Tekashi 69, also known as 6ix9ine, is a polarizing figure in the world of rap music. Rising to fame in the mid-2010s, Tekashi 69 quickly became a controversial figure due to his bold personality, legal issues, and distinctive style. His music, filled with energetic beats and aggressive lyrics, helped him build a massive following, but it also sparked debates about the nature of his artistry and his place in the rap world.
In this article, we will explore the kind of rap music Tekashi 69 is known for, the elements that define his style, and how he fits into the broader landscape of contemporary rap.
Tekashi 69: A Brief Overview of His Rise to Fame
Before diving into his musical style, it’s essential to understand Tekashi 69’s rise to fame. Born Daniel Hernandez in 1996, Tekashi 69 grew up in Brooklyn, New York. He first began making waves in the music world with his 2017 track “Gummo,” which showcased his signature loud and aggressive delivery. His appearance, characterized by his rainbow-colored hair and heavily tattooed face, quickly became as iconic as his music.
Tekashi 69’s early music was a blend of raw energy, provocative lyrics, and a sound heavily influenced by Brooklyn drill music—a subgenre of rap known for its dark, hard-hitting beats and aggressive tone. His rapid success was fueled by his viral presence on social media, his collaborations with other prominent artists, and his increasingly controversial actions both online and off.
Despite facing legal issues, including a high-profile case involving racketeering charges, Tekashi 69’s popularity has not waned. He is a prime example of how social media, controversy, and catchy music can create an artist with a significant following. His influence on the rap scene, particularly in terms of his unique style, is undeniable, but understanding the kind of rap music he is known for requires a deeper look at his musical characteristics.
Tekashi 69’s Rap Style: Aggressive, Loud, and Bold
At its core, Tekashi 69’s music can be characterized as aggressive and confrontational. His delivery is fast, hard-hitting, and full of raw emotion. The aggressive style of rap he embraces aligns with what is commonly referred to as “mumble rap,” a subgenre of hip hop characterized by its heavy use of auto-tune, catchy hooks, and a focus on beat rather than lyrical complexity. However, Tekashi’s music stands out within this subgenre due to its extreme energy and emphasis on shock value.
1. Trap and Drill Music Influence
One of the most significant influences on Tekashi 69’s sound is drill music. Drill is a subgenre of rap that originated in Chicago, known for its dark, ominous beats and lyrics that often discuss street life, violence, and survival. While drill music has roots in Chicago, Tekashi 69’s music is heavily influenced by the Brooklyn drill scene, which shares many similarities but is unique in its use of certain production styles and lyricism.
The aggressive and sometimes confrontational tone of Tekashi’s music is a hallmark of drill music. His beats are often minimalistic yet heavy, with 808 bass lines that hit hard and drive the energy of his tracks.
Tekashi’s vocal delivery mirrors the intensity of the music itself, often shouting or rapping in a rapid-fire, almost yelling style, further adding to the tension and aggressiveness of his songs.
Tracks like “Gummo,” “Kooda,” and “Billy” exemplify the drill and trap influences in Tekashi 69’s music. These songs feature hard, bass-heavy beats and repetitive hooks that are common in trap and drill rap.
Despite the simplicity of the lyrics, the infectious beats and Tekashi’s signature delivery help his music connect with a broad audience.
2. Adapting to the Mumble Rap Trend
Although Tekashi 69’s music has strong drill influences, it is also closely tied to the mumble rap trend. Mumble rap is a subgenre of rap that has become prevalent in the 2010s. It is often characterized by catchy melodies, heavy use of auto-tune, and lyrics that prioritize sound and vibe over complex wordplay. While many mumble rappers focus on creating an atmosphere or mood with their music, Tekashi 69 is known for his extreme energy and brashness.
In many of his tracks, Tekashi combines the mumble rap style with his aggressive tone, creating a unique hybrid that is accessible yet intense.
Songs like “Fefe,” featuring Nicki Minaj, and “Tati” blend catchy, singable melodies with hard-hitting beats and Tekashi’s forceful delivery. While he does use auto-tune in some songs, Tekashi tends to use it sparingly, choosing to emphasize his vocal delivery’s intensity over smoothness.
His incorporation of mumble rap elements allows Tekashi to appeal to a younger generation of listeners who are drawn to catchy hooks and infectious rhythms. His ability to merge mumble rap and drill styles helped solidify his place in mainstream rap music and allowed him to reach a broad audience.
3. Shock Value and Controversial Lyrics
Another defining characteristic of Tekashi 69’s music is its use of shock value and controversial lyrics. Tekashi has built much of his persona around being provocative and disruptive, and this attitude is reflected in his music. His lyrics often include themes of violence, defiance, and rebellion, topics that are common in both drill and trap music. However, Tekashi’s lyrics often push boundaries, using explicit language and controversial topics to elicit strong reactions.
In tracks like “GOOBA,” Tekashi boldly declares his defiance against his critics and legal troubles, taking a brash approach to addressing his personal life. These bold, almost taunting lyrics, paired with aggressive beats and his characteristic delivery, contribute to Tekashi’s reputation as one of rap’s most polarizing figures.
While some listeners appreciate the raw energy and authenticity of his music, others criticize him for promoting negative stereotypes, encouraging violence, and using his controversies for publicity.
Regardless of the opinions surrounding his lyrics, it is clear that shock value is a significant component of Tekashi 69’s brand and his musical style.
Tekashi 69’s Influence on the Rap Industry
Tekashi 69’s impact on the rap industry cannot be understated. His combination of drill music, mumble rap, and shock value has influenced a new wave of artists who prioritize energy and viral content over traditional lyricism. Many up-and-coming rappers cite Tekashi as an inspiration, particularly in terms of how he uses social media and controversy to generate attention.
However, Tekashi’s influence has also sparked debates about the direction of rap music. Critics argue that his focus on sensationalism and disregard for traditional elements of rap, such as lyricism and storytelling, contribute to the decline of meaningful content in the genre. Nonetheless, Tekashi’s music resonates with a large audience, particularly younger listeners who value energy, beats, and catchiness over complex lyricism.
Tekashi 69’s Role in the Modern Rap Scene
In the context of modern rap, Tekashi 69 can be classified as a “new school” artist, whose style represents a departure from the more traditional forms of rap music. His music fits within the broader categories of trap and drill music, but his approach to lyrics, delivery, and public persona makes him stand out as a figure who has redefined what it means to be a successful rap artist in the digital age.
Tekashi’s focus on viral marketing, social media presence, and leveraging his controversies for publicity sets him apart from many of his peers. His style embodies a new era of rap, where the focus is not solely on musical talent but also on cultivating an image and personality that draws attention.
Conclusion
Tekashi 69’s music is a unique blend of aggressive drill beats, catchy mumble rap hooks, and controversial lyrics. His distinctive style, characterized by his rapid-fire delivery and loud, in-your-face energy, has earned him both loyal fans and vocal critics. While his music fits primarily within the realms of trap and drill, his use of shock value and social media to create a larger-than-life persona has helped him carve out a space for himself in the rap industry.
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