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Atlanta Rapper Silentó Sentenced to 30 Years for Cousin’s Manslaughter
Ricky Lamar Hawk, known professionally as Silentó, the rapper behind the 2015 viral hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” has been sentenced to 30 years in prison. The sentencing, handed down Wednesday, follows Hawk’s guilty plea to voluntary manslaughter in the 2021 shooting death of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III, in DeKalb County, Georgia.
Hawk, 27, also pleaded guilty to aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and concealing a death, according to DeKalb County District Attorney Sherry Boston. He confessed to the killing shortly after his arrest, approximately 10 days after Rooks, 34, was found with multiple gunshot wounds in the early morning hours of January 21, 2021. Rooks was pronounced dead at the scene.
The District Attorney’s statement indicated that video and GPS evidence linked Hawk to the crime. A relative of Rooks confirmed that the victim was last seen with Hawk.
At the time of Hawk’s arrest, his publicist noted his struggles with mental health issues and stated he would continue treatment. Hawk’s history of mental health challenges came to light in a 2019 appearance on the syndicated show “The Doctors.” He discussed being born with drugs in his system, lifelong depression, and the pressures of fame.
Hawk’s legal troubles extended beyond the manslaughter case. In late summer 2020, he was arrested in Southern California on domestic violence allegations.
While out on bail for that incident, he was arrested again in Los Angeles in September 2020 and charged with two felony counts of assault with a deadly weapon for allegedly threatening two strangers with a hatchet. This case remains ongoing.
Despite his legal battles, Silentó’s music video for “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” continues to garner significant views online, a stark contrast to the tragic circumstances surrounding the rapper’s life.