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Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine is a free man again – and he didn’t waste any time to remind the world of his oversized ego.
After three months in federal custody for violating his probation, Brooklyn native Daniel Hernandez was released from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Sunset Park, Brooklyn on Friday (April 3) – in front of the cameras and with his trademark energy.
A video shared on his Instagram shows the moment he leaves the facility wearing a white tracksuit and blue and white plimsolls. A small group of friends welcomed him outside, putting another chapter of his turbulent judicial history to rest.
Drug test and relapse
His sentence stems from a 2025 violation: 6ix9ine failed a drug test after testing positive for cocaine and MDMA, prompting authorities to take him into custody earlier this year. It was the second time in just over a year that he had to go to prison for violating his probation.
Shortly after reuniting with those around him, 6ix9ine drew attention to one of the more bizarre souvenirs from his time behind bars: a SpongeBob SquarePants figurine, which he proudly dubbed “Sponge9ine.” According to the rapper, the toy has a very special autograph.
“One of One, Maduro signed it,” claimed 6ix9ine, reading out the imprisoned former head of state’s signature: “Maduro, April 2nd. Venezuela forever.” He is referring to Nicolás Maduro, who is reportedly being held in the same federal facility on serious charges including narco-terrorism and drug trafficking.
Diamond necklace and grand gesture
As if the cabinet of curiosities wasn’t enough, the rapper was also gifted an eye-catching new piece of jewelry: a custom-made, diamond-encrusted necklace with colorful stones. As a friend put the chain on him, 6ix9ine enjoyed the moment to the fullest and bragged about making good on his promise to come home with new wealth.
The spectacle continued online, where he celebrated both his freedom and his latest acquisition. The caption read: “Fresh OUT THE FEDS $2,200,000 on the neck. GOD IS THE GREATEST. MY LORD AND SAVIOR. @vobara we did ittttttt MADURO SINGNED MY JAIL HOUSE SPONGE9INE”
His fascination with Maduro is not entirely new. Shortly after his arrest earlier this year, he had already mentioned the politician in another social media post in which he promoted a crypto casino platform and joked about card games in prison. The recurring references only further fueled the spectacle surrounding his dismissal and his public appearance.
New beginnings and trust in God
Despite his long history with the justice system, 6ix9ine appears to be framing this firing as a turning point. On Sunday (April 5), he shared a more thoughtful message with his fans, expressing gratitude and a sense of renewed determination.
“I never stopped believing in God. YES, I made a lot of mistakes, but HOW CAN YOU embrace the GOOD and not the BAD. From the beginning, I never stopped giving, even when I felt like I was losing everything. I KNEW that the LORD had a bigger PLAN for me,” he wrote. “The devil works every day, but OUR HEAVENLY FATHER WORKS HARDER. Amen.”
This article was originally published on VIBE.
