Rapper Silentó Sentenced to 30 Years for Cousin’s Death

The person responsible for one of the music viral songs of our generation, 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 in connection to the 2021 shooting death of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III.

The 27-year-old artiste, born Ricky Lamar Hawk, entered a plea of guilty but mentally ill to voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, gun possession during a crime, and concealing a death. A murder charge was dropped under a plea agreement.

Rooks was found dead in the early hours of January 21, 2021, with multiple gunshot wounds and ten shell casings at the scene.

Security footage captured a white BMW SUV leaving the area shortly after the shooting. Authorities confirmed the SUV belonged to Hawk, who had picked up Rooks earlier that day. Hawk later admitted to the shooting, and forensic tests matched his gun to the casings found.

Hawk’s family spoke in court, expressing disappointment with the length of the sentence.

The rapper, once a high schooler who shot to fame with a dance anthem, had publicly discussed his battles with mental health. In a 2019 interview on “The Doctors,” Hawk opened up about lifelong struggles with depression and trauma, saying fame intensified his inner battles.

Prior to his cousin’s death, Hawk had several run-ins with the law and incidents suggesting deepening mental health issues. His publicist stated he had been “suffering immensely” and had attempted suicide in 2020. His past also includes arrests for domestic violence and reckless driving.

As it relates to the success of ‘Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)’, it has over 1.9 billion views on YouTube, after being uploaded 9 years ago. On Spotify, the song has over 489 million streams.