Tekashi 6ix9ine, or simply known as 69, rose to fame in 2017 with his debut single “Gummo.” He quickly became notorious for his colorful appearance, aggressive delivery, and controversial behavior. However, his skyrocketing career came to a screeching halt in November 2018 when he was arrested on multiple charges. So, why did 69 go to jail? Let’s take a deep dive into his rise and fall.
The Rise of Tekashi 6ix9ine: A Brief Background
Tekashi 6ix9ine was born Daniel Hernandez in Brooklyn, New York, in 1996. He grew up in a rough neighborhood where he was exposed to gang violence and drug dealing. Hernandez dropped out of school at 13 and started selling marijuana to make ends meet. He later turned to rap as a way to escape poverty and gained a following on SoundCloud.
In 2017, Hernandez released “Gummo,” which quickly became viral due to its catchy hook and controversial lyrics. His follow-up singles “Kooda” and “Keke” also charted on the Billboard Hot 100. Hernandez’s rise to fame was fueled by his eccentric persona, which included rainbow hair, face tattoos, and confrontational antics.
Despite his success, Tekashi 6ix9ine’s career was plagued by legal troubles. In 2015, he pled guilty to the use of a child in a sexual performance and was sentenced to probation. In 2018, he was arrested on racketeering and firearms charges and faced a possible life sentence. However, he cooperated with federal authorities and testified against his former gang associates, leading to a reduced sentence of two years in prison.
After his release from prison in April 2020, Tekashi 6ix9ine returned to the music scene with the release of his single “GOOBA,” which broke YouTube records for the most views in 24 hours. However, his controversial past and reputation have continued to follow him, with many in the industry criticizing his behavior and associations. Despite this, Tekashi 6ix9ine remains a polarizing figure in the music industry and continues to release new music.
The Controversies Surrounding Tekashi 6ix9ine’s Music Career
Hernandez’s music career was mired in controversy from the start. He was accused of using racial slurs and mocking other rappers. He also faced accusations of sexual misconduct, including choking a 16-year-old girl in a video shoot. Hernandez denied the allegations and claimed they were part of a smear campaign to bring him down.
The New York rapper also had a long-standing feud with fellow rappers, including Chief Keef and Trippie Redd. The beefs turned violent, with shootings and assaults reported in some cases. Hernandez’s affiliation with the Nine Trey Bloods gang further fueled his notoriety and added a layer of danger to his persona.
Despite the controversies surrounding his music career, Tekashi 6ix9ine’s debut album, Dummy Boy, was released in November 2018 and debuted at number two on the Billboard 200 chart. The album featured collaborations with high-profile artists such as Kanye West, Nicki Minaj, and A Boogie wit da Hoodie.
However, Hernandez’s legal troubles caught up with him in November 2018 when he was arrested on racketeering and firearms charges. He pleaded guilty to nine charges and cooperated with federal authorities, providing information that led to the arrests of several members of the Nine Trey Bloods gang. Hernandez was sentenced to two years in prison, but was released early in April 2020 due to concerns over the COVID-19 pandemic.
Inside the Nine Trey Bloods Gang: Tekashi 6ix9ine’s Involvement
In 2017, Hernandez joined the Nine Trey Bloods gang, one of the most notorious street gangs in New York. The gang members allegedly offered him protection and street credibility in exchange for his financial support and promotion of the gang. Hernandez embraced his gang affiliation and flaunted it in his music videos and social media posts.
However, Hernandez’s involvement with the gang was not just for show. He participated in several gang-related activities, including drug trafficking, armed robbery, and shootings. Hernandez claimed that he only did these things to maintain his gang status and protect himself and his family.
Despite his claims, Hernandez’s involvement with the Nine Trey Bloods gang ultimately led to his downfall. In November 2018, he was arrested on racketeering and firearms charges, along with several other members of the gang. Facing a potential life sentence, Hernandez decided to cooperate with the authorities and testify against his former gang associates in exchange for a reduced sentence. His testimony led to the conviction of several high-ranking members of the Nine Trey Bloods gang, including the gang’s leader, and Hernandez was sentenced to two years in prison.
The Federal Indictment Against Tekashi 6ix9ine and His Co-Defendants
In November 2018, Hernandez and several members of the Nine Trey Bloods gang were arrested on multiple charges, including racketeering and firearms offenses. The indictment accused them of engaging in a wide array of criminal activities, such as drug trafficking, extortion, and violent crimes.
Hernandez and his co-defendants were accused of using their gang status and violent tactics to maintain control over their territory and rivals. The indictment also alleged that Hernandez funded the gang’s activities using his music career earnings. If convicted, Hernandez and his co-defendants faced life imprisonment.
During the trial, several witnesses testified against Hernandez and his co-defendants, including former gang members who had turned informant. The witnesses provided detailed accounts of the gang’s activities, including instances of violence and drug trafficking. The prosecution also presented evidence, such as wiretapped phone conversations and social media posts, to support their case.
In December 2019, Hernandez pleaded guilty to several charges, including racketeering and firearms offenses. As part of his plea deal, he agreed to cooperate with the authorities and provide information about his co-defendants. In September 2019, he testified against two of his former associates in court, leading to their conviction. Hernandez is currently awaiting sentencing, which has been postponed several times due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tekashi 6ix9ine’s Plea Deal and Testimony Against His Former Gang Members
In January 2019, Hernandez pleaded guilty to nine charges and agreed to cooperate with the authorities. He admitted to his involvement in the gang’s criminal activities and implicated his former gang members in exchange for leniency in his sentencing. Hernandez’s plea deal and cooperation sent shockwaves throughout the hip-hop community, with many calling him a snitch and a rat.
