Brief Introduction of 6ix9ine
Daniel Hernandez, known professionally as 6ix9ine (pronounced “six nine”) and also as Tekashi69, is an American rapper. His music is characterized by an aggressive rapping style, while his public persona is marked by his distinctive rainbow-colored hair, extensive tattoos, and numerous legal issues. 6ix9ine rose to prominence in late 2017 with the release of his debut single, “Gummo,” which became a sleeper hit and peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. His controversial image, publicized celebrity feuds, and social media antics have kept him in the public eye, making him one of the most polarizing figures in contemporary hip-hop.
6ix9ine Overview
| Full Name | Daniel Hernandez |
| Date of Birth | May 8, 1996 |
| Age(as of 2025) | 29 |
| Birthplace | Bushwick, Brooklyn, New York City, U.S. |
| Profession | Rapper, Songwriter |
| Husband/Wife | Not publicly available |
| Family | Natividad Perez-Hernandez (Mother), Daniel Hernandez Sr. (Father), Oscar Hernandez (Brother) |
| Relationship/Affairs(GF/BF) | Formerly dated Rachel Wattley (Jade), Sara Molina, and Yailin La Más Viral |
| Net Worth | Approximately $1.5 million |
Early Life and Education of 6ix9ine
Daniel Hernandez was born on May 8, 1996, in Bushwick, a neighborhood in Brooklyn, New York. His mother, Natividad Perez-Hernandez, is from Atlixco, Puebla, Mexico, and worked as a factory worker and house cleaner. His father, Daniel Hernandez Sr., is from Río Piedras, Puerto Rico. Hernandez has an older brother named Oscar. He was raised in the church during his youth. Hernandez had a difficult childhood; he did not have a relationship with his biological father, who struggled with a heroin addiction and was incarcerated for five years for drug-related offenses. In 2010, his stepfather was shot and killed near the family’s home, an event that deeply affected Hernandez, leading to depression and behavioral issues. He was expelled from school in the 8th grade for bad behavior and did not return to complete his high school education, having attended Public School 59, Juan Morel Campos Secondary School, and briefly Legacy High School. To help support his mother financially, he began working various jobs, such as a busboy, and also started selling drugs.
6ix9ine’s Career
Early Career and Breakthrough
6ix9ine began his rap career in 2012. He started releasing music in 2014, gaining attention for his aggressive rapping style and the use of anime visuals in his music videos. His early work was often released through the Slovakian label FCK THEM. He initially gained viral fame as an internet meme due to his eccentric appearance, which included rainbow-dyed hair and grills. His mainstream breakthrough came in 2017 with the release of his debut single, “Gummo,” which peaked at number 12 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum. This success was followed by other charting singles like “Kooda” and “Keke,” featuring Fetty Wap and A Boogie wit da Hoodie.
Rise to Stardom and Commercial Success
In early 2018, 6ix9ine released his debut mixtape, “Day69,” which debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 chart. He achieved even greater commercial success with the single “Fefe,” featuring Nicki Minaj and Murda Beatz, which peaked at number three 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, despite a negative critical reception. Following his release from prison, he returned to music in 2020 with the single “Gooba,” which debuted at number three on the Hot 100. He followed this with “Trollz,” a collaboration with Nicki Minaj, which debuted at number one, becoming his first chart-topping single. His second studio album, “TattleTales,” was released in 2020 and debuted at number four on the Billboard 200. In 2023, he released a reggaeton album titled “Leyenda Viva,” which did not achieve the same level of commercial success.
6ix9ine Personal Life & Family
6ix9ine’s personal life has been as turbulent and widely publicized as his career. He is a father to three children from different relationships. His first daughter, Saraiyah Hernandez, was born when he was 18, with his ex-girlfriend Sara Molina. His second daughter was born in November 2018 to a woman named Marlayna M. He reportedly has a third child as well. His relationships have often been tumultuous. He was in a long-term relationship with Rachel Wattley, also known as Jade. More recently, he was in a relationship with Dominican rapper Yailin La Más Viral, though they were reported to have split by September 2024. Hernandez identifies as Christian and suffers from asthma, a condition that was cited in his request for early release from prison. In a more unexpected venture, he became the goalkeeper for the Russian media football team GOATS in September 2022.
