Tekashi 6ix9ine recently opened up about his experiences with the music business during a live stream, describing a system where artists can become puppets after signing record deals. The rapper’s frank discussion comes as he starts a new multi-million dollar contract with specific rules to keep him out of trouble.
A New Deal and Old Problems
In late 2024, Tekashi 6ix9ine announced he signed a new record contract with Kartel Music. The deal is worth up to $6 million for a new album and subsequent tour, with a special clause requiring the rapper to stay out of legal trouble to secure his payday. When asked about this clause, 6ix9ine claimed he is “squeaky clean” and suggested that trouble simply finds him “all the time.”
This new business arrangement follows a pattern of announced deals throughout his career. In 2018, he claimed a $7.5 million record deal, and in 2019, he signed a confirmed deal with 10K Projects reportedly worth at least $10 million for two future albums.
The High Cost of Controversy
6ix9ine’s career has been consistently interrupted by legal issues. His troubles began in 2015 when he pleaded guilty to a felony count of using a child in a sexual performance and received a sentence of probation. In 2018, he faced more serious racketeering and firearms charges related to his involvement with the Nine Trey Bloods gang. Facing a potential life sentence, he cooperated with authorities and testified against gang members, which ultimately led to a reduced prison sentence of two years, with early release in 2020.
His legal problems have continued since his release. In 2023, he was sued for allegedly throwing a champagne bottle that injured a dancer at a Miami strip club; a jury awarded the plaintiff $10 million in damages. More recently, in 2024, he was arrested in the Dominican Republic on domestic violence charges and later arrested for violating his supervised release from the earlier federal case.
Streaming Platform Drama and Industry Backlash
The conversation about industry control isn’t new for 6ix9ine. In 2018, Spotify attempted to implement a “Hate Content & Hateful Conduct” policy that removed music from artists like 6ix9ine and R. Kelly from their playlists. However, the policy was criticized for being vaguely implemented and focusing disproportionately on hip-hop artists. Spotify’s CEO later admitted the policy was “too vague” and that they shouldn’t “play judge and jury,” leading to the policy’s removal just one month after its introduction.
Anthony “Top Dawg” Tiffith, CEO of Top Dawg Entertainment, commented on the situation at the time, pointing out that “If they censor us now, ain’t no telling what’s going to happen in the future.”
Fan Reactions and Industry Relationships
6ix9ine’s decision to cooperate with federal authorities made him a controversial figure in hip-hop, leading to widespread criticism and ostracization from many in the industry. Streamer Adin Ross previously trolled 6ix9ine about his decision to testify, saying he would call him a rat to his face. However, Ross later apologized during a stream with DJ Akademiks, admitting that he was simply trolling and that in real life, he would “absolutely snitch if he had to.”
Despite the controversies, major artists have continued to work with him. Most notably, Nicki Minaj collaborated with him on the singles “Fefe” and “Trollz” after his legal admissions, which drew criticism from some fans and fellow artists. This collaboration highlights the ongoing debate within hip-hop about separating art from the artist when the artist is accused of serious misconduct.
The Financial Roller Coaster
6ix9ine’s financial situation has appeared volatile despite his successful music releases. In March 2022, he claimed severe financial problems and suggested potential bankruptcy. However, just one month later, he posted videos showing off millions in cash and luxury cars, though he later claimed the money was “prop money” when questioned about the discrepancy.
His music has generated significant income at various points. After his release from prison, his single “Gooba” broke records for YouTube debut views for a hip-hop video, and he publicly claimed to have earned $2 million from the track in under a week. His 2020 album TattleTales debuted at number four on the Billboard 200, showing his continued commercial appeal despite his damaged public reputation.
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