Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine could be in line for a release from prison as early as 2020 after two gang members were convicted as a result of his evidence.
6ix9ine, real name Daniel Hernandez, is hoping that his testimony against others might allow him to receive a shorter sentence. He was previously facing a minimum of 47 years behind bars with the possibility of a life sentence.
However, since becoming a star witness for the US government, his chances of getting a more lenient sentence could be improved.
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Hernandez hopes to get a 5K1 letter from the US Attorney, which would allow the judge to consider and review the information provided and go underneath the mandatory minimum sentence, potentially even to time served.
The musician gave evidence that eventually led to the conviction of Anthony Ellison and Aljermiah Mack on charges of racketeering and other offences.
On top of that, Ellison was found to have kidnapped 6ix9ine, as well as maiming and assault charges. Mack was found to be guilty of drug-dealing offences.
Ellison and Mack, also known as Harv and Nuke, face life sentences according to the New York Times. They were previously members of the Nine Trey Bloods, a gang from New York that is sometimes called TreyWay.
They've been guilty of robberies, drug deals, and violence against rivals and each other, according to the evidence given by 6ix9ine and fellow witness and ex-member Kristian Cruz.
However, lawyers for the defence have stated that they believe the testimonies have been exaggerated in order to ensure shorter sentences and a better plea deal for the informants when the time comes.
23-year-old Hernandez joined the gang back in 2017 but left after being a member for less than a year.
Fox 5 News journalist Lisa Evers, who is reporting on the trial, said: "He testified that he was a member of this gang but that he was basically doing it as a publicity stunt to promote his career.
"I can't even tell you how shunned he is right now by the hip-hop world here. They even call him 'Tekashi Snitch 9ine'."
6ix9ine has indeed come in for criticism from others within the rap industry. Snoop Dogg shared a post on his Instagram calling Hernandez a 'snitch' which was then commented on by fellow rapper Meek Mill, who said 6ix9ine was a 'ratgoon'.
Tekashi 6ix9ine has previously escaped jail for child sex charges in 2015, as well as in 2018 for several offences relating to guns, assault, conspiracy murder, and racketeering.
After pleading not guilty to the charges at first, he entered a plea bargain that was the start of his giving evidence to the government.
Evers told Newsbeat: "Whether or not he is going to be given leniency with his sentencing remains to be seen.
"It's a big deal because he's looking at 47 years to life in prison.
"Once he comes out he may be given a new identity, but how's he going to be given a new identity with that 69 tattoo on his forehead?"
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