Awards and Achievements of 6ix9ine
- “Gummo” certified Platinum by the RIAA.
- “Fefe” ft. Nicki Minaj and Murda Beatz certified 8x Platinum by the RIAA.
- “Dummy Boy” album certified Platinum by the RIAA.
- “Trollz” with Nicki Minaj debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
6ix9ine Net Worth and Income
As of 2025, 6ix9ine’s estimated net worth is approximately $1.5 million. This figure represents a significant decrease from his peak net worth, which was estimated to be around $28 million in 2021. His financial decline has been attributed to his extensive legal troubles and career setbacks. In court documents from March 2022, Hernandez himself stated he was “struggling to make ends meet.” His income sources primarily include music royalties from streaming platforms like Spotify and YouTube, where he reportedly earns a substantial monthly income, as well as revenue from live performances and merchandise sales. In October 2024, it was reported he signed a new music deal with Kartel Music that could be worth up to $6 million, suggesting a potential financial recovery.
Legacy and Influence
6ix9ine’s legacy is complex and highly controversial. He is a prime example of an internet-age celebrity whose fame was built as much on his viral antics and public persona as his music. His aggressive, high-energy rapping style and his vibrant, confrontational aesthetic had a notable impact on the SoundCloud rap scene. However, his career is inextricably linked to his numerous legal issues and his cooperation with federal authorities against the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods, a decision that led to him being labeled a “snitch” and ostracized by many within the hip-hop community. This act has significantly damaged his public image and credibility. Despite this, he has demonstrated an ability to generate massive public interest, breaking streaming and social media records upon his release from prison. His story serves as a cautionary tale about the perils of chasing street credibility and the fleeting nature of fame in the digital era.
Interesting Facts about 6ix9ine
- He was expelled from school in the 8th grade.
- Before his rap career, he worked odd jobs, including as a busboy.
- His early musical influences included heavy metal bands like Parkway Drive and All That Remains.
- He reportedly has over 200 tattoos on his body, including numerous “69” tattoos.
- He faked his own death on Instagram in December 2017 as a publicity stunt.
- He does not have his own SoundCloud account, despite being known as a “SoundCloud rapper,” and launched his music primarily on YouTube.
Controversies
6ix9ine’s career has been fraught with controversy. In 2015, he pleaded guilty to a felony count of use of a child in a sexual performance. This case has remained a significant stain on his reputation throughout his career. His most high-profile legal battle began in November 2018, when he was arrested on federal racketeering and firearms charges alongside other members of the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods. Facing a potential life sentence, Hernandez chose to cooperate with prosecutors and testified against his former associates. This cooperation led to a significantly reduced sentence of two years in prison, but also resulted in widespread condemnation from the hip-hop community. Since his release, he has been involved in further legal issues, including lawsuits for assault and arrests in the Dominican Republic for assault and domestic violence. His public feuds with other artists and his provocative social media behavior have also been a constant source of controversy.
Social Media Presence
- Instagram – 24.4 million followers
- Twitter – Information not disclosed
- YouTube – 23 million subscribers
Final Words about 6ix9ine
Daniel “6ix9ine” Hernandez remains one of the most polarizing and talked-about figures in modern music. His career trajectory has been a rollercoaster of massive commercial highs and deep personal and legal lows. After a period of immense success, his reputation was severely damaged by his cooperation with federal authorities, leading to a significant decline in his standing within the music industry. Despite this, he continues to command a large online following and generate significant attention with each new release or public appearance. His future in the music industry is uncertain; while he has shown a remarkable ability to capture the public’s attention, the long-term sustainability of his career in the face of his damaged credibility and ongoing legal troubles remains in question. His story underscores the volatile intersection of fame, social media, and the criminal justice system in the 21st century.