Tekashi69 could enter witness protection after testifying against former members of the notorious Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods gang.
The 23-year-old rapper, real name Daniel Hernandez, struck a plea deal in order to reduce his own jail sentence after being charged with nine federal counts including racketeering, drug trafficking and firearms offences.
During his testimony, he identified fellow members of the Nine Trey Bloods and claimed a number of other high-profile rappers, including Cardi B, were also members. Cardi B's representative denied the claim.
Hernandez has explained that he became a sort of cash cow for the gang, with his career generating money for individual members in return for protection and street cred.
According to the New York Times, it is likely that Hernandez may have to enter witness protection given the animosity he has generated through his testimony.
In an article titled, Tekashi69: Can he disappear after testifying against the Bloods?, journalist Ali Watkins noted how Hernandez may have "decimated" any remaining good will in the rap industry, which has expressed astonishment at the amount of information he has provided in court.
Artists including Snoop Dogg, Future and Meek Mill have denounced him, with Mill tweeting: "Message of the day, don't be a [sic] internet gangsta... be yourself!"
While it would not be unprecedented to offer such a high-profile witness protection, Hernandez would have difficulty given his highly recognisable facial tattoos, which include a large "69" on his forehead. The Times article reports that it is unlikely the United States Marshals Service, which runs the witness protection programme, would pay for his tattoo removal.
