Ricky Lamar Hawk, widely known by his stage name Silento, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison following his conviction for the murder of his cousin, Frederick Rooks. The once-celebrated rapper, who shot to fame in 2015 with the viral hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” now faces the devastating consequences of a violent act that shocked fans and the entertainment world alike.
Silento’s rise to stardom was meteoric. His breakout single became a global sensation, amassing hundreds of millions of views on YouTube and dominating charts with its catchy beat and danceable moves. However, his personal life was increasingly troubled, marked by a series of troubling incidents and a growing pattern of instability.
In January 2021, Silento was arrested in DeKalb County, Georgia, and charged with the murder of his 34-year-old cousin. According to investigators, the fatal shooting took place during a heated confrontation in a residential area. The incident stemmed from an alleged domestic dispute, ultimately resulting in Rooks being found dead from multiple gunshot wounds.
Throughout the investigation and subsequent trial, prosecutors presented extensive evidence, including surveillance footage, forensic data, and witness testimony. This evidence established Silento’s involvement and ultimately led to a conviction. The defense maintained that he acted in self-defense, asserting that Rooks was the aggressor, but the jury found these claims unconvincing.
Silento's legal troubles were not isolated. Prior to the murder charge, he had several run-ins with the law, including arrests for domestic violence and reckless driving. These incidents, combined with reports of erratic behavior, highlighted an escalating personal crisis, potentially rooted in mental health challenges.
The sentence has resonated deeply across the music community and among fans, many of whom expressed disbelief and sorrow on social media. Silento's story underscores the often-overlooked mental health struggles faced by young artists thrust into the spotlight, and the catastrophic impact these can have when left unaddressed.
The downfall of Silento is more than a celebrity crime headline—it is a sobering narrative about lost potential, untreated trauma, and the high cost of fame without support. His trajectory, from viral success to a decades-long prison term, stands as a powerful reminder of the importance of mental health awareness and intervention, especially within high-pressure industries like entertainment.