6ix9ine's net worth took a nosedive from $28 million in 2021 to a mere $500,000 in 2024. The controversial rapper's financial trip has seen a dramatic downturn even as he stays active in the music industry.
Tekashi 69's wealth story reads like a roller coaster ride. He once had $8-10 million in the bank, but things look very different now. His accountant Justin Kobay told the court in March 2022 that 6ix9ine was "technically less than zero".
Daniel Hernandez (his legal name) still makes good money through different streams. His YouTube channel has grown to 20 million followers with over 5 billion views. He pulls in about $100,000 each month from 12 million Spotify listeners. He made $500,000 for a quick 40-minute show in Turkey.
This detailed breakdown will get into 6ix9ine's current worth, what led to his money troubles, and whether the rainbow-haired rapper can build his fortune back up in 2025 and beyond.
The Rise of Tekashi 6ix9ine
Tekashi 6ix9ine, born Daniel Hernandez, started his life in 1996 in Brooklyn's tough Bushwick neighborhood. His parents – a Mexican mother and Puerto Rican father – raised him until tragedy struck. His stepfather's murder in 2010 near their family home changed everything. The 13-year-old Hernandez fell into deep depression that shaped his future path.
"When they took him away from me, I felt naked," Hernandez later recalled about his stepfather, whom he viewed as a "superhero". The loss hit him hard. He stopped taking care of himself, lost weight, and got expelled from school during eighth grade. He started working various jobs as a busboy and at a local bodega to support his family, all without finishing high school.
Early life and street beginnings
Life took an unexpected turn for Hernandez in 2012. Peter "Righteous P" Rodgers, CEO of New York record label Hikari-Ultra, walked into the vegan bodega where Hernandez worked.Rodgers noticed his unique look and asked if he rapped, believing Hernandez had a musician's presence.
Music wasn't his passion then, but Hernandez decided to give it a shot – especially after learning about his girlfriend's pregnancy in 2015.
His music journey began in 2014 with songs like "69," "Pimpin," and "Who The Fuck is You". FCK THEM, a Slovak music label, distributed many of these early tracks. Hernandez created his stage name "Tekashi69" during this time. The name combined his love for Japanese anime ("Tekashi") with "69" – representing both the sexual position and yin-yang symbol.
The young artist craved attention. He made his own eye-catching clothes with provocative messages like "Smut," "69," and other explicit phrases. "I felt invisible. I just had to make a loud presence," he explained, referring to his rainbow-colored hair and matching candy-colored grill.
Breakthrough with 'Gummo'
Summer 2017 marked a turning point. Hernandez shot the "Gummo" video outside a Brooklyn row house. The video captured him in a green tracksuit, his rainbow hair flying as he performed surrounded by men in red bandanas. They danced, showed guns, and flashed gang signs. His face now displayed the iconic "69" tattoo that became his signature.
"Gummo" dropped on November 10, 2017, and launched Hernandez into stardom. The song peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and earned platinum certification from RIAA by March 2018. The creative process took nearly four months. Hernandez and Andrew "TrifeDrew"
Green experimented with different styles until they found the right mix.Producer Pi'erre Bourne, known for his work with Playboi Carti, created the track's menacing beat. 10K Projects CEO Elliot Grainge wanted to shelf the song, but Hernandez stood firm on his vision.
Going viral and building a fanbase
Social media propelled "Gummo" to success, with YouTube reaction videos playing a vital role. The day after release, smaller channels like LVSkinny started posting reactions. Bigger names followed – XXYungLordXX and BucketHeadNation joined the trend.
The video reached 12.4 million YouTube views by October 31st, 2017, before hitting official streaming platforms. Funk Master Flex gave the song its radio debut on Hot 97 around November 7th, marking Hernandez's entry into mainstream rap.
The official streaming release came on November 10th. The track landed spots on major playlists like Spotify's RapCaviar and Apple Music's The A-List: Hip-Hop. Numbers kept climbing – over 300 million YouTube views and 100 million SoundCloud streams. The song topped SoundCloud's charts through December 2017 and January 2018.
Hernandez kept the momentum going. His next releases "Kooda" and "Keke" (featuring Fetty Wap and A Boogie wit da Hoodie) hit the Hot 100, with "Kooda" reaching number 61. His rapid rise in hip-hop became undeniable.
Peak Fame and Financial Highs
Tekashi 6ix9ine's finances reached incredible heights at the peak of his fame. The rainbow-haired rapper built a multi-million dollar empire through smart deals, packed performances, and a strong digital presence.
