Daniel Hernandez (born May 8, 1996), known professionally as 6ix9ine (also stylized as 69) or Tekashi69, is an American rapper. He rose to mainstream fame in late 2017 with the release of his debut single "Gummo." The song peaked at number 12 on the US Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum by the RIAA. In early 2018, Hernandez released his debut mixtape, Day69, which debuted at number four on the Billboard 200 album chart. He earned his first top-ten entry on the Billboard Hot 100 with "Fefe", featuring Nicki Minaj and Murda Beatz, which peaked at number three. Hernandez is known for his aggressive style of rapping, public feuds with fellow artists, as well as his striking appearance.
Daniel Hernandez was born on May 8, 1996 in the working-class, high-crime Bushwick to a Mexican mother (from Atlixco) and a Puerto Rican father.
He was raised with his older brother by both his mother and father until the age of thirteen when his father was suddenly shot dead while walking across the street. Emotionally disturbed by the passing of his father, Hernandez started act out and was eventually expelled from school in the 8th grade for bad behavior. Rather than continuing his education, Hernandez started working a series of odd jobs while selling marijuana on the streets in order to help his mother financially. He was eventually arrested for his activities and sentenced to prison at Rikers Island where he began to associate with the Nine Trey Gangsters prison set of the Bloods street gang. This is partially why Hernandez uses the word “Blood” to refer people sometimes as well as owing to his usage of the phrase “Treyway.”