File- This June 28, 2015, file photo shows Nicki Minaj, left, and Meek Mill at the BET Awards at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. Minaj promised to keep boyfriend Meek Mill on the straight and narrow as a judge threatened jail over his latest parole infractions. Minaj testified Thursday, Dec. 10, 2015, in Philadelphia, after a defense lawyer said the couple was seriously discussing marriage. The 33-year-old Minaj disclosed only that they were living together, but conceded she might have more influence over the rapper than his parole officer. (Photo by Chris Pizzello/Invision/AP, File)
By: The Associated Press
PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Meek Mill is testifying in a Philadelphia courtroom and insists he never intentionally ignored travel restrictions or other probation rules.
The 28-year-old rapper, born Robert Williams, hopes to avoid going back to jail over a 2009 drug and gun conviction.
He says he knows his “whole life is on the line” every time he checks in with probation.
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Mill says he has dropped old friends from his entourage to spend time with his family and girlfriend Nicki Minaj.
Prosecutors say he ignored rules about letting the court know about his travel plans. The defense says the music business is chaotic.
Common Pleas Judge Genece Brinkley sent the entertainer back to jail for five months last year for similar violations.
Minaj is in court Thursday and says she will help him stay out of trouble.
