By Joseph Papik —
6ix9ine – whose shock gangsta rap mixed with anime themes took the internet by storm in the late 2010s – says he wound up praying with Puff Diddy in prison.
“Diddy seen me get on my knees three times a day to pray to the Lord Jesus Christ,” says the artist whose real name is Daniel Hernandez.
“Can I pray with you?” Diddy approached him.
“We both got on our knees and prayed to the Lord. And we said, ‘Um, Lord, we love you. We don’t get on our knees to ask you for anything. We actually thank you for putting us here.’”
69 was sent to federal prison in 2019 on RICO-related racketeering conspiracy, firearms, violent crime conspiracy and drug trafficking-related charges. But because he turned state’s witness, his expected ~50-year sentence was reduced to two. He has been sent back to jail now twice during his supervised release.
For his part, Puff Diddy (real name Sean Combs) was sentenced in October 2025 to 50 months in prison for two federal counts of transportation to engage in prostitution under the Mann Act.
Apparently the two stars crossed paths in prison.
69 grew up in the Bushwick neighborhood of Brooklyn. His (step)dad was killed outside his home when he was 13. As a widow, his mom struggled with poverty, and 69 fell into gang violence and drug-trafficking even when he was young.
He came under the influence of Hikari-Ultra, who encouraged him to record. Debuting as Tekashi 69, he got attention with screaming vocals, distorted bass, chaotic energy, anime imagery, rainbow hair, face tattoos and outrageous online behavior.
The internet was evolving, and 69 intuited what would fuel his rise; he trolled rivals, provoked feuds, made outrageous videos and posted constantly on social media.
He portrayed himself as a gangsta and inspired fear, but when got arrested and “ratted out” fellow Bloods, he lost his street cred. Notwithstanding, since his release, he has figured out how to maintain his relevancy.
There is no public narration “born again” for 69, but he believes in God, credits divine protection and multiple “second chances” during shootings, kidnappings, overdoses and legal troubles.
69 has commented “God is good” and “God gave me another chance.” He voices reflections on his life, betrayal, fear and wanting to change. But his latest 3-month stint in federal prison for parole violations was set to end just last month.
