Love him or hate him, Tekashi 6ix9ine has always known how to break the internet. The rainbow haired, face tattooed Brooklyn rapper born Daniel Hernandez built an empire on controversy, chaos, and chart-topping hits that nobody could ignore. And now, as he attempts yet another comeback in 2025, the drama isn’t just about his music anymore. It’s about those lace fronts, honey. And 6ix9ine is NOT here for the slander.
The man who once dominated the Billboard Hot 100, racked up platinum plaques like they were going out of style, and became one of the most streamed artists of his generation is back in the headlines. But this time, the conversation has taken a turn nobody saw coming: his wigs. Fans and trolls alike have been coming for 6ix9ine’s colorful lace fronts, and the rapper has been clapping back harder than ever, calling out his critics as “baldheaded” and serving up the kind of petty energy that only Tekashi can deliver!
Let’s break down the whole saga, from the platinum records to the wig wars, because this is the kind of mess that The Talk Lounge lives for.
The Hits That Built an Empire
Before we dive into the wig drama, let’s give credit where credit is due. Say what you want about 6ix9ine, but the man has HITS. Real, certified, undeniable hits that dominated radio, streaming platforms, and clubs worldwide.
6ix9ine burst onto the scene in late 2017 with his breakout single “Gummo,” a track so aggressive and raw that it immediately polarized listeners. You either loved it or hated it, but you definitely couldn’t ignore it. The song peaked at number 12 on the Billboard Hot 100 and was certified platinum by the RIAA (Recording Industry Association of America). That was just the beginning.
His debut mixtape “Day69” dropped in early 2018 and debuted at number 4 on the Billboard 200 album chart. The project spawned multiple hits including “Kooda,” “Keke” featuring Fetty Wap and A Boogie wit da Hoodie, and “Gotti,” all of which charted on the Hot 100. 6ix9ine wasn’t just making noise; he was making money and breaking records.
But the real game changer came in July 2018 when 6ix9ine dropped “FEFE” featuring Nicki Minaj and Murda Beatz. This wasn’t just a hit; this was a MOMENT. The track peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and became 6ix9ine’s most successful song to date. “FEFE” is certified 8x Platinum by the RIAA, representing 8 million units sold. Eight. Million. Let that sink in.
The infectious beat, Nicki’s signature flow, and 6ix9ine’s aggressive energy created a summer anthem that took over 2018. The song dominated streaming platforms, radio airwaves, and social media. It wasn’t just a song; it was a cultural phenomenon that proved 6ix9ine could deliver mainstream commercial success despite, or perhaps because of, his controversial persona.
His debut studio album “Dummy Boy” was released in November 2018 under the most dramatic circumstances, dropping while 6ix9ine was behind bars. Despite the chaos surrounding its release and generally negative critical reception, the album debuted at number 2 on the Billboard 200, blocked from the top spot only by Travis Scott’s “Astroworld.” “Dummy Boy” was certified platinum by the RIAA in 2019, solidifying 6ix9ine’s status as a commercial force in hip hop.
The success continued with “Bebe” and “Stoopid,” both reaching the top 30 of the Hot 100. Then came 2020’s “Trollz” with Nicki Minaj, which became 6ix9ine’s first and only number 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. The track was certified platinum by the RIAA, making it the duo’s second platinum collaboration after “FEFE.” A portion of the proceeds from “Trollz” was donated to The Bail Project to support people arrested during the George Floyd protests.
In total, nine of 6ix9ine’s singles have been certified platinum by the RIAA, with two reaching gold status. All 10 of his charted singles made it onto the Billboard Hot 100. These aren’t just numbers; they’re proof that regardless of opinion, 6ix9ine created music that millions of people wanted to hear.
His streaming numbers back this up. 6ix9ine has accumulated billions of streams across platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. His music videos routinely rack up hundreds of millions of views, with “FEFE” alone generating massive viewership that keeps growing years after its release.
