The 22-year-old, gang-affiliated rapper from New York rose to rapid internet stardom in 2017. This was after his rainbow grills and outlandish bleached hair turned him into prime meme fodder.
On a personal level, 6ix9ine has a violent reputation which is solidified by his ties with the Nine Trey Gangsters branch of the Bloods. Besides countless links to acts of gang violence through these associations, the viral rapper also pleaded guilty to a sex offence pertaining to a “sexual performance” from a 13-year-old girl.
Despite these dark charges, 6ix9ine’s rise to the top of pop culture was barely stunted at all. After collaborations with Kanye West and Nicki Minaj, the world had seemed willing to brush past links to any violence, sexual or other.
Until now.
Since having his Brooklyn home raided, the rapper is now facing racketeering and firearms charges. If convicted, 6ix9ine will face a minimum of 32 years in prison – and the maximum of a life sentence.
According to Jesse Bernard of BBC Radio 1 Newsbeat, racketeering has long been the charge that has slipped stars up, regardless of their status:
“In the history of the US, the one thing that seems to get someone locked up is racketeering, money-laundering or tax evasion”.
Currently being held until a bail hearing, we’ll have to see how this one plays out. But it’s not looking good for 6ix9ine…
IMAGE FROM GETTY IMAGES.
Looks like Tekashi 69 got his prison sentance reduced to just 2 years. Did you hear about that? Apparently he ratted out his Nine Trey gang members. And I read that Cardi B was on that list. That’s really weird. I’m skeptical that he has changed though. It looks like he just doesn’t want to pay the price for what he did.