Atlanta Rapper Silento Sentenced to 30 Years in Cousin’s Murder Case
Atlanta-born rapper Silentó, best known for his viral hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” just received a 30-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to killing his cousin. The sentencing brings a heartbreaking chapter to a close for both families, as details about the 2021 tragedy continue to surface.
Silento, Whip/Nae Nae Artist, Charged With The Murder Of His Cousin
The 27-year-old artist, born Ricky Hawk, entered a plea of “guilty but mentally ill” to several charges—including voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault—after he fatally shot his cousin, 34-year-old Frederick Rooks III, back in January 2021.
According to police reports, officers from DeKalb County responded to a call on Deep Shoals Circle and Corners Crossing in the early morning hours of January 21, 2021. When they arrived, they found Rooks unresponsive, suffering from multiple gunshot wounds. He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Neighbors told investigators they heard multiple gunshots ring out, and footage from a nearby security camera captured a white BMW SUV speeding away. That same SUV was linked to Silentó after family members confirmed Rooks was last seen getting into the vehicle with him just hours earlier.
Initially, police had no leads. But after diving deeper into the footage and testimonies, they named Hawk as the primary suspect. Authorities later matched bullet casings from the crime scene to a firearm found in Silentó’s possession during his arrest. He eventually confessed to pulling the trigger
“Please Send Silentó Positive Vibrations”: Publicist Speaks on Mental Health Struggles
Shortly after his arrest, Silentó’s longtime PR manager Chanel Hudson released a heartfelt statement addressing his ongoing mental health battles:
“Please send my client Silentó some positive vibrations. Over the past several years, Ricky has been suffering immensely from a series of mental health illnesses. We will continue in his efforts of treatment, but we ask in the meantime the public uplift him and his family in immediate prayer and positive energy!!
Ricky is a beautiful soul, and we hope that the same people who came up whipping’ & nay nay-in with him continue to support him and lift him in prayer!! God bless.”
The statement gave fans a peek into the pain behind the fame. While the public once knew Silentó for his viral dance anthem that had the whole world moving in 2015, it’s clear now that behind the scenes, the young star was battling something much darker.
Mental health struggles in the Black community, especially among young male artists, continue to be overlooked or dismissed until it’s too late. Silentó’s team says he had been in and out of mental health treatment prior to the incident.
From Viral Fame to Prison Time: A Look Back at Silentó’s Rise and Fall
Before the tragedy, Silentó had become a household name thanks to his 2015 chart-topper “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae).” The song went viral, racking up millions of views, performances on major stages, and dance challenges across TikTok and Instagram. At just 17 years old, Silentó had the world at his feet.
But fame came fast—and so did the pressure. Silentó struggled to replicate the success of his first hit, and soon reports of erratic behavior and arrests began to circulate. By the time of his cousin’s death, Silentó had already been dealing with several legal and personal issues.