Controversial American rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine found himself back in federal court Wednesday, admitting he violated his supervised release by possessing illegal drugs at his Miami home.
The 29-year-old artist, born Daniel Hernandez, could now face up to five years behind bars when he’s sentenced in September.
The colorful Brooklyn rapper, notably absent his trademark rainbow hair, appeared subdued as he told Manhattan federal Judge Paul Engelmayer that authorities discovered “residual” cocaine and MDMA during a March raid of his bedroom cabinet.
In a deal with prosecutors, Hernandez admitted to the drug possession charge while two other counts were dropped.
This latest legal trouble continues a troubling pattern for the “Gummo” hitmaker, who previously cooperated with federal authorities against his former gang associates in the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods.
That cooperation earned him a relatively lenient two-year sentence in 2019, followed by five years of supervised release.
He was even released early during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, Hernandez has repeatedly stumbled since his release.
Last November, he was sentenced to 45 days in custody for missing drug tests, traveling to Las Vegas without permission, and lying to his probation officer.
Judge Engelmayer warned at the time that the violations showed “a lack of respect for the law.”
Now facing potential federal sentencing guidelines of three to nine months per count, Hernandez declined to comment as he left the courthouse.
Judge Engelmayer made clear that any further violations before his September 25 sentencing would result in “severe consequences.”
The case represents another chapter in the rapper’s tumultuous relationship with the justice system, raising questions about whether his brief taste of freedom will come to an abrupt end this fall.
