6ix9ine

Daniel Hernandez (born May 8, 1996), known professionally as 6ix9ine (pronounced "six nine"), Tekashi69, or Tekashi 6ix9ine, is an American rapper. His music has been marked by an aggressive style of rapping, while his controversial public persona is characterized by his distinctive rainbow-colored hair, tattoos, legal problems, social media "trolling", and publicized celebrity feuds.

Hernandez first became known for his guest performance on Trippie Redd's 2017 single "Poles 1469", followed by the release of his debut single, "Gummo" that same year, which was a sleeper hit, peaking at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100. The latter preceded his debut mixtape Day69 (2018), which was further supported by the singles "Kooda", "Keke" (with Fetty Wap and A Boogie wit da Hoodie), and "Gotti", all of which entered the Hot 100. "Fefe" (featuring Nicki Minaj and Murda Beatz), the second single from his debut album Dummy Boy (2018), peaked at number three on the chart. Despite negative critical reception, Dummy Boy peaked at number two on the Billboard 200 and received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).

In 2015, Hernandez pleaded guilty to a felony count of use of a child in a sexual performance and was sentenced to a four-year probation period and a 1,000-hour community service order. In 2018, Hernandez, his manager Kifano "Shotti" Jordan, and 10 other members of the Nine Trey Gangsters faction of the United Blood Nation street gang were arrested and charged with racketeering and various felony crimes. Hernandez received a 2-year prison sentence in December 2019 after turning state's evidence against the gang and its members. In April 2020, he was put on house arrest for the remainder of his sentence and was released that August.

Hernandez briefly maintained commercial success following his release, with his 2020 singles "Gooba" and "Trollz" (with Nicki Minaj) peaking at number three and one on the Hot 100, respectively. His second album, TattleTales (2020), debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 and his third album Leyenda Viva (2023)—his first reggaeton album—failed to make any worldwide chart impact. Due to his role as an informant in the Nine Trey Gangsters trial, several hip-hop figures and outlets condemned or ostracized Hernandez, who argued Hernandez associated with, provided financial compensation to, and committed crimes with gang members solely to gain street credibility and further his rap career, leading to lasting damage to his public image.

Early life

Daniel Hernandez was born on May 8, 1996, in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn, New York City, to Natividad Perez-Hernandez, a factory worker and house cleaner from Atlixco, Puebla, Mexico, and Daniel Hernandez Sr., from Río Piedras, Puerto Rico.

Hernandez and his older brother, Oscar Hernandez, were raised in a church throughout their youth. He went to elementary school at Public School 59. He went to middle school at Juan Morel Campos Secondary School. He went to high school at Legacy High School. He left high school around the tenth grade.