Today marks the 30th birthday of Tekashi 6ix9ine, who has surprisingly become one of the most internationally recognized figures deeply intertwined with Cuba's entertainment scene, urban culture, and the vibrant music genre known as "reparto."
The New York rapper, born Daniel Hernández, with Mexican and Puerto Rican roots, reaches this milestone amidst a personal and media resurgence: expecting a child, releasing new music, and maintaining a strong connection with Cuba that few artists with his background can boast.
From Brooklyn to Pinar del Río
It all began in March 2023 when Tekashi landed in Pinar del Río to shoot the music video for "Leyenda Viva" with Cuban artist Lenier Mesa, marking his inaugural collaboration with a Cuban musician.
The sight of the tattooed artist dressed as a Cuban farmer, cutting sugar cane, guiding oxen, and walking through Viñales’ tobacco fields quickly went viral.
The video amassed over two million views within 24 hours, nine million in three days, and surpassed 24 million on YouTube, cementing its success.
Later that summer in August 2023, Tekashi returned to Cuba to perform at the Santa María Music Fest in Cayo Santa María, Villa Clara, alongside his then-girlfriend Yailin La Más Viral.
Yailin expressed her affection on stage: "Thank you for coming into my life. Thank you for giving me the respect I deserve."
Tekashi responded with his own declaration on social media following the show: "I love you Cuba. To the haters, you do concerts to survive your fake lives. I do them for free and still rise above those who despise me."
Global Connections Through Cuban Reparto
His affinity for Cuban reparto deepened in October 2024 with the release of "Papita Frita," featuring Oniel Bebeshito and Lenier Mesa, as a tribute to the late Cuban singer El Taiger.
Chocolate MC, a historic figure in the genre, was moved: "I dreamed of this over 15 years ago, my reparto reaching the top."
In September 2025, "Habla Toro" was released, another collaboration with Bebeshito and Lenier, blending urban style with Cuban country music.
Three collaborations with Cuban artists in under two years, all tied together by the reparto theme.
A Cuban Love Story
Tekashi's Cuban connection extends beyond music.
Following his relationships with Yailin La Más Viral and Cuban singer Hallel Génesis, he started dating Aliday Alter, a 29-year-old Cuban woman living in Miami, in April 2025.
A particularly viral moment occurred when Aliday tattooed Tekashi's face on her neck.
On April 7, just five days after being released from Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center, Tekashi confirmed via a livestream that Aliday is pregnant: "She got pregnant while I was in jail."
Two days before his birthday, Aliday shared an Instagram post with the caption "Baby on the way," displaying her advanced pregnancy surrounded by Hermès bags and luxury jewelry, in a post dubbed "Mom Hermès" by fans.
Beside her, Tekashi appeared in a Louis Vuitton cap, holding a blue ostrich leather Birkin, fueling social media buzz.
Their baby will be the couple's first child together and Tekashi’s third.
Few international artists have forged such a genuine and lasting bond with Cuba’s urban scene as Tekashi 6ix9ine, who today celebrates his 30th birthday with a Cuban partner by his side, a baby on the way, and the sounds of reparto in the background.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tekashi 6ix9ine's Cuban Connection
What sparked Tekashi 6ix9ine's connection to Cuba?
Tekashi 6ix9ine's connection to Cuba began with his 2023 visit to shoot the music video for "Leyenda Viva" with Cuban artist Lenier Mesa.
How has Tekashi 6ix9ine integrated Cuban culture into his music?
Tekashi 6ix9ine has collaborated with Cuban artists and embraced the "reparto" music style, releasing songs like "Papita Frita" and "Habla Toro."
Who is Tekashi 6ix9ine's current partner?
As of April 2025, Tekashi 6ix9ine is dating Aliday Alter, a Cuban woman residing in Miami.