The Comeback Attempts: New Music, New Drama
After his release from prison in April 2020, 6ix9ine immediately tried to reclaim his throne. His comeback single “Gooba” debuted at number 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, proving he still had commercial viability despite the snitching controversy that had turned much of the hip hop community against him.
But “Gooba” also sparked major drama when 6ix9ine accused Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande of chart manipulation after their duet “Stuck with U” debuted at number 1, blocking “Gooba” from the top spot. 6ix9ine alleged on Instagram that Grande and Bieber used “six credit cards” to purchase 30,000 copies of their song at the last minute. Both artists denied the allegations, and Billboard addressed the claims, stating they don’t distribute forecast rankings to labels, management, or artists.
The subsequent album “TattleTales” in September 2020 was projected to move 100,000 to 150,000 units but ended up significantly underperforming those expectations, marking a commercial downturn for the artist.
Since then, 6ix9ine has pivoted heavily toward Latin music, operating primarily out of the Dominican Republic where he found a new audience. In 2025, he’s been releasing new tracks including “HANNA” and “POPPA,” both of which dropped with music videos in April. The songs have generated mixed reactions, with some fans praising his return to form while others critique the music as not matching his earlier energy.
The reception to his new music has been lukewarm at best. Fans on social media have been vocal, with comments ranging from “We need the rap back, not this singing” to “This don’t hit like it used to.” But 6ix9ine continues pushing forward, recently announcing plans for another project “only to prove that this industry is a joke.”
Enter the Wig Era: When 6ix9ine Discovered Lace Fronts
Here’s where things get really interesting. 6ix9ine has always been known for his signature rainbow colored hair, an aesthetic that became synonymous with his brand. Those colorful locks were part of what made him instantly recognizable, a walking billboard of chaos and controversy.
#6ix9ine fired back at the women saying he’s rocking a wig 😩 and he didn’t deny it! Instead, he doubled down and came for the ladies, calling them bald head and telling everyone to “tag their favorite Baldy.” 😭💀#TheTalkLounge pic.twitter.com/uZo7FK4V2E
— The Talk Lounge Official (@thetalkloungetv) October 24, 2025
But maintaining that look? That’s a whole different challenge. Enter celebrity hairstylist Jonathan Wright, the man who works with artists like Megan Thee Stallion and who introduced 6ix9ine to the world of lace front wigs.
According to Jonathan Wright, 6ix9ine was initially resistant to the idea. “Tekashi was sitting there and I looked at him I said, ‘I’m putting a wig on you.’ And he said, ‘Boy, stop, you ain’t putting a wig on me,'” Wright revealed in an interview with Page Six. This conversation allegedly happened around the time 6ix9ine was shooting the “Trollz” video with Nicki Minaj.
But Wright persisted. “The next day, I tried the slime green and purple wig on him. I told him, ‘I promise, you will look like a rock star.'” And just like that, 6ix9ine was converted.
Once he got over his initial hesitation, 6ix9ine went ALL IN on the lace front life. We’re talking candy colored wigs, rainbow tresses, blonde bombshell moments, red and gold metallic looks, and every vibrant shade imaginable. Wright became his go to stylist, creating increasingly elaborate wig designs that kept 6ix9ine looking fresh and keeping people talking.
And let’s talk about the price tag, because 6ix9ine doesn’t do anything halfway. In his first video interview after being released from prison, 6ix9ine revealed exactly how much he pays for his custom lace fronts. “Jonathan literally gets paid the most. I pay Jonathan like $15,000 every time,” the rapper admitted, which shocked the interviewer.
Jonathan Wright hopped into the comments to confirm he’s indeed getting that bag, clarifying that while he didn’t design 6ix9ine’s look for that particular interview, he does create many of his wigs. Fifteen thousand dollars per wig, y’all. That’s more than some people’s cars. But for 6ix9ine, maintaining that rainbow aesthetic is worth every penny.