Major record deals and collaborations
His rapid rise led to a $10 million record deal with 10K Projects in 2019 to create two albums. This deal became the most important milestone in his career and marked his mainstream success peak. He worked with big names like Nicki Minaj, Kanye West, and Young Thug during this time.
His musical reach expanded beyond English-language rap. The release of his reggaeton album "Leyenda Viva" in 2023 and collaborations with reggaeton star Anuel AA on "Dummy Boy" in 2018 proved smart moves financially. Spanish-speaking audiences connected with his music, which boosted his appeal.
Kartel Music Group offered him another major deal worth about $6 million in October 2024. The contract promised $1 million to record a 10-song album with Mexican regional artists. 6ix9ine explained this was "less of a record deal and more of an 'exclusive tour' arrangement, as well as management," which showed his market value stayed strong despite controversies.
Earnings from live shows and merchandise
Live performances became one of 6ix9ine's biggest money makers. He often talked about getting $500,000 per show for short performances. A 40-minute show in Turkey earned him half a million dollars, with 15,000 fans packing the venue. The 6,800-capacity Payne Arena in Hidalgo, Texas saw similar success.
These packed shows and other income sources helped his management team earn around $20 million through album sales, merchandise, and concerts. His online store (6ix9inestore.com) sold branded clothes and accessories that matched his bold style. The release of "Gooba" came with a product line featuring t-shirts, album covers, sweatshirts, hoodies, and COVID-19 masks.
Social media monetization
6ix9ine turned his social media presence into serious cash. His YouTube channel grew to over 20 million subscribers with more than 5 billion views. These numbers brought in about $215,000 between February and May 2023.
His Instagram following reached 22.1 million fans with a 5.19% engagement rate, letting him charge between $8,000 and $90,000 for sponsored posts. Music content averaged 1.1 million likes and 29,000 comments per post. Instagram earnings ranged from $66,315 to $90,851 monthly, potentially reaching $795,779 to $1,090,217 yearly.
Streaming services added steady income to his portfolio. With 12 million monthly Spotify listeners, he earned around $100,000 monthly from this platform. A deal with TMZ in 2020 for an hour-long live-streamed show brought him $5 million.
6ix9ine's peak success showed how he used controversy and attention to make money through different channels. His diverse portfolio included everything from traditional record deals to digital platforms and merchandise, making him one of hip-hop's top earners for a time.
Legal Troubles and Financial Fallout
Behind the flashy persona and hit songs, Tekashi 6ix9ine's career took a nosedive due to serious legal problems that destroyed his finances. His quick rise to fame came crashing down because of legal fights that still affect his net worth today.
Racketeering charges and prison time
Daniel Hernandez's career hit rock bottom in November 2018. Federal authorities charged him with racketeering and firearms offenses linked to the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods. The gang "wreaked havoc on New York City" through "brazen acts of violence," according to the indictment. He faced 47 years in prison, but made a choice that kept him from spending decades locked up – though it changed how people saw him forever.
He worked with prosecutors and pleaded guilty to nine charges. His testimony helped convict fellow gang members Anthony Ellison and Aljermiah Mack. The judge gave him just two years in prison in December 2019 because he cooperated. He also got five years of supervised release.
The legal troubles didn't stop there. He broke his parole rules by having drugs in 2023, which landed him another 45 days in prison. These constant legal problems made it impossible for him to fix his money situation.
IRS issues and asset seizures
The clearest sign of 6ix9ine's money problems showed up in April 2024. IRS agents and local police raided his Lake Worth, Florida home. 6ix9ine admitted he hadn't paid his "internal revenue taxes" for four years.
They took several luxury cars, including a blue Lamborghini and a custom car with rainbow paint splatter wrap. These vehicles ended up with "Warning – United States Government Seizure" stickers. The cars represented much of the rapper's visible wealth.
The IRS sold these assets to get back the unpaid taxes. His 2019 Lamborghini Urus with 49,294 miles brought in $175,043. The 2017 Bentley Continental GT Speed sold for $85,500. They also auctioned 63 pieces of jewelry and his Gold and Platinum plaques, worth hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Civil lawsuits and judgments
Along with criminal cases and tax problems, civil lawsuits piled up more financial pressure. Judge Robert T. Watson ordered Hernandez to pay $9.8 million to Alexis Salaberrios in November 2023. The Miami dancer sued him because he allegedly hit her with a bottle in 2021.
He lost because he didn't show up in court.He filed his own lawsuit against LA Fitness in January 2025. He wanted over $1 million after getting attacked at their Lake Worth location in March 2023.