During his trial, Hernandez provided damning testimony against his former gang members, describing their crimes in detail and implicating them in several shootings and robberies. He also revealed that his gang affiliation was mostly for show and that he used it to increase his street credibility and promote his music career.
Despite his cooperation with the authorities, Hernandez’s sentencing was not without controversy. Many argued that his testimony was self-serving and that he should not receive leniency for his crimes. Others pointed out that his cooperation had led to the arrest and conviction of several dangerous criminals, making the streets safer for everyone.
Since his release from prison in April 2020, Hernandez has continued to make headlines. He has released new music and made public appearances, but his safety remains a concern. Many of his former gang members are still at large, and there have been reports of threats against his life.
The Impact of Tekashi 6ix9ine’s Cooperation on His Sentencing
Hernandez’s cooperation with the prosecution was instrumental in his sentencing. The judge praised his cooperation and willingness to testify against his former gang members, which led to several high-profile convictions. Hernandez faced a minimum of 47 years in prison, but his cooperation reduced his sentence to two years.
However, Hernandez’s sentence came with some conditions. He was ordered to pay $2.25 million in restitution to his victims and to serve five years of supervised release following his release from prison.
Despite his reduced sentence, Hernandez’s cooperation with the prosecution has had a significant impact on his reputation and career. Many fans and fellow artists have criticized him for “snitching” and betraying his former gang members. Some have even threatened him with violence, causing Hernandez to hire extra security and go into witness protection.
In addition to the personal consequences, Hernandez’s cooperation has also raised questions about the ethics of plea deals and the use of informants in criminal cases. Some argue that the justice system should not reward criminals for providing information, while others believe that cooperation is necessary to bring down larger criminal organizations.
Life in Prison: What It Means for Tekashi 6ix9ine’s Future
After his sentencing, Hernandez was transferred to a private prison facility for his safety and well-being. He will serve his sentence in a federal prison, where he will have limited contact with the outside world. Hernandez’s life in prison will be a far cry from his lavish lifestyle he enjoyed before his arrest, but it remains to be seen how he will adjust to life behind bars.
Life in prison can be a daunting experience for anyone, especially for someone like Tekashi 6ix9ine who has never been incarcerated before. He will have to adapt to a new routine, follow strict rules and regulations, and deal with the psychological impact of being confined to a small cell for an extended period of time.
Moreover, Hernandez’s safety in prison is a major concern, given his high-profile status and involvement in gang-related activities. He may have to be placed in protective custody or isolated from other inmates to avoid any potential threats to his life. This could further exacerbate the challenges he faces in adjusting to life in prison.
The Public Reaction to Tekashi 6ix9ine’s Legal Troubles and Sentencing
Hernandez’s legal troubles and sentencing were widely covered in the media, sparking a fierce debate about his actions and the nature of modern rap culture. Some applauded Hernandez’s cooperation and saw it as a way to bring justice to his victims and rid the hip-hop industry of gang violence. Others criticized Hernandez for his reckless behavior and lack of loyalty, arguing that snitching went against the code of the streets.
Additionally, some fans of Tekashi 6ix9ine were disappointed by his cooperation with law enforcement and felt betrayed by his actions. They believed that he should have stayed true to his image as a tough and fearless rapper, even if it meant facing a longer prison sentence. However, others argued that Hernandez’s safety and well-being should come first, and that he made the right decision by cooperating with authorities.
The Aftermath of Tekashi 6ix9ine’s Incarceration for the Hip-Hop Industry
Hernandez’s incarceration had a significant impact on the hip-hop industry, particularly on the rise of mumble rap and gang culture. Some argued that Hernandez’s arrest and cooperation signaled the end of an era and the need for a shift towards more positive and socially-conscious music. Others saw it as a cautionary tale about the dangers of getting involved with gangs and choosing personal gain over loyalty.
Furthermore, Hernandez’s incarceration also shed light on the issue of cultural appropriation in the music industry. Many criticized Hernandez for his use of Mexican and Latinx imagery and language, despite not being of that heritage himself. This sparked a larger conversation about the exploitation of marginalized cultures for profit and the importance of respecting and uplifting those communities.
Lessons Learned from the Rise and Fall of Tekashi 6ix9ine
The rise and fall of Tekashi 6ix9ine offer several lessons for aspiring rappers and young people in general. It highlights the perils of trying to gain fame and fortune through reckless behavior and criminal activity. It emphasizes the importance of staying true to oneself and avoiding the temptation of peer pressure. It also shows the consequences of betraying others to save oneself, both legally and socially.
Another lesson that can be learned from the rise and fall of Tekashi 6ix9ine is the importance of surrounding oneself with positive influences. Tekashi’s association with gang members and involvement in criminal activities ultimately led to his downfall. It is crucial to surround oneself with people who have a positive impact and encourage growth and success, rather than those who lead one down a destructive path.
What’s Next for Tekashi 6ix9ine After He Serves His Sentence?
As of 2021, Hernandez is scheduled to be released from prison in late 2021 or early 2022. Some speculate that he will try to reignite his music career and capitalize on his fame and notoriety. Others believe that his criminal record and public image will prevent him from making a comeback and that he will have to find a new path in life. Only time will tell what the future holds for the rapper once known as Tekashi 6ix9ine.
One thing is for sure, Tekashi 6ix9ine’s time in prison has left a lasting impact on his reputation. Many fans and fellow musicians have distanced themselves from him due to his cooperation with law enforcement and his involvement in gang activity. It remains to be seen if he can regain the trust and support of his former fans and colleagues.
Additionally, there are concerns about Tekashi 6ix9ine’s safety once he is released from prison. His cooperation with law enforcement has made him a target for retaliation from gang members and others who feel betrayed by his actions. It is unclear what measures will be taken to ensure his safety and security once he is released back into the public eye.