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Tekashi 6ix9ine testifies for prosecution at gang trial

FILE- In this Sept. 21, 2018, file photo rapper Daniel Hernandez, known as Tekashi 6ix9ine, performs during the Philipp Plein women's 2019 Spring-Summer collection, Milan, Italy. Hernandez is set to testify Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2019, as a prosecution witness at the federal trial of alleged members of a violent New York City gang. (AP Photo/Luca Bruno, File)

NEW YORK — Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine (six-NYN’) is testifying against two reputed members of a violent New York City street gang.

The rapper took the witness stand Tuesday as part of an agreement with federal prosecutors.

He admitted in a guilty plea this year that he joined the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods and helped try to kill a rival gang member.

One of the defendants, Anthony Ellison, is accused of kidnapping and robbing 6ix9ine last year after a falling-out. Ellison denies the charges.

6ix9ine’s decision to co-operate has upended his bad boy image on social media. Rap icon Snoop Dogg recently labeled him a “snitch.”

The 23-year-old rapper’s album “Day69: Graduation Day” was among the top sellers on iTunes following its release last year.

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This story has been updated to correct the spelling of the rapper’s name in the headline to 6ix9ine, instead of 6six9ine.

The Associated Press