Three known Latin Kings gang members beat and robbed him in the gym's sauna, leaving him badly hurt.The lawsuit claims LA Fitness didn't provide proper security. Hernandez "suffered bodily injury and resulting pain and suffering, disability, loss of the capacity of the enjoyment of life, medical care and treatment expense, humiliation, and loss of income and earning capacity".
These legal fights have caused huge swings in 6ix9ine's net worth. His accountant Justin Kobay revealed in March 2022 that the rapper was worth "technically less than zero" – quite a fall for someone who once had millions.
6ix9ine Net Worth in 2025: The Real Numbers
The financial story behind 6ix9ine's net worth in 2025 paints a complex picture filled with ups and downs. A deep dive into court documents and various reports helps us understand the rapper's current financial position.
Current estimated net worth
Financial records show Tekashi 69's net worth sits at about $1.5 million in 2025. This number reflects a major drop from previous years, though it shows some recovery from his 2024 low of $500,000.
The ground reality looks quite different in court documents. 6ix9ine admitted he was "struggling to make ends meet" in March 2022. His accountant Justin Kobay went further and testified that the rapper's worth was "technically less than zero".
These statements didn't match his public image. Just a day after claiming financial hardship in court, he posted videos showing off "several million dollars worth of cold hard cash" and luxury vehicles.
Daniel Hernandez later cleared the air on TMZ Live with a simple admission: "I ain't got it right now. I ain't got it. And that was prop money".
Breakdown of income sources
The rapper's money comes from four main streams:
- Music streaming: His YouTube channel remains profitable with 20 million followers and over 5 billion views. This platform brought in about $82,600 in February 2025. Spotify adds another $70,000 monthly from his 12 million monthly listeners.
- Social media monetization: His massive Instagram following of 22.1 million fans and 5.19% engagement rate lets him charge between $8,000 to $90,000 for sponsored posts.
- Live performances: A recent 40-minute show in Turkey earned him $500,000, showing his ability to draw crowds despite controversies.
- New record deal: A game-changing contract with Kartel Music came in October 2024, worth $1 million for an album plus $250,000 per concert. The deal could reach $6 million if all conditions are met.
The IRS takes a big chunk of these earnings to cover his outstanding debts.
Comparison to past valuations
6ix9ine's financial journey serves as a wake-up call:
|
Year |
Estimated Net Worth |
|
2021 |
$28 million |
|
2022 |
$8 million |
|
2024 |
$500,000 |
|
2025 |
$1.5 million |
His wealth dropped by more than 94% from its peak of $28 million in 2021. This dramatic fall shows how quickly fortunes can change in the music industry.
The numbers today look nothing like his past claims. Back in January 2018, he talked about a $7.5 million record deal, a $15 million management deal with Birdman's RICHGANG company, and a $4.9 million headphone endorsement. Reality tells a different story now.
The new Kartel Music deal might turn things around with its potential $6 million payout. Success depends on him staying out of legal trouble and avoiding social media drama.
New Revenue Streams and Comeback Plans
Tekashi 6ix9ine is working hard to rebuild his wealth after facing financial difficulties. The controversial rapper has created multiple revenue streams by making use of his star power and strategic collaborations.
Kartel Music deal and tour earnings
6ix9ine landed a potential breakthrough deal with Kartel Music Group in October 2024. The contract will pay him $1 million to create a 10-song album with Mexican regional artists. He'll earn $250,000 for each concert during his tour across the United States, Mexico, and Central and South America. This deal could bring him around $6 million if everything goes according to plan.
The deal comes with strict conditions though. He needs to stay out of legal trouble, avoid social media drama, and most importantly, stay arrest-free. 6ix9ine explained that this is "less as a record deal and more as an 'exclusive tour' partnership and management".
Streaming income from YouTube and Spotify
Digital platforms continue to provide steady income for the rainbow-haired rapper. His YouTube channel brings in good money with over 20 million subscribers and about 5.7 billion total views. His YouTube earnings hit $82,600 in February 2025 alone.
His Spotify presence adds nicely to his income stream. With about 10 million monthly listeners, he makes around $70,000 monthly from the platform. Recent streaming data suggests his yearly Spotify earnings will be between $318,107 and $435,807.
Merchandise and brand partnerships
6ix9ine has expanded beyond music into brand collaborations with mixed success. He signed an exclusive endorsement deal with Dummy Vapes in early 2023. Unfortunately, this partnership hit a snag when Fume allegedly offered him $1 million to switch sides.
He also secured a $4.9 million deal with TUNES Headphones. The company created an exclusive model with custom colors for him, hoping to capitalize on his self-proclaimed "King of New York" status.
