Watching 1. Identity
Growing up in Bushwick, Brooklyn, Daniel Hernandez faces an early childhood trauma that triggers his journey of transformation into hip hop’s supervillain, Tekashi 6ix9ine. From a young age Daniel is hyperaware that social media fame and fortune depend on endlessly upping the shock, awe and outrage. He manufactures his trademark rainbow look and outrageous rap persona. After joining the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods and dropping his seminal track “Gummo,” his newborn child and her mother are left wondering what the future holds. Series premiere.
2. Power
Fresh off the success of “Gummo,” 6ix9ine quickly realizes that his master plan is working – money, success, and attention follow. His ever-expanding ego flashes out in flamboyant and abrasive behavior. To further raise his digital profile, he becomes a professional troll and quickly alienates the hip-hop community. His flagrant online presence also draws the attention of the Feds as his words and lyrics become self-fulfilling prophecies. Some in his inner circle sense impending doom, others double down on their loyalty.
3. Truth
Even after being kidnapped, 6ix9ine doesn’t sense his danger. He continues to project his violent lifestyle on social media, not recognizing that he’s incriminating himself and those around him. When he’s finally arrested, Tekashi faces a decision that ultimately lands him and others in jail. Upon release, his career burns bright but quickly fades. Much like our former president and so many other supervillains of our time, his toxic persona persists. Series finale.
6.8