Once a viral sensation who had the entire world dancing to “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” Atlanta rapper Silentó now finds himself on the other side of fame — behind bars. The 27-year-old, born Ricky Lamar Hawk, was sentenced this week to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty but mentally ill in connection to the 2021 shooting death of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III.
From Viral Star to Convicted Felon
In 2015, Silentó skyrocketed to fame at just 17 with his chart-topping hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” which became an international dance craze, racking up over 1.9 billion views on YouTube. But while the world was watching him whip and nae nae, a darker personal struggle was unfolding behind the scenes — one that would ultimately lead to tragedy.
Years later, on January 21, 2021, Hawk’s world came crashing down when he fatally shot his 34-year-old cousin in Panola Road, a suburb outside Decatur, Georgia.
Authorities found Rooks dead at the scene with multiple gunshot wounds, including to the face and leg. Surveillance footage, along with forensic evidence and Hawk’s own confession, led to his arrest days later on February 1, 2021.
Inside the Courtroom: Silentó Pleads Guilty but Mentally Ill
On Tuesday, Hawk stood before a judge in a Georgia courtroom and accepted a plea deal that allowed him to avoid a murder conviction.
Under the agreement:
- He pled guilty but mentally ill to charges of:
- Voluntary manslaughter
- Aggravated assault
- Possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony
- Prosecutors dropped the murder charge
- He was sentenced to 30 years in prison, followed by 10 years of probation
In court, Silentó appeared calm but solemn. Those in attendance said he expressed remorse and addressed the court about his long-standing battle with mental illness, which had reportedly gone untreated for years.
Mental Health and a Troubled Descent
Prior to the shooting, Silentó’s behavior had raised alarms. In the months leading up to his cousin’s death, the rapper was arrested multiple times, including:
- A domestic incident in California
- Charges of assault with a deadly weapon
- Being found with weapons and erratic behavior in public spaces
His family and attorneys had publicly stated that Hawk had been struggling with severe mental health issues, including bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Despite attempts at seeking treatment, Silentó often found himself overwhelmed and unmedicated — a spiral that may have culminated in the deadly encounter with his cousin.
Online Statement: Silentó Speaks Out After Sentencing
Following the court’s decision, Silentó shared a statement online, breaking his silence on the legal outcome and reflecting on the past few years.
“To everyone who supported me through my highs and lows — I am sorry. I never wanted things to turn out this way. Mental health is real, and I hope my story can serve as a warning and wake-up call. Please take care of yourselves and your loved ones.”
While some fans have shown sympathy, others were stunned by the outcome. The young man who once brought joy to millions through a dance anthem will now serve three decades behind bars — a harsh fall from viral stardom.
Fans React: “So Sad to See a Life Go This Way”
Social media erupted following news of the sentencing, with hashtags like #Silentó and #WhipNaeNae trending on X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok.
💬 “I used to dance to Watch Me in middle school… this is heartbreaking.”
💬 “Another case of mental health ignored until it was too late.”
💬 “30 years. Wow. That’s someone’s whole youth and adulthood gone.”
💬 “So sad to see a life go this way. Prayers to the victim’s family.”
Many fans expressed frustration that mental health support failed to intervene early enough, while others debated whether the sentence was too harsh — or too lenient.
What’s Next for Silentó?
With a long sentence ahead, Hawk is expected to serve his time in a Georgia state prison. Under the terms of his plea, he will be eligible for mental health treatment while incarcerated, and could become eligible for parole after serving a significant portion of his sentence — depending on behavior and rehabilitation progress.
Legacy Tainted — But Not Forgotten
Silentó’s story is a powerful and tragic reminder of the dual edges of fame — how quickly the spotlight can fade, and how personal demons, if left unchecked, can destroy not just careers, but lives.
What started as an inspiring teen success story in the age of viral fame has now ended in a prison cell.
Final Thoughts
This heartbreaking case underscores the importance of mental health awareness, particularly for young artists thrust into stardom without the tools to cope. It also leaves fans wondering: Could this tragedy have been prevented?
💬 What are your thoughts on Silentó’s sentence? Was justice served or is this another failure of the system? Drop a comment below!
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