What Is Tekashi69’s Net Worth?
As of today, Tekashi69, also known as 6ix9ine, boasts a net worth of $1.5 million. This estimation considers his earnings from music, streaming, and various deals, although his financial situation has seen fluctuations due to legal issues and career interruptions.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Daniel Hernandez, born on May 8, 1996, in Bushwick, Brooklyn, New York, faced early life challenges that shaped his path. His mother is from Mexico, and his father is from Puerto Rico. Daniel’s early life was marked by financial struggles. The family experienced a significant tragedy when Daniel’s stepfather was murdered in 2010, deeply affecting him and leading to PTSD and depression, for which he sought therapy. This event exacerbated his behavioral issues, resulting in his expulsion from school in the 8th grade. To support his family, Daniel began working at a grocery store.
At 16, Daniel ventured into the world of rap. A pivotal moment occurred when he met Peter “Righteous P” Rogers, the CEO of Hikari-Ultra, at the Brooklyn bodega where he worked. Rogers encouraged him to create original music, leading to the release of his first song, “69,” in 2014. He continued to release singles over the next three years, gradually gaining recognition in the underground rap scene under the name Tekashi 6ix9ine.
Music Career: From Mixtapes to Millions
Tekashi69’s music career took off with the release of his debut mixtape, “Day69,” in 2018. His debut single, “Gummo,” became a breakthrough hit, peaking at #6 on the US Rap chart, #7 on the US R&B/Hip-Hop chart, and #12 on the Billboard Hot 100. It earned a Gold certification, marking a significant milestone in his career. The success of “Gummo” translated into substantial earnings, with Tekashi testifying that he made an average of $60,000 per month from YouTube royalties and live performances after its release.
Following the success of “Gummo,” 6IX9INE’s single “Kooda” also achieved Gold certification, reaching #29 on the US R&B/Hip-Hop chart and #50 on the Billboard Hot 100. Another single, “Keke,” featuring Fetty Wap and A Boogie wit da Hoodie, reached #20 on the US Rap chart, #22 on the US R&B/Hip-Hop chart, and #43 on the Billboard Hot 100. These early successes helped solidify his presence in the music industry and contributed to his growing net worth. In 2020, Tekashi69 released his sophomore album, “TattleTales,” which debuted at #4 on the U.S. “Billboard” 200.
On May 8, 2020, Tekashi released his new song “Gooba” and an accompanying music video. The video quickly shattered the record for the biggest 24-hour debut for a hip-hop video on YouTube. Within 24 hours, the video had 40 million views. Within a week, “Gooba” had broken 150 million views. Tekashi publicly claimed that he had earned $2 million off “Gooba” alone in under a week.
Reported Record Deals and Contracts
Throughout his career, Tekashi69 has boasted about various lucrative record and management deals via social media. In January 2018, he claimed he had secured a $7.5 million record deal. A month later, he alleged a $15 million management deal with Birdman’s RICHGANG company. Shortly after, he announced a $4.9 million endorsement deal with a headphone company. However, industry insiders have cast doubt on the legitimacy of these claims.
In October 2019, Tekashi69 signed a confirmed record deal with 10K Projects, reportedly worth at least $10 million. This deal was set to cover two future albums, one in English and one in Spanish, indicating a significant investment in his musical future. Furthermore, in July 2020, Tekashi announced a $5 million deal with live-streaming company GlobalStreamNow for a virtual performance held on September 5, 2020. The actual financial impact and fulfillment of these deals, however, remains somewhat unclear, especially considering his legal troubles and subsequent career interruptions.
In October 2024, Tekashi69 revealed that he had secured a new record contract with Kartel Music, which would pay $1 million for a future album plus $250,000 per concert for a future tour. The total payout if all milestones are achieved could be up to $6 million. This latest deal highlights his continued ability to attract significant financial opportunities despite his controversial past.
Legal Issues and Financial Impact
Tekashi69’s legal troubles have significantly impacted his finances. In 2015, he pleaded guilty to a felony count of using a child in a sexual performance, resulting in three years of probation. More severely, in 2018, he was arrested on racketeering, weapons, and drug charges. To avoid a potential 47-year prison sentence, he agreed to testify against members of the Nine Trey Bloods gang.
In December 2019, as part of his deal with prosecutors, he entered a guilty plea and was sentenced to 13 months in prison due to his cooperation. His legal issues brought his career to a halt. In March 2022, Tekashi claimed severe financial problems, stating he struggled to make ends meet and was unsure if he would ever receive the advances he once did. He suggested potential bankruptcy if a lawsuit proceeded. Despite these claims, he posted an Instagram video a month later flaunting millions in cash and luxury cars. When questioned about the discrepancy by Harvey Levin on “TMZ Live,” Tekashi claimed the money was “prop money,” further complicating the understanding of his financial status.
In March 2023, Tekashi was reportedly assaulted in a steam room at an LA Fitness gym in Palm Beach County, Florida. Videos of the attack were shared on social media in which he sustained facial cuts and abrasions, and so far, one suspect has pleaded not guilty to the charges. This event further added to the challenges in maintaining a stable career and financial standing.
Personal Life and Other Ventures
Tekashi69’s personal life also includes relationships and family. He began dating Rachel “Jade” Watley shortly before his incarceration in 2018. He has a daughter born in October 2015 with Sara Molina and another daughter born in November 2018 with Marlayna M.
When Tekashi was released from prison, he moved into a modest home in Lido Beach. After his location was revealed, he relocated to Water Mill in New York, residing in an 8,500-square-foot home overlooking a tree farm. The rental listing at the time was $55,000, reflecting a significant expense despite his financial claims. These details provide insight into his lifestyle and spending habits, which contribute to the overall picture of his net worth and financial management.