Who is Silentó? Atlanta rapper jailed 30 years for killing cousin

Atlanta’s rise‑and‑fall narrative took yet another tragic turn this week as rapper Ricky Lamar “Silentó” Hawk, once celebrated for his global hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” received a 30‑year prison sentence for the 2021 shooting death of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III.

At 27, Silentó entered a plea of guilty but mentally ill to charges including voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during a crime, and concealing a death—charges that replaced earlier murder counts as part of a plea agreement.

In the early hours of January 21, 2021, Rooks, aged 34, was found with multiple gunshot wounds to his face and leg in suburban Decatur.

Surveillance footage from a nearby residence recorded gunfire and a white BMW SUV fleeing the scene at speed. Ballistics later confirmed the connection between casings found and the firearm in Hawk’s possession. Within days, Hawk admitted to the shooting during police questioning, and was eventually arrested on February 1.

The sentencing hearing brought both relief and pain. Silentó’s legal team emphasised his long‑standing mental health struggles, including depression, anxiety, and a previously reported suicide attempt in 2020 .

In 2019, he had shared on the daytime show The Doctors that he was “fighting demons” from childhood trauma, substance exposure and family instability.

His manager has appealed for public understanding and spiritual support, urging fans and well‑wishers to “lift him in prayer and positive energy” as he seeks treatment.

Yet the crime exacted a devastating blow to Rooks’ family, who were vocal at the trial about the sentence’s perceived leniency. “We just want justice,” Rooks’ brother told the court, expressing frustration that a more severe punishment had been avoided.

Judge Courtney L. Johnson in DeKalb County Superior Court handed down a 30‑year judgment, allowing credit for Hawk’s time served since his arrest.

Hawk’s downfall began in earnest after his 2015 debut single. At age 17, “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” became a viral sensation, logging nearly two billion YouTube views and reaching No. 3 on the US Billboard Hot 100.

He released a full album in 2019, yet struggled with legal and mental health crises. In 2020 he was arrested for driving at 143 mph, and separately accused of breaking into a California home with a hatchet. These incidents had already raised alarm over his instability long before the fatal shooting.

Since his sentencing, observers have pointed out how toxic the path from viral fame to violent tragedy can become, especially for artists who lack robust support systems. Advocates in the court and beyond have urged entertainment companies to invest in long‑term mental health resources, especially for young performers thrust into public view with little preparation.

They argue that strengthened safety nets—including counselling, mentorship, and crisis prevention services—could stop future tragedies before they spiral out of control.

As for Hawk, his legal term encompasses 30 years, although with credits for time served. The sentence does not fully satisfy the grieving family, but it closes a sorrowful chapter in both families’ lives. For the public, it leaves a cautionary tale: the fleeting glimmer of teenage stardom can easily fall into a darker reality if personal demons go untreated and destructive behaviour unchecked.