During a high-profile federal trial involving gang members Anthony “Harv” Ellison and Aljermiah “Nuke” Mack, Tekashi 6ix9ine stunned the courtroom with a series of revelations, including an alleged claim that Cardi B was associated with the Bloods gang. Page Six initially reported that 6ix9ine linked Cardi to the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods, a group affiliated with Tekashi himself. However, a court transcript obtained by Complex clarified that while Tekashi confirmed Cardi’s association with the Bloods, he did not specify the Nine Trey Gang, highlighting only that she was affiliated with the larger Bloods organization.
In the cross-examination, Tekashi discussed Cardi’s ties, adding that he knew of her reputation but chose not to follow her example by featuring gang members in his music videos. He reportedly stated, “I knew who she was. I didn’t pay attention.” This statement has reignited conversations about gang culture’s role in the music industry, particularly with Cardi, one of today’s most prominent rap figures.
Cardi B’s Past with the Bloods
Cardi B openly discussed her gang history in a 2018 interview with GQ, explaining that she joined the Bloods when she was 16, though her affiliation was with a faction known as the Brims. Cardi admitted that her teenage years involved hanging out with Bloods members, which eventually led to her joining. “I used to pop off with my homies. And they’d say, ‘Yo, you really get it poppin’. You should come home. You should turn Blood,’” she recounted. She cautioned against gang life, warning young fans, especially girls, to avoid that path. Cardi emphasized that as her music career developed, she became more strategic, refraining from discussing her past affiliations to maintain endorsement opportunities.
Tekashi 6ix9ine’s Legal Strategy and Reduced Sentence
Originally facing a 47-year prison sentence due to racketeering charges, Tekashi 6ix9ine cooperated with federal authorities, taking the stand as a star witness against the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods members. His testimony was expected to help him achieve a significantly reduced sentence, with some speculating he could be granted time served and released within the year. This cooperation, however, came at a cost to his reputation within the rap community, as he has since been labeled a “snitch” by peers.
Tekashi’s testimony not only shone a light on gang affiliation within the industry but also pushed Cardi’s past connections into the public eye once more. Although Cardi has clarified her stance against gang involvement today, these revelations remind the public of the deep ties between certain artists and street culture. While she encourages fans to avoid the life she once chose, her history underscores how gang affiliations continue to intersect with the careers of prominent musicians, often raising questions about the price of fame and loyalty.
