Rap star Tekashi 6ix9ine stands out in the industry with his striking combination of rainbow-colored hair and tattooed features; making some of the most distinctive music ever heard in his genre. Additionally, his music can often cause controversy.
As Danny became increasingly well-known, his public image included flashy outfits, pornographic hentai and an impressive fleet of Lamborghinis. For him, media-savvy separation between celebrity and entertainment had dissipated.
Tekashi 6ix9ine
Tekashi 6ix9ine stands out as one of hip-hop’s most recognizable performers with his rainbow hair and gumball machine face tattoos, making him one of the genre’s most distinctive artists. But his controversial persona and links to gang violence and domestic abuse have earned him an unfavorable reputation among fans, prompting several major headline-making controversies since his rise to fame.
6ix9ine’s music continues to enjoy millions of views on YouTube despite his legal issues, breaking records for most views in a 24-hour period with his single “GOOBA.” Additionally, 6ix9ine has released merchandise including sneakers and hats based on his brand.
Day 69, his new album, is his chance to rewrite his narrative and restore some of the respect lost from rap music industry. With gruffly barked speaker assaults and metalhead references designed to appeal to an audience divided by political climate polarization. Furthermore, it contains disses against former associates of Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods gang.
6ix9ine’s video for “Billy” features young people wearing red bandanas and hand signs from his former gang allies – meant to show that he’s not as intimidating as critics claim – surrounding him in order to show that his critics overstate his potential threat level. Furthermore, throughout the album 6ix9ine addresses their relationship as well as what led them apart and the conflict which caused him to renounce them altogether.
Hulu surprised audiences by unveiling an unexpected documentary on rapper Kendrick Lamar on Monday – but it’s more than your typical rock film about a rising superstar. Director Vikram Gandhi of “Kumare” fame has created a deeply intimate portrait of someone thrust into the public spotlight.
This documentary features interviews with people who knew Danny Hernandez before his transformation into 6ix9ine, and documents how the kid developed into an international sensation. With its raw and real feel – rare in today’s overproduced celebrity documentaries – this is an absolute must watch for anyone interested in hip-hop culture or its controversial rise to prominence.
Lil Pump
Gazzy Garcia, better known as Lil Pump from South Florida, rose to fame through SoundCloud rap scene. As one of the leading artists of mumble rap genre, Lil Pump became widely respected for his minimalist music and hyperactive public persona – often seen promoting it via social media while shouting his catchphrase – “Esskeetit!”
Lil Pump was born to a Mexican family and lived in an unstable neighborhood where he quickly took an interest in rap music at an early age. Starting by making freestyle raps with Smokepurpp, the duo produced songs together and released them online before creating some hits of their own and quickly amassing an impressive following before signing a record deal for themselves.
In 2017, Lil Pump released his self-titled mixtape Lil Pump and quickly become a viral sensation with his song Gucci Gang. Subsequently, he produced several other hit singles while working alongside famous rappers such as XXXTentacion, Ski Mask the Slump God, Fat Nick, Pouya, Lil Yachty Lil Rich, and BlocBoy JB on tracks as well.
Lil Pump’s music has proven immensely popular and gained him a significant social media following; Instagram now counts more than 6 million followers while Twitter counts him amongst the most-followed rappers.
Lil Pump may be popular, yet many still view his and other mumble rappers as inferior artists. Their critics claim these rappers lack the lyricism, flow and delivery of Joyner Lucas or Eminem; yet young kids find them irresistible; outnumbering those who appreciate real rap music for what it is.
Lil Pump has made waves in the rap world despite his humble roots, earning himself millions of dollars and amassing an enormous following as one of the most beloved mumble rap artists worldwide. However, his success has led him to take controversial stands, supporting Donald Trump and endorsing a fake coronavirus pandemic; yet fans continue flocking to his concerts regardless of what actions are taken against them by Lil Pump himself.
XXXTentacion
Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, better known by his stage name XXXTentacion, rose to fame upon the release of 17 (2015), his debut studio album as an advocate for mental health; many songs featured lyrics that addressed personal troubles in his personal life as well as depression in public settings. He became well-known for his dark style influenced by emo music while suffering with publicized bouts of depression. He died June 2018 due to kidney cancer complications.
Before his death in June 2018 however, XXXTentacion signed with Bad Vibes Forever/Empire Distribution and released Revenge as an eight-song mixtape featuring previously unreleased material in May of 2017. This album peaked at number 50 on the US Billboard 200 charts and received platinum certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
After being released from prison in 2017, XXXTentacion immediately started work on Members Only Vol. 3 with his collective group, Members Only crew. He also began posting teases of songs to Instagram account, wherein one snippet announced “I Need Jesus”. His vocal style would change depending on genre of the track he was singing; sometimes employing more depressing tracks while employing screaming techniques for more aggressive tracks.
Kanye West discussed his forthcoming album Yandhi with The Fader recently and confirmed the final message from XXXTentacion before his death. According to Kanye, it was important for him to know that the deceased was still thinking about him and knew everything would be alright in life after death. Kanye said this track would provide that assurance.
Tekashi 6ix9ine recently performed at a sold-out show in Miami to honor Florida rapper XXXTentacion before his untimely death earlier this year. As part of his set, the ‘TROLLZ’ rapper read the last direct message sent by XXXTentacion just days before his tragic demise on June 18th of 2018. Throughout the performance he encouraged fans to stay positive, telling them XXXTentacion would be proud of them; additionally he thanked longtime friend for being so dedicated to his family before encouraging his audience members to vote in midterm elections this November 18th!
Lil Baby
One of the more peculiar moments in an otherwise turbulent year for music was that Taylor Swift’s massive Folklore album was outshone by an Atlanta rapper with lesser recognition: Lil Baby, once considered Thug-clone Lil Wayne-lite who premiered his debut mixtape Thugger Thugger Thugger back in 2021, has gone on to join rap’s upper echelon through My Turn album release.
This album marks a pivotal point for the artist, who in recent years has established their own niche within the industry through acclaimed projects and partnerships such as that with Quality Control (QC). He also launched 4 Pockets Full (4PF).
Lil Baby seeks to distinguish himself as more than just another Thug copycat with his latest release My Turn. Reaching deeper into his catalog for material with more of an adult, reflective tone on this new record, Lil Baby shows his vocal versatility and lyrical dexterity on every song on this effort.
Lil Baby’s keen observations of the challenges associated with success shine through on “How.” A soothing piano loop and trap drums set an ambient atmosphere, providing the ideal platform for his introspective lyrics about his relationship with money, reflecting upon past mistakes that have changed his viewpoint on life, as well as reflecting upon them now and their effects on Lil Baby himself and his production team. His vocal delivery and production really set this track apart from its peers on his album.
Lil Baby uses his debut project to stand out with fresh production ideas, mostly provided by established hip-hop producers such as Murda Beatz and Tay Keith; with some contributions from newer producers Harto and Eza. Although functional, Lil Baby fails to introduce any unique quirks that would set his work apart from its contemporaries.
Lil Baby’s renewed focus on personal growth and the perils of the rap industry can sometimes come across as defensive. His insistence on reinventing himself may appear as an effort to defend against a surge of competition; on “No Fly Zone,” Lil Baby declares his intent to keep rapping until all “bad bitches break their hearts”, an idea that’s more likely to resonate with listeners than breaking all his illusions.