These different income sources give 6ix9ine a path to financial recovery. Much of these earnings will likely go toward his IRS debt. His financial comeback depends heavily on following the Kartel Music contract terms, as any legal issues could put this opportunity at risk.
Assets, Auctions, and Business Ventures
Behind Tekashi 6ix9ine's flashy image lies a complex story. His extravagant purchases, government seizures, and experimental investments show his true financial situation.
Real estate holdings and luxury items
6ix9ine's property choices show his love for luxury living. He rented a stunning Hamptons estate in Water Mill that cost him $55,000 each month. The property later sold for $5 million in 2021. He also owned a $1.5 million Long Island home with a massive pool, hardwood floors, and modern bathrooms.
His jewelry collection stands out as his most impressive asset. The collection includes a $45,000 custom grill, a $750,000 "My Little Pony" diamond chain, and a $300,000 "Jigsaw" pendant crafted from pure diamonds. He also owns several watches, including a $37,550 diamond-encrusted Rolex President Day-Date and a Richard Mille worth about $1.5 million.
His extraordinary car collection features 11 luxury vehicles worth between $56,000 and $2 million. The collection includes a $2 million Mercedes McLaren P1, a $574,000 Lamborghini Aventador, and several Rolls-Royces.
IRS auctions and seized property
The IRS raided 6ix9ine's Lake Worth, Florida home in April 2024. He had failed to report income for four years. Federal authorities then had Market Auctions in Florida sell his seized assets.
The auction brought in about $510,500 from 62 items. His vehicles sold for big money – the 2019 Lamborghini Urus went for $175,043 and his 2017 Bentley Continental GT Speed sold for $85,500. His famous "Bruce the Shark" pendant brought in $60,000. His RIAA-certified platinum plaques became surprise hits at the auction, with his "Bebe" plaque selling for $19,000.
Investments in merchandise and crypto
6ix9ine jumped into cryptocurrency to tackle these financial challenges. He launched his own "Dummy Coin" in 2024. He promoted the coin with a creative twist – the first 2,000 buyers could meet him at his Romanian concert, and some lucky fans could even join him onstage.
Before this, he tried his hand at NFTs. The venture made good money but faced backlash from buyers who called it "a huge scam". He had also landed a $4.9 million deal with TUNES Headphones to create his own custom model.
Conclusion
Tekashi 6ix9ine's financial experience serves as a warning sign to entertainment industry artists. His net worth skyrocketed from his modest Bushwick roots to $28 million, then crashed to "technically less than zero." The rapper still pulls in good money from streaming platforms, social media, and live shows, even with his ongoing legal fights and tax issues.
His current worth sits at $1.5 million – nowhere near his previous wealth. But 6ix9ine shows determination to bounce back financially. A $6 million deal with Kartel Music Group could help him recover, if he follows their strict rules about legal compliance and social media behavior.
Big hurdles still block his path. The rapper must juggle new income sources while paying off debts, especially to the IRS. On top of that, civil judgments keep threatening his comeback, including Alexis Salaberrios's nearly $10 million award.
Daniel Hernandez's fortune has seen incredible highs and devastating lows. His story shows how fame, controversy, and legal problems can shake up an artist's wealth. The rainbow-haired rapper once had millions at his disposal. Now his financial future depends on staying focused, dodging legal troubles, and using his star power wisely without the excessive spending that marked his peak years.
FAQs
Q1. What is 6ix9ine's current net worth in 2025?
As of 2025, 6ix9ine's estimated net worth is approximately $1.5 million. This represents a significant decline from his peak valuation of $28 million in 2021, but shows some recovery from his 2024 low of $500,000.
Q2. How does 6ix9ine make money now?
6ix9ine currently generates income through multiple channels, including music streaming on platforms like YouTube and Spotify, social media monetization, live performances, and a new record deal with Kartel Music Group potentially worth up to $6 million.
Q3. What happened to 6ix9ine's assets?
In April 2024, the IRS conducted a raid on 6ix9ine's Florida home and seized several luxury vehicles and jewelry items due to unpaid taxes. These assets were later auctioned off, with his cars and jewelry collectively selling for over $500,000.
Q4. Has 6ix9ine faced any recent legal troubles?
Yes, 6ix9ine has continued to face legal issues. In 2023, he violated parole conditions and served an additional 45-day prison sentence. He also faces a $9.8 million civil judgment for an alleged assault incident in Miami.
Q5. What are 6ix9ine's plans for a financial comeback?
6ix9ine is attempting a financial recovery through his new deal with Kartel Music Group, which includes recording an album and touring. He's also exploring new revenue streams like cryptocurrency and maintaining his income from streaming platforms and social media.
