New York based rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine, born to Mexican and Puerto Rican parents, was recently released from prison and was currently serving his house arrest. Associated usually with the trap music culture, 6ix9ine was also known for his affiliation with a gang in the east coast on which he turned in exchange of commutation. So, why is this “rat” speakworthy?
Despite his little success in hip hop music and lack of engagement in Spanish pop, 6ix9ine never forgot to give back to his community. For example, he made generous donations to Mexico and the Dominican Republic on several occasions. For the reason he snitched on his gang, he explained that he saw no loyalty in the gang because they were threatening to kill him and kidnap his mother. Bound to his Hispanic family-oriented values, he resorted to be a “rat,” disgraced by everyone else in the game, namely, Snopp Dogg, to protect the ones he loves. Now “released” from prison, he broke Instagram record with 2m livestream viewers. On the same day, his new single “GOOBA” broke Youtube record for the most-watched hip-hop video in a 24-hour span. The same song would allegedly defeat Justin Bieber and Ariana Grande’s song you grab that number 1 on Billboard. Did 6ix9ine anticipate all of this when he snitched? No, he did not. But the world is still able to tell what is right and what is wrong.
Hong Kong is our hometown. As a student society in Hong Kong, we encourage everyone to give back by helping eliminate the tumors in society. If you witness any unjustified brutality and corruptions, never hesitate to stand up to it. (Do not call the police like 6ix9ine did, though.)
