Rapper Ricky Lamar Hawk, also known as Silento, in September 2015. Getty Images
Ricky Lamar Hawk, known as Silentó, has received a 30-year prison sentence. The Atlanta-based rapper became famous for his hit song “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae).” Now, at 27, he faces time for killing his cousin in 2021.
What Happened That Night
Police found his cousin, Frederick Rooks III, dead in Georgia on January 21, 2021. He had multiple gunshot wounds. Officers arrived around 3:30 a.m. and found ten bullet casings at the scene.
A family member said Hawk picked Rooks up earlier that night in a white BMW. A nearby security camera captured the same car speeding away after neighbors heard gunshots.
Silentó Confessed
Police arrested Hawk on February 1, 2021. During questioning, he admitted to shooting his cousin.
He later pleaded guilty but mentally ill to several charges. These included voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, gun possession during a crime, and hiding a death.
Past Incidents and Mental Health Struggles
This was not Hawk’s first run-in with the law. In August 2020, officials arrested him in California. He had entered a stranger’s home with a hatchet, looking for his girlfriend. He faced two counts of assault in that case.
Hawk has been open about his mental health issues. He once spoke about it during a 2019 interview. “I’ve been fighting demons my whole life,” he said. “Fame doesn’t take away depression. It just brings more pressure.”
He also said he struggled to feel happy and wasn’t sure his mental battles would ever end.
Support From His Team
After Hawk’s arrest, his PR manager, Chanel Hudson, asked for public support. “Please send my client Silentó some positive vibrations,” she said. She explained that he had suffered for years due to mental illness and was getting treatment.
Hudson added, “Ricky is a beautiful soul.” She asked fans to keep supporting him and lift him up in prayer.
A Troubled Journey
Hawk’s quick rise to fame began in 2015 when he was just 17. His dance anthem "Watch Me" went viral, bringing sudden attention and pressure. But behind the music, he was facing deep emotional struggles. These struggles eventually led to violent actions and legal consequences.
Moving Forward
Now, Silentó begins his sentence. His story shows how fame, mental illness, and violence can collide. His case has sparked conversations about mental health in the music industry and the importance of early help.
