While there's no doubt that 6ix9ine's troll persona and abrasive music are popular—he's got over 12 million Instagram followers and a number of hits to his name—it seems sometimes that the negative reactions to him outweigh the positive ones. This is in part because of his tendency to engage in feuds and his legal troubles, which include a 2015 guilty plea to using a child in a sexual performance. Outside the outright beefs with artists like YG and Chief Keef, how do 6ix9ine's peers in the rap game feel about him?
"He's a Genius" — Lil Xan
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In this January interview with No Jumper, the artist also known as Diego cited 6ix9ine's track record on the charts as proof that his music is "fire." Xan praised the rainbow-haired rapper's live shows and his ability to hold his fans' attention.
"I Believe That [He] Can Amount to Great Things" — XXXTentacion
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The late rapper had a relationship with 6ix9ine and expressed support for him during an Instagram Live session in May. XXXTentacion was here referring to the beef between 6ix9ine and Trippie Redd, saying that he believed both could mature as artists if they moved passed their differences. After XXXTentacion was shot dead on June 18, 6ix9ine shared a screenshot showing messages of encouragement X had sent him.
"That's the Homie" — Lil Yachty
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Yachty said in this March interview with radio station Power 106 in Los Angeles that he wanted 6ix9ine on his album Lil Boat 2. While the feature didn't happen, Boat said that he's got love for the Brooklyn rapper. Yachty has been willing to get behind controversial artists, also supporting Bhad Bhabie and bringing her on tour.
"He's Willing to Do Whatever, Say Whatever" — J. Cole
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Cole put 6ix9ine's divisive statements and actions in context, saying they were the artist's way to get what he wants. He added during this May interview with Angie Martinez that he respects the approach on some level. The KOD rapper deduced that 6ix9ine's willingness to blow up at all costs is a result of his eagerness to escape past trauma.
"He Just Talks So Much Smack" — Rich Brian
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In an April interview on BigBoyTV, Brian Imanuel didn't express much interest in rating 6ix9ine's catalog, but did disagree with his overall approach. "One day, he's gonna get in some trouble," he said. Brian also put the Brooklynite in the "poop" category when asked if he was "poop" or "fire."
"It Ain't No Beef" — Bobby Shmurda
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While the incarcerated rapper said in February that he didn't approve of 6ix9ine, he cleared up his stance in this July interview. "It ain't no problems with son," Bobby said. The "Hot N***a" artist went on to say that 6ix9ine had a right to express himself how he sees fit, pink hair and all.
"He Is Working on His Self" — 50 Cent
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6ix9ine has found a supporter in 50, whose beef-heavy blueprint no doubt inspired the younger rapper. Curtis Jackson co-signed the notion that 6ix9ine was running New York back in March and wrote in an Instagram caption in August that he is trying to better himself. "We all have things we should work on," 50 wrote. The two collaborated on "Get the Strap," a track also featuring Uncle Murda and Casanova.
"He's Definitely a Troll" — Nicki Minaj
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She has no misgivings about his attention-seeking tactics, but says the rapper's online persona is different from his real-life character. "He comes across as very genuine," Nicki said of 6ix9ine after meeting him. The two worked together on "Fefe," a track Nicki added to her Queen album after its release.
"I Love 6ix9ine" — Kanye West
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In an interview with Chicago's DJ Pharris in August, West named the rapper as one of the many young artists he likes, mentioning him in the same breath as Lil Pump and the late XXXTentacion. When pressed about aligning with 6ix9ine despite the controversies around him, West was undeterred. "Don't talk to me about controversy, this Ye," he said. West also gifted 6ix9ine with a never-before-seen pair of his Adidas Yeezy Boost sneakers in September.
When presented with the option of signing a 6ix9ine impersonator in an August episode of Wild 'n Out, Ludacris passed, citing a lack of faith in the artist's longevity. This sparked an Instagram diatribe from the "Gummo" rapper, who hurled insult after insult at Ludacris via social media.
"The Young N***a Making Some Cool Music" — Waka Flocka
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Waka said he's not the biggest fan of 6ix9ine, but gave some props to his body of work in this social media video from March. The Atlanta rapper went on to criticize people calling out 6ix9ine's gang affiliations, saying that they were essentially dry-snitching by doing so.
What does the biggest rapper in the game have to say about the most divisive rapper in the game? Not a lot. He appeared to be poking fun at Nicki Minaj and 6ix9ine's "Fefe" collaboration in this clip, but didn't add much to the conversation beyond his feigned ignorance. 6ix9ine responded with a jab on Instagram, as he is wont to do.
"The Most Depressing Shit I've Ever Seen In My Life" — Yasiin Bey
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In an AWGE DVD released in July by A$AP Rocky, Yasiin Bey, formerly known as Mos Def, is seen watching the "Gummo" video, and claims that it is "a version of the same old shit," likening the energy to Brooklyn rap group M.O.P. At the end of the video, he refers to "Gummo" as "the most depressing shit I've ever seen in my life." Bey would clarify his comments two days later, stating that the edited footage had taken his words out of context.
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