Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine is once again a free man — and, true to form, he wasted no time reminding the world of his larger-than-life persona.
After serving three months in federal custody for violating the terms of his supervised release, the Brooklyn native, born Daniel Hernandez, was released on Friday (April 3) from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Sunset Park, Brooklyn, stepping back into the spotlight with cameras rolling and energy to match.
Video shared to his Instagram captured the moment he walked out of the facility wearing a white sweatsuit and navy blue-and-white canvas slip-ons. Outside, a small group of friends welcomed him home, marking the end of yet another chapter in his turbulent legal history.
The rapper’s sentence stemmed from a 2025 violation in which he failed a drug test after testing positive for cocaine and MDMA, prompting authorities to remand him into custody earlier this year. His latest incarceration marked the second time in just over a year that he was sent back to jail for breaching supervised release conditions.
Moments after reuniting with his circle, 6ix9ine quickly turned attention to one of the more bizarre souvenirs from his stint behind bars: a SpongeBob SquarePants figurine he proudly nicknamed “Sponge9ine.” According to the rapper, the toy carries an unusual autograph.
“One of One, Maduro signed it,” 6ix9ine claimed before reading out the incarcerated former leader’s signature. “Maduro, 2nd of April. Venezuela forever.” The claim references Nicolás Maduro, who has reportedly been housed at the same federal facility on serious charges — including narco-terrorism and drug trafficking.
If the novelty item wasn’t enough to signal his return, the rapper was also gifted a flashy new piece of jewelry — a custom, diamond-encrusted chain adorned with colorful stones. As a friend placed the chain around his neck, 6ix9ine reveled in the moment, boasting that he had made good on his promise to come home to new riches.
The spectacle continued online, where he celebrated both his freedom and his latest acquisition in a caption that read: “Fresh OUT THE FEDS $2,200,000 on the neck,” the post read. “GOD IS THE GREATEST. MY LORD AND SAVIOR. @vobara we did ittttttt MADURO SINGNED MY JAIL HOUSE SPONGE9INE”
The rapper’s fascination with Maduro is not entirely new. Shortly after being taken into custody earlier this year, he referenced the political figure in a separate social media post promoting a crypto casino platform, joking about time spent playing cards while incarcerated. The recurring mention has only added to the spectacle surrounding his release and public persona.
Despite his history of legal troubles, 6ix9ine appears to be framing this latest release as a turning point. On Sunday (April 5), he shared a more reflective message with fans, expressing gratitude and a sense of renewed purpose.
“I never stopped believing in god YES I had made many mistakes but HOW CAN YOU accept the GOOD and not the BAD. Since the beginning I never stopped giving even when I felt I was losing everything I KNEW there was a bigger PLAN for me BY THE LORD,” he wrote. “The devil is working everyday but OUR HEAVINLY FATHER WORKS HARDER. Amen.”
This story was originally published on VIBE.
