Words by Roman White
Congrats are due to Tekashi 6ix 9ine as his viral track “Gummo” has hit RIAA certified Gold after selling over 500,000 copies.
The aggressive gangsta rap track and the optics from his environment helped launch the Brooklyn MC to the center of attention. Tekashi’s video for “Gummo,” which dropped in November was shot outside of a brownstone in Brooklyn with a large number of 69 gang members flashing their red flags, dancing and throwing up gang signs. The video has amassed more than 94 million views.
Tekashi’s success hasn’t come without controversy.
The 21-year-old rapper pled guilty to three counts of sexual misconduct with a minor. Another Brooklyn rapper, Zillakami, leaked a photo of Tekashi grabbing the breast of a 13-year-old girl. Tekashi was 18 at the time. The rapper is now facing a reported 1-3 years in prison. There was also a Snapchat video of the rapper claiming to be a “happy rapist” a video which Tekashi since denies saying that he “never had a Snapchat” in his life.
Despite the allegations, Tekashi 6ix 9ine’s following continues to build. Tekashi was not invited to perform at Coachella. He believes he was blackballed from this event. He did get a chance to perform at the A$AP Mob’s Yams Day, an annual showcase where artists from all walks of hip-hop get together to perform in respect to the late A$AP Yams who passed away in 2015.
There were reports that Tekashi was stabbed during a brawl at the Yams day performance but the rapper with rainbow colored hair has denied these claims.
Tekashi has also been working his tracks “Kooda” which has 60 million Youtube views and “Keke” featuring Fetty Wap and A Boogie Wit Da Hoodie.
