Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine has escalated his long-standing feud with fellow New York artist Lil Tjay, using a direct comparison of their new music video view counts to assert his dominance. In a series of social media posts, 6ix9ine claimed his video's performance proves his superior standing in the industry, while also making broader accusations about inflated streaming numbers.
Key Takeaways
- Tekashi 6ix9ine compared the YouTube views of his music video "FAX" to Lil Tjay's "Letter To My Block," which were released on the same day.
- At the time of his post, 6ix9ine's video had 1.2 million views, while Lil Tjay's had approximately 522,000 views.
- 6ix9ine alleged that a dismissed lawsuit involving Drake and Universal Music Group has made record labels hesitant to artificially inflate streaming numbers, suggesting his views are organic.
- The conflict between the two rappers dates back to 2020, involving disputes over the title "King of New York" and 6ix9ine's controversial legal history.
- Lil Tjay has not yet publicly responded to 6ix9ine's latest claims.
A Direct Challenge Over YouTube Views
The latest chapter in the rivalry between Tekashi 6ix9ine and Lil Tjay unfolded on social media, centered on the performance of their respective new music videos. Both artists released visuals on the same day, providing 6ix9ine with a direct metric for comparison.
6ix9ine's video for his track "FAX" was pitted against Lil Tjay's video for "Letter To My Block." According to screenshots shared by 6ix9ine, his video had accumulated 1.2 million views in a similar timeframe that Tjay's video reached 522,000 views.
In a post on his Instagram Story, 6ix9ine used these figures to mock Tjay and declare his own success. He highlighted the disparity as evidence of his continued relevance despite industry opposition.
By the Numbers
At the time of the initial comparison, 6ix9ine's "FAX" music video had more than double the views of Lil Tjay's "Letter To My Block," a key point in 6ix9ine's social media commentary.
Allegations of Industry Manipulation
Beyond the simple view count comparison, 6ix9ine introduced a wider theory about the music industry's practices. He referenced a recently dismissed lawsuit filed by Drake against Universal Music Group, suggesting it has had a chilling effect on the use of bots to inflate streaming numbers.
The Drake Lawsuit Connection
6ix9ine claimed that labels are now "scared" to manipulate view counts and streaming data following the high-profile legal case. He presented the view difference between his and Tjay's videos as a transparent look at genuine popularity in this new, supposedly fairer environment.
"IN A ERA OF RAP WHERE [THERE ARE] NO MORE INFLATED NUMBERS BECAUSE LABELS ARE SCARED AFTER DRAKE SUED UNIVERSAL MUSIC FOR BOTTING," 6ix9ine wrote. "HERE WE SEE WHO THE KING IS."
He further contrasted their industry positions, stating, "One is blackballed the other isn't." This implies that despite his belief that he is shunned by the industry, his organic viewership is still higher than that of an artist he considers to be supported by the system.
What is Streaming Manipulation?
"Botting" or artificial stream inflation refers to the practice of using automated programs (bots) or other illicit means to generate fake plays or views on platforms like YouTube and Spotify. This can make a song or video appear more popular than it is, potentially influencing chart positions and public perception.
A History of Conflict
The tension between 6ix9ine and Lil Tjay is not a new development. Their public disagreements trace back to approximately 2020, rooted in debates over who holds the title of the "King of New York."
The feud has been fueled by 6ix9ine's controversial past, including his cooperation with federal prosecutors in a high-profile racketeering case. This history has often been a focal point of criticism from other artists, including Lil Tjay.
Over the years, the conflict has primarily played out online, with both artists exchanging insults. However, 6ix9ine has been the more frequent instigator, often using social media to provoke his rivals. He has previously mocked Lil Tjay over a serious shooting incident that occurred in 2022.
Lil Tjay's Current Focus
As of now, Lil Tjay has not issued a direct response to 6ix9ine's latest provocations. The Bronx rapper has recently been involved in a separate, less intense online dispute with popular streamer Kai Cenat, but his primary focus appears to be on his music.
Fans are anticipating a new studio album from Lil Tjay, and he has continued to release new material. It remains to be seen whether he will address 6ix9ine's claims in a future track or choose to ignore the drama entirely.
For 6ix9ine, public feuds have become a cornerstone of his strategy to maintain relevance and promote his projects. By creating controversy, he consistently draws attention back to his music and online persona. This latest confrontation with Lil Tjay follows that established pattern, leveraging a direct, data-driven comparison to generate discussion and engagement.
The decision to engage or ignore rests with Lil Tjay, but the online conversation has already been ignited by 6ix9ine's claims, placing the two artists once again at the center of a public hip-hop rivalry.