The Trolls Come for the Wigs
But you know what happens when a male rapper starts wearing obvious lace fronts in the hip hop community? The jokes start flying. And 6ix9ine, despite his massive success and platinum records, has not been immune to the roasting.
Social media has been BRUTAL about 6ix9ine’s wigs. TikTok is flooded with videos dissecting his lace fronts, with users zooming in on his hairline, critiquing the blend, and making jokes about everything from the quality to the installation. Videos with captions like “Nooo snitch nine!! That hair layed tho” and “Ts was plucked to the boneeee” have gone viral, accumulating millions of views.
The criticism ranges from playful teasing to outright mockery. Comments like “not the lace front,” “He need to speak to Beyonce’s stylist for some tips,” and “Bish, that’s a ole cheap ass Ali Express horse hair ponytail!” have flooded his social media posts. People are analyzing his wigs like they’re forensic scientists, debating whether the lace is melted properly, if the hairline is too obvious, and whether the colors are working.
Some critics have pointed out the double standard, noting that female rappers like Cardi B, Nicki Minaj, and Megan Thee Stallion regularly rock wigs without nearly as much scrutiny. “Straight men getting away with things they bully and mock gays for doing,” one commenter noted, highlighting the complex gender dynamics at play.
Others have simply questioned why 6ix9ine wears wigs at all, with viral TikTok content asking “Why 6ix9ine had the best wigs” and exploring his various wig transformations over the years. The fascination with his hair has become its own subplot in the 6ix9ine saga.
6ix9ine Claps Back: The “Baldheaded” Era
But here’s the thing about 6ix9ine: he didn’t build his career by staying quiet when people come for him. The man is a professional troll, and he knows how to fight fire with gasoline.
Recently, 6ix9ine has been going OFF on social media, addressing the wig critics head on. And his response? He’s been calling them baldheaded. Yes, really.
6ix9ine has been shooting straight facts on his Instagram and other platforms, essentially telling his haters that they’re mad because they can’t grow hair like his wigs can. He’s been trolling back with the energy of someone who knows that engagement, whether positive or negative, keeps him relevant.
The rapper has been posting videos and photos of himself rocking his latest wig looks while simultaneously dragging anyone who dares to comment negatively. His message is essentially: “Y’all mad about my wigs but at least I HAVE hair, unlike your bald selves.”
It’s classic 6ix9ine behavior, turning criticism into content and making the conversation about him no matter what. He’s been particularly active recently, seemingly unbothered by the jokes and instead leaning into the attention. After all, this is the same man who built his entire career on being controversial and keeping people talking.
The back and forth has created its own entertainment ecosystem. Fans defend his right to wear wigs, pointing out that many male artists use hair pieces and extensions without the same level of scrutiny. Trolls double down, making memes and jokes. And 6ix9ine just keeps posting, keeps trolling, and keeps the cycle going.
The Bigger Picture: 6ix9ine in 2025
So where does 6ix9ine actually stand in 2025? It’s complicated.
On one hand, his commercial peak is clearly behind him. The streaming numbers for his recent releases don’t match his earlier work. The hip hop community has largely turned its back on him following his cooperation with authorities that led to the conviction of his former associates in the Nine Trey Gangsters. Major American venues won’t book him. He’s operating primarily out of the Dominican Republic, where he’s found a more forgiving audience.
His personal life has been messy, with his ex girlfriend, Dominican rapper Yailin La Más Viral, suing him in September 2024 for alleged physical, emotional, sexual, and financial abuse. He was arrested in the Dominican Republic in January 2024 on domestic violence charges, though he was later released. In October 2024, he was arrested in New York on a warrant for violating the terms of his supervised release after testing positive for meth twice, showing up late to court, and traveling to Las Vegas without permission.
The IRS has been selling off his jewelry, clothes, and platinum records to settle debts. His cars, including a Bentley with a bullet hole in the windshield at head height on the driver’s side, have gone to auction. The financial empire that once seemed so solid is showing serious cracks.
