Music producer Kenny Gamble is among a string of witnesses pledging to mentor Meek Mill as the Philadelphia rapper tries to stay out of jail.
Gamble, who co-wrote a slew of 1970s R&B hits, says it would do no good for the 28-year-old to return to prison over parole violations.
Judge Genece Brinkley believes the performer born Robert Williams has been "thumbing his nose" at her.
Prosecutors say he routinely fails to stick to his stated travel plans and recently submitted a suspicious drug test. The parole stems from a 2009 drug and gun case.
Defense witnesses blame the travel lapses on the chaos of the music industry.
The rapper is expected to testify Thursday afternoon.
He has a famous supporter in court: girlfriend Nicki Minaj. The singer says she wants to bring more structure to his life.
