Net Worth Ranker
What Is Tekashi69’s Net Worth?
Tekashi69, also known as Daniel Hernandez, is an American rapper and social media figure whose net worth is estimated at $1.5 million as of 2025. Despite a controversial career marked by legal issues, including a guilty plea in 2015 for using a child in a sexual performance and an arrest in 2018 on racketeering, weapons, and drug charges, Tekashi69 has secured numerous deals and accumulated wealth through his music and online presence.
Financial Overview and Record Deals
Tekashi69’s financial status is complex, characterized by fluctuating income streams and legal obligations. While he has signed lucrative record and concert contracts, his career has faced setbacks due to incarceration and legal battles. In October 2024, Tekashi69 announced a new record contract with Kartel Music, which would pay $1 million for a future album and $250,000 per concert for a future tour. If all milestones were met, the deal’s total payout could reach up to $6 million.
In October 2019, Tekashi69 signed a confirmed record deal with 10K Projects, reportedly worth at least $10 million. This deal included two future albums, one in English and one in Spanish. Additionally, in July 2020, he announced a $5 million deal with live-streaming company GlobalStreamNow for a virtual performance held on September 5, 2020. However, there have been conflicting reports regarding the reality and specifics of some of Tekashi69’s claimed deals. In January 2018, he posted on Instagram (now deleted) that he had signed a $7.5 million record deal. A month later, he claimed a $15 million management deal with Birdman’s RICHGANG company, and shortly after, a $4.9 million deal to endorse a headphone company. Record industry insiders suggest that these deals may not have been entirely accurate.
Despite these deals, Tekashi69 claimed financial hardship in court documents submitted in March 2022, citing a loss of income due to his career being on hold. He stated that he was receiving no royalty income and was unable to generate income through touring, expressing uncertainty about regaining his previous earning potential. This statement was part of a civil lawsuit brought by two former associates, which he claimed could bankrupt him. In contrast, a month later, Tekashi69 posted a video on Instagram flaunting millions of dollars in cash and cars. In response to questions from Harvey Levin on “TMZ Live,” Tekashi69 claimed the money was “prop money” and that he did not currently possess it. These instances highlight the challenges in accurately assessing Tekashi69’s financial situation.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Daniel Hernandez was born on May 8, 1996, in Bushwick, Brooklyn, New York. His mother is from Mexico, and his father is from Puerto Rico. He did not meet his father, Daniel Sr., until he was nine years old, as Daniel Sr. was a heroin addict who was imprisoned. The family faced financial difficulties, especially after Daniel’s stepfather was killed in 2010 when Daniel was 14. This event led to severe psychological trauma, requiring therapy for PTSD and depression. He was expelled from school in 8th grade and began working at a grocery store to support his family.
Tekashi69 began his rap career at age 16 after meeting Peter “Righteous P” Rogers, the CEO of Hikari-Ultra, at the Brooklyn bodega where he worked. Peter encouraged him to release original songs, with his first song, “69,” released in 2014. Over the next three years, he released several singles and videos, gaining traction in the underground rap scene. His debut mixtape, “Day69,” was released in 2018.
Musical Success and Key Milestones
Tekashi69’s debut single, “Gummo,” achieved significant success, reaching #6 on the US Rap chart, #7 on the US R&B/Hip-Hop chart, and #12 on the Billboard Hot 100. It was also certified Gold. His single “Kooda” was also certified Gold, reaching #29 on the US R&B/Hip-Hop chart and #50 on the Billboard Hot 100. “Keke” (with 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.
Following his 2018 album “Dummy Boy,” Tekashi69 released “TattleTales” in 2020, which debuted at #4 on the U.S. Billboard 200. On May 8, 2020, Tekashi69 released his song “Gooba,” accompanied by a music video that broke the record for the biggest 24-hour debut for a hip-hop video on YouTube, with 40 million views. This surpassed Eminem’s previous record of 38 million views for “Killshot.” Within a week, “Gooba” had over 150 million views. On the same day, his Instagram live attracted over two million viewers simultaneously, breaking the platform’s record by over 1.7 million. He claimed to have earned $2 million from “Gooba” in under a week, including YouTube ad revenue and Spotify royalties.
Legal Issues and Cooperation with Authorities
Tekashi69 has faced numerous legal challenges throughout his career. In 2015, he pleaded guilty to a felony count of using a child in a sexual performance and received three years of probation. In July 2018, he was arrested on an outstanding warrant related to an incident in Houston. In 2018, he was arrested on weapons, drugs, and racketeering charges. To avoid a potential 47-year prison sentence, he agreed to testify against members of the Nine Trey Bloods gang in September 2019. He testified that the gang allowed him to appear as a member in exchange for financial support. He also testified that after the release of “Gummo,” he earned an average of $60,000 per month from YouTube royalties and live performances. In December 2019, he pleaded guilty and was sentenced to 13 months in prison for his cooperation. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he was released early on April 2, 2020, and placed under house arrest. In March 2023, Tekashi69 was reportedly assaulted at an LA Fitness gym in Palm Beach County, Florida. Videos of the attack circulated on social media, showing him with facial cuts and abrasions.
Personal Life and Real Estate
Tekashi69 began dating Rachel “Jade” Watley in 2018. He has a daughter, born in October 2015, with Sara Molina, and another daughter, born in November 2018, with Marlayna M. After his release from prison, Tekashi69 initially moved into a modest home in Lido Beach. However, 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 price for the home was listed at $55,000.
