TL;DR: Tekashi 6ix9ine (Daniel Hernandez) is the human embodiment of internet chaos. Between the rainbow hair, the face tattoos, and the aggressive "scream-rap," he’s built a career on being the villain everyone loves to hate. For parents, the concern isn't just the explicit lyrics—it’s the glorification of gang culture, the "clout at any cost" mentality, and a very public legal history involving federal racketeering and "snitching." This is 17+ content, full stop.
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If you’ve seen a rapper who looks like he was customized in a video game by a caffeinated toddler—rainbow hair, "69" tattooed dozens of times on his body, and a grill made of Skittles—that’s him. Daniel Hernandez, known as Tekashi 6ix9ine, exploded onto the scene around 2017.
His music is a subgenre of hip-hop often called "Brooklyn drill" or "scream-rap." It’s loud, it’s aggressive, and it’s designed to be played at maximum volume in a car with too much bass. But 6ix9ine is more than a musician; he’s a professional troll. He uses Instagram and TikTok to pick fights with other celebrities, flaunt massive stacks of cash, and lean into his reputation as the "King of New York" (a title that makes a lot of people very angry).
It’s easy to look at him and think, “Why on earth would my kid want to listen to this?” But for teens, the appeal is usually rooted in three things:
- The Energy: His songs like "GUMMO" and "FEFA" are high-octane. For a teenager looking for a workout track or something to hype them up before a game, his music hits a specific primal chord.
- The Villain Arc: We’re living in an era where the "anti-hero" is king. Kids see 6ix9ine as someone who doesn't care about the rules, doesn't care about being "canceled," and wins anyway (at least financially).
- The Memes: Because he is so visually ridiculous and his behavior is so over-the-top, he is a constant fixture in meme culture. Even if a kid doesn't like his music, they’ve likely seen him on YouTube or in their TikTok feed.
Check out our guide on why "clout culture" is so addictive for teens
This is where things get heavy. Unlike many rappers who just play a character, Hernandez actually got involved with the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods. In 2018, he was arrested on federal racketeering and firearms charges. Facing 47 years to life in prison, he did the unthinkable in the rap world: he cooperated with the feds.
He testified against his former associates to get a reduced sentence. In the "street code," this makes him a "rat" or a "snitch." Most people thought his career would be over after that. Instead, when he got out of prison in 2020, his first live stream on Instagram broke records with over 2 million simultaneous viewers.
For parents, this is a complicated narrative. It’s a story about the intersection of real-life violence and digital entertainment. It raises questions about loyalty, the justice system, and whether "fame" justifies any behavior.
If your teen is listening to 6ix9ine, here is what they are consuming:
The Lyrics
The lyrics are consistently explicit. We’re talking about heavy use of the N-word, graphic descriptions of violence, misogyny, and drug references. There is very little "artistic metaphor" here; it’s blunt and aggressive. Read our guide on talking to teens about rap lyrics
The Visuals
His music videos on YouTube often feature semi-nude women, high-end cars, and sometimes simulated violence. Even his "fun" videos are hyper-sexualized.
The Social Media Presence
This is arguably the most "toxic" part. 6ix9ine’s brand is built on "beef." He actively seeks out conflict with other rappers to stay relevant. This teaches a lesson that many parents find reprehensible: that being a "hater" or a "troll" is a viable path to success and wealth.
Ages 0-12: Absolutely not. There is no "clean" version of the 6ix9ine experience. The imagery alone is enough to warrant a skip.
Ages 13-15: This is the danger zone. Middle schoolers are highly susceptible to the "tough guy" persona. If they are listening, it’s a good time to have a conversation about the difference between an internet persona and reality.
Ages 16+: At this age, you can’t really "block" a rapper—they’ll just find it on Spotify or at a friend's house. The goal here is media literacy. Do they understand that his "lifestyle" resulted in a federal prison sentence? Do they see the "clout chasing" for what it is?
Ask our chatbot for rappers with a more positive vibe for teens
If you find 6ix9ine on your kid's playlist, don't freak out. That just makes him more "rebellious" and "cool." Instead, try these angles:
- The "Character" vs. The Human: Ask them, "Do you think he's actually like this at breakfast, or is he playing a character to make money?"
- The Consequences: "He talks a lot about gang life, but he ended up in federal prison and had to testify against his friends to get out. Does that seem like a 'successful' life to you?"
- The Treatment of Women: His videos often treat women like props. Ask your teen what they think about that portrayal.
- The Business of Trolling: Discuss how his "beefs" are often just marketing stunts to get more views on YouTube.
Beyond the "bad influence" factor, there is a physical safety element to consider. Because 6ix9ine has so many real-world enemies due to his legal testimony, his public appearances are often flashpoints for violence. If your teen ever expresses a desire to go to a 6ix9ine concert or "pop-up" event, be aware that the security risk is significantly higher than your average show.
Learn more about managing your teen's social media algorithm
Tekashi 6ix9ine is a polarizing figure who thrives on negative attention. His music is aggressive, his lyrics are "parental advisory" personified, and his lifestyle is a cautionary tale disguised as a success story.
While he might be a passing phase for a teen who likes loud music, he represents a "clout-first" culture that is worth discussing. You don't have to like the music (and honestly, it's pretty hard to like if you're over the age of 22), but knowing why your kid is hitting play helps you keep the lines of communication open.
- Check the Playlist: Take a peek at their Spotify or Apple Music recently played.
- Watch a Video Together: If they’re fans, sit down and watch one music video on YouTube. Ask them what they like about it. You’ll learn more from their answer than from a lecture.
- Set Boundaries: If the lyrics are a hard "no" for your house, explain why. Focus on the values (respect, integrity) rather than just "it's bad music."