Rapper Silentó, known for his 2015 hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” was sentenced to 30 years in prison on June 11, 2025, after pleading guilty but mentally ill to the 2021 fatal shooting of his cousin, Frederick Rooks, in DeKalb County, Georgia. The plea deal reduced charges from malice murder, highlighting the rapper’s mental health struggles.
In January 2021, Frederick Rooks, 34, was found dead with gunshot wounds to the face and leg. Ballistic evidence tied Silentó, whose real name is Ricky Lamar Hawk, to the crime, and he confessed post-arrest. On June 11, 2025, Hawk pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, firearm possession during a felony, and concealing a death. The original malicious murder charge was downgraded, and a felony murder charge was dropped, resulting in a 30-year sentence with credit for time served since February 2021.
Silentó, the rapper best known for his hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” has been sentenced to 30 years in prison after pleading guilty to charges related to the fatal shooting of his cousin.https://t.co/IbY2GHKVqo pic.twitter.com/au6pN8oLW5
— Variety (@Variety) June 11, 2025Silentó’s legal team cited his mental health issues, including a 2020 suicide attempt, as a key factor in the plea, aligning with his “guilty but mentally ill” status.
Silentó’s Rise and Fall
Silentó, 27, rose to fame with “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” a viral dance anthem that peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100. However, his career was marred by legal troubles, including arrests for domestic violence in 2020 and reckless driving. These incidents, coupled with documented mental health challenges, marked a stark decline from his early success, culminating in the tragic 2021 shooting.
🚨🇺🇸🎤 ALERTE INFO – Silentó, connu pour la chanson "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)", a été condamné à 30 ans de prison après avoir plaidé coupable du meurtre de son cousin. pic.twitter.com/YPbvkssvOs
— AlertesInfos (@AlertesInfos) June 11, 2025The case underscores the complex intersection of mental health and the criminal justice system. Silentó’s former publicist had previously highlighted his struggles with multiple mental health conditions, a narrative echoed by his defence team. The plea deal reflects an effort to balance justice with mental health considerations.
Once a symbol of youthful energy in hip-hop, Silentó’s legacy is overshadowed by this tragedy. The sentencing closes a dark chapter, raising questions about support systems for artists facing mental health crises. While his music continues to resonate with fans, the loss of Rooks and Silentó’s incarceration highlights the personal and societal costs of unaddressed challenges.
