'Watch Me (Whip / Nae Nae)' star sentenced to 30 years

Updated June 12, 2025, 8:49 a.m. | By Music Reporter

Ten years ago, Silentó had the world doing the 'nae nae' dance, but these days he is moving to a different tune—the sound of prison bars slamming shut.

Silento plays basketball — Silentó / YouTube

Rapper Silentó has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the death of his cousin, Frederick Rooks.

Silentó, whose real name is Ricky Lamar Hawk, was arrested in February 2021 in connection with the shooting of his cousin in Atlanta.

Police found Rooks lying in the street with gunshot wounds to his face and leg. He was declared dead at the scene.

According to several reports, Silentó "pleaded guilty but mentally ill to voluntary manslaughter".

He was also convicted of other charges, including aggravated assault.

Shortly after his 2021 arrest, the rapper's publicist, Chanel Hudson, asked people to send him "positive vibrations".

She revealed that he had been "suffering immensely from a series of mental illnesses" over the past several years.

"We will continue in his efforts of treatment, but we ask in the meantime the public uplift him and his family in immediate prayer & positive energy!! Ricky is a beautiful soul, and we hope that the same people who came up whippin’ and nay naying with him, continue to support him and lifted in prayer. God bless," she wrote on Instagram.

Silentó earned worldwide fame following the release of his 2015 song, ''Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)'.

The track became an instant hit on social media, leading to the viral 'Whip/Nae Nae' dance challenge. It peaked at #3 on the Billboard Hot 100.

The track's music video has been watched nearly two billion times on YouTube.

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Silentó could not match the song's success, and slowly disappeared into obscurity.

"He went from silento to violent," one X user commented. An Instagram user said: "Bro had the biggest fall off ever.

Despite his challenges in the industry and his personal life, Silentó never gave up on music.

He continued to share new music after his arrest, promoting 'Run A Town' in March 2021 and his EP, 'Bars Behind Bars', a few days later.

"Can’t believe [you are] gonna be in prison for 30 years. I’ll never forget 'Watch Me Nae', which was a major part of my childhood," one of his fans wrote on Instagram.

Hudson released a statement on Silentó's behalf following his sentencing.

"Ricky wants his family, friends and supporters to know that he is deeply sorry for the pain and disappointment he has caused.

She also included a quote from the rapper, who vows to continue making music.

"I can't reverse time, but I can serve the time I've been given lawfully, and strive to positively contribute to whatever my new environment may be."