Atlanta-based rapper Silentó, best known for his viral hit Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae), has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty but mentally ill to the 2021 killing of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III. The tragic case marks a devastating turn for an artist who once dominated the Billboard charts.
The Crime That Shook Fans Worldwide
On January 21, 2021, police responded to reports of gunfire in Decatur, Georgia, where they found Frederick Rooks III suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. Investigators recovered 10 bullet casings near his body, and security footage showed a white BMW SUV fleeing the scene moments after the shooting. Silentó, whose real name is Ricky Lamar Hawk, was arrested weeks later and charged with murder.
Silentó’s Legal Battle and Sentencing
After years of legal proceedings, Silentó entered a plea deal, admitting guilt but citing mental health struggles. His charges included voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, firearm possession during a crime, and concealing a death. The court handed down a 30-year prison sentence, ensuring that Silentó will serve significant time behind bars.
A Troubled Past: Silentó’s Mental Health Struggles
Silentó’s publicist, Chanel Hudson, revealed that the rapper had been battling severe mental health issues for years, even attempting to take his own life in 2020. His downward spiral included multiple arrests, ranging from domestic violence to assault with a deadly weapon. Despite his early success, Silentó’s legal troubles overshadowed his career.
The Rise and Fall of Silentó
Silentó skyrocketed to fame in 2015 with Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae), a song that became a global dance phenomenon. The track peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100, inspiring millions to recreate its signature moves on platforms like YouTube and Vine. However, his career soon unraveled amid legal battles and personal struggles.
What’s Next for Silentó?
Under Georgia law, Silentó’s guilty but mentally ill plea means he will receive mental health treatment during his incarceration. His sentencing marks the end of a once-promising career, leaving fans and the music industry reflecting on the tragic downfall of an artist who once made the world dance.
