Rapper Silentó Setenced to 30 Years for Killing His Cousin
Atlanta rapper Silentó, best known for his viral 2015 hit “Watch Me Whip/Nae Nae,” has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter in the shooting death of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III.
Silentó, born Ricky Hawk, struck fame at just 17 years old with his dance anthem that dominated radio airwaves and social media. But behind the scenes, the Stone Mountain native has dealt with serious mental health issues, which later played a role in his cousin’s murder.
Back in January 2021, Rooks was found shot multiple times in a DeKalb County neighborhood. Investigators tied Hawk to the crime through surveillance footage, GPS tracking and ballistics evidence. Less than two weeks later, Hawk was arrested and charged with murder.
His legal team later revealed that he had long battled depression and was diagnosed with several mental health disorders. As part of his plea deal, Hawk was allowed to plead guilty but mentally ill to voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault and multiple weapons charges. He’ll be on probation for ten years after serving his 30-year prison sentence.
Silentó’s story is a sobering reminder of how fast fame can fade, and how untreated mental illness can lead to devastating outcomes. From viral stardom to a prison cell, the rise and fall of Silentó continues to shock fans and the Hip Hop community alike.
