NEWS
6ix9ine has shared some of the wildest stories in hip-hop, leaving it up to fans to decide what’s real and what’s part of his trolling persona. He’s built a reputation as rap’s biggest provocateur, but this time, his claim might actually hold some truth. In a recent interview, the rapper recalled offering NBA YoungBoy a massive deal to collaborate on a song.
According to the Bushwick native, he was ready to pay $1 million for the guest verse. The conversation, which surfaced through DJ Akademiks, revealed that 6ix9ine wanted YoungBoy to feature on his 2022 single “GINE.” Instead, the track dropped as a solo release on April 15, 2022.
6ix9ine explained that their talks were serious and that they were close to hitting the studio together. However, it seems YoungBoy wanted to take the record in a more positive direction, something that didn’t align with what the “GUMMO” rapper had in mind.
In his own words, “I’m not on no positive sh*t. I don’t wanna be positive.”
YoungBoy may have decided to step back because of the real-life themes tied to the track. The song references 6ix9ine’s time with the Nine Trey Bloods, a chapter that’s well-documented and controversial.
The track also mentions Lul Timm, one of YoungBoy’s affiliates who was accused of murdering King Von.
Timm, who was seen hanging out with DJ Akademiks during one of YoungBoy’s tour stops, reportedly declined the song because of the allegations and legal issues surrounding him at the time. According to 6ix9ine, he only offered him “10 bands.” Kodak Black was also approached for the record.
Altogether, the story lines up with previous rumors about a potential collaboration between two of rap’s most polarizing figures. Discussions about a joint effort surfaced around four years ago and even lingered into 2024, though nothing ever materialized.
One collaboration that seems entirely off the table is between 6ix9ine and 21 Savage. During a recent chat with DJ Akademiks, 6ix9ine took aim at the UK-born rapper, claiming he’s better than him because he’s American-born.
21 later tweeted, saying that everyone seems to be “in a race to be the corniest alive,” leading fans to believe the message was directed at the rainbow-haired MC.
Sharleen Spiteri joined BBC Radio 2’s The Sara Cox Breakfast Show ahead of Texas taking the stage to launch the main live music programme at Radio 2 in the Park in Stirling.
Checking in from rehearsals, the Texas frontwoman spoke about getting ready for the band’s opening performance at City Park. Radio 2’s annual flagship festival takes place there from 11 to 13 September 2026. "I’m match fit because I’ve had a couple of days’ rehearsals," Spiteri said. "We’re kicking the whole weekend off, which we’re very much looking forward to, so everybody’s got to get ready to party."
Before the live acts take over, Friday’s DJ Pre-Party gets the weekend started with Radio 2 favourites Sara Cox, DJ Spoony, Gary Davies, Michelle Visage, and Rylan behind the decks.
Jo Whiley helped set the mood with a special programme from Stirling’s Tolbooth venue. Working with BBC Introducing Scotland, the broadcast put the spotlight on Scotland’s emerging music scene through performances and conversations with Fright Years, Alice Faye, and James Emmanuel.
Fright Years, a four member band from Edinburgh, played "Never Been Wrong" and offered their take on Simple Minds’ "Waterfront." Glasgow singer and songwriter Alice Faye, the BBC Introducing in Scotland 2026 winner, paired "Some Brief Encounter" with a rendition of Lulu’s arrangement of "I Started a Joke." James Emmanuel, who was born in Nigeria and now lives in Edinburgh, sang "Brothers & Sisters" before taking on Chaka Khan’s "I’m Every Woman."
"We’re all about celebrating BBC Introducing and all the music that’s come out of Scotland," Whiley told listeners. "It's about celebrating the local music scene and the incredibly important work that BBC Introducing does to support independent, up-and-coming artists."
Joining the conversation were Stephanie Cheape, presenter of BBC Introducing in Scotland, Tara McLoughlin, venue manager for Stirling Council, and student radio presenters representing the University of Stirling’s Air3 Radio.
Listeners can catch the complete interviews and live performances from the weekend’s programmes on BBC Sounds.
