2024 with a one-year probation extension, an order for home confinement, and a requirement to maintain full-time lawful employment.