Although it’s long been rumored that Tekashi 6ix9ine’s cooperation with the federal government would result in a reduced prison sentence, a letter from US Attorney Geoffrey S. Berman now confirms that prosecutors are recommending exactly that.

On Wednesday (Dec. 4), Berman submitted a letter to the judge in 6ix9ine’s case recommending a lighter sentence for the rapper, who currently faces a mandatory minimum of 47 years.

“[Daniel] Hernandez provided the Government with critical insight into the structure and organization of Nine Trey, identified the gang’s key players and described acts of violence that he personally witnessed or that he heard about from other Nine Trey members,” Berman wrote in a letter obtained by Pitchfork.

The controversial rapper was further praised for helping prosecutors obtain “timely convictions for all defendants” and testifying “in the face of threats of safety to him and his family.”

“Absent the defendant’s cooperation, the Government would not have been able to charge Denard [“Drama”] Butler, Kintea [“Kooda B”] McKenzie, [Anthony “Harv”] Ellison, or [Aljermiah “Nuke”] Mack in the racketeering conspiracy and crimes in furtherance of the Nine Trey racketeering conspiracy,” Berman’s letter continued.

In October, Ellison was convicted of kidnapping 6ix9ine. However, on Wednesday (Dec. 4), Complex reported that Ellison’s attorney has filed a motion for a new trial. The gang member claimed that the incident, as well as 6ix9ine and Trippie Redd’s beef, was staged for publicity.

“During trial, the government elicited testimony that Mr. Ellison was first hired as security after coming to the defense of Mr. Hernandez during a staged publicity ‘beef’ between Hernandez and a rapper named Trippie Redd,” Ellison’s attorney’s filing read. “The evidence was more than sufficient to establish that the ‘beef’ between Hernandez and Redd was a publicity stunt. The two rappers made songs about one another. Moreover, Redd’s own manager sent Redd’s location to Hernandez ostensibly so that there could be some type of staged confrontation… After coming to Hernandez’ defense at the staged publicity event, Mr. Ellison became Hernandez’ bodyguard and part of Hernandez’ entourage.”

Ellison has long claimed that 6ix9ine’s kidnapping was a staged publicity event deigned to garner public sympathy for the rapper, but the new filing marks the first time Ellison has also claimed the entire rap beef to be fake, too.

Mack, who was convicted of racketeering and narcotics trafficking, also filed a motion on Monday (Dec. 2) asking for an acquittal.

6ix9ine’s sentencing date for his federal racketeering and firearms case is Dec. 18.