Tekashi 6ix9ine is "completely innocent" of the several new charges he faces, claims his lawyer, who also reckons the gangsta rapper is the "victim".
The 'Gummo' hitmaker is accused of carrying out armed robberies and organising shootings of rivals as part of the Nine Trey Bloods gang.
Tekashi69, real name Daniel Hernandez, is an admitted child sex offender and reportedly faces 32 years to life in prison if convicted of the new charges.
But his lawyer Lance Lazzaro has launched a defence that paints 6ix9ine as someone only pretending to be a gangster to sell his music.
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"Daniel Hernandez is completely innocent of all charges being brought against him," Mr Lazzaro wrote in a statement, cited by Rolling Stone.
"An entertainer who portrays a 'gangster image' to promote his music does not make him a member of [a criminal] enterprise."
Tekashi69 is not a member of Nine Trey Bloods, but hired members as his management and security, alleges the lawyer.
"Mr Hernandez became a victim of this enterprise and later took steps by firing employees and publicly denounced this enterprise through a morning show," Mr Lazzaro's statement claims.
"Threats were then made against his life which resulted in this case being brought immediately."
Four other men were arrested and charged along with Tekashi69 as part of a crackdown on the Nine Trey Bloods, in a joint operation of the US Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, Homeland Security and New York City police.
Meanwhile, Nicki Minaj - who released a collaboration with Tekashi69 this year despite his pleading guilty to a 2015 sex crime involving a 13-year-old girl - has taken to Instagram saying she's "praying" for him.
"I love you and am praying for you, your mother, daughter and her mom during this time," the 'Anaconda' hitmaker captioned an animated image that depicts Tekashi69 urinating a rainbow-coloured liquid.
Tekashi69 was denied bail and is awaiting court proceedings behind bars in New York.
Newshub.