But here’s what you can’t deny: 6ix9ine still knows how to get attention. Those billions of streams didn’t disappear. The platinum plaques are real. The number 1 hit happened. And now, with the wig drama, he’s once again dominating social media conversations.
In April 2025, he dropped “HANNA” and “POPPA” with music videos that have already garnered over a million views each. Are they breaking records? No. But they’re keeping him in the conversation, and for 6ix9ine, that might be enough.
He’s announced plans for more music, stating he wants to prove “that this industry is a joke” and claiming “I’ve always been the best and will continue to be the best.” Whether anyone believes that is debatable, but the confidence is vintage Tekashi.
The Legacy Question
So what’s 6ix9ine’s legacy going to be? A cautionary tale? A study in how to blow up quickly and crash just as fast? A masterclass in staying relevant through controversy?
The truth is probably all of the above. 6ix9ine created undeniable hits. “FEFE” is 8x platinum. “Trollz” hit number 1. “Dummy Boy” went platinum. These are facts that can’t be erased no matter how much the hip hop community wants to write him off.
He also cooperated with federal authorities, violating one of hip hop’s most fundamental codes. He’s been accused of domestic violence. He’s cycled through legal troubles like most people cycle through outfits. His recent music hasn’t matched his earlier commercial success. And now he’s fighting with people on the internet about his wigs.
But maybe that’s exactly the point. 6ix9ine has never claimed to be anything other than what he is: chaotic, controversial, attention seeking, and unapologetically messy. He built his brand on being the villain, and villains don’t get redemption arcs. They just keep being villains until people stop paying attention.
And people are still paying attention. They’re watching his music videos. They’re arguing about his wigs. They’re making TikToks dissecting his lace fronts. They’re reading articles about his comeback attempts. Love him or hate him, you’re still talking about him, and that’s exactly what 6ix9ine wants.
The Wig Wars Continue
As we head deeper into 2025, the wig drama shows no signs of stopping. 6ix9ine continues to post his colorful lace front looks, fans and trolls continue to comment, and he continues to clap back with “baldheaded” insults and petty energy.
Hairstylist Jonathan Wright is presumably still collecting those $15,000 checks, creating increasingly elaborate rainbow designs for his most controversial client. The wigs keep getting more colorful, more expensive, and more talked about.
Meanwhile, 6ix9ine is working on new music, fighting legal battles, dealing with financial issues, and navigating life as one of hip hop’s most polarizing figures. But through it all, he’s making sure his hair, fake or otherwise, looks on point.
The conversation has evolved from “Is he a snitch?” to “Are those lace fronts laid?” and honestly, that might be the most 6ix9ine thing ever. He’s turned even his hair into controversy, debate, and content.
The Bottom Line
Tekashi 6ix9ine had a legitimate run at the top of the charts. Nine platinum singles. An 8x platinum smash hit with Nicki Minaj. A platinum album. Billions of streams. A number 1 hit on the Billboard Hot 100. These aren’t alternative facts; they’re certified achievements.
His comeback attempts in 2025 haven’t reached those same heights, but he’s still releasing music, still generating conversations, and still very much in the public eye. The fact that we’re now discussing his wigs as much as his music is somehow perfectly on brand for an artist who’s always made spectacle part of his strategy.
Whether the lace fronts are properly melted, whether the hairline is too obvious, whether he should stick to his natural hair, none of that really matters. What matters is that 6ix9ine is still here, still trolling, still fighting with people on social media, and still refusing to fade quietly into obscurity.
He’s calling his critics baldheaded. They’re calling him out for his wigs. And in the middle of all this pettiness, there’s a rapper with platinum records and a track record of hits trying to figure out what his next chapter looks like.
The rainbow dripped rapper returns, lace front and all, ready to troll another day. And honestly? That’s exactly what we expected.
