The rapper who once had the world dancing is now headed to prison for three decades.
Silentó, best known for his 2015 viral hit 'Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)', has been sentenced to 30 years behind bars after pleading guilty to the fatal shooting of his cousin in Georgia.
Ricky Hawk, the 27-year-old artist behind the catchy track, admitted in court to voluntary manslaughter and aggravated assault, but was deemed mentally ill at the time of the crime, Fox 5 Atlanta reports.
On January 21, 2021, police responded to a call in DeKalb County and found 34-year-old Frederick Rooks III dead from multiple gunshot wounds. Surveillance footage captured a white BMW SUV fleeing the scene. That same vehicle was reportedly used by Silentó to pick Rooks up earlier that night.
Investigators eventually identified Hawk as the shooter. He allegedly confessed to the killing, and ballistic evidence tied a firearm found on him to the crime scene.
Before the killing, Hawk had already made headlines for erratic and violent behavior. In 2020, he was arrested for driving over 140 mph in Georgia. That same year, he was also charged in Los Angeles for allegedly attempting to attack two strangers with a hatchet, according to Variety.
His publicist later cited serious mental health issues as a factor in his behavior, urging fans to send prayers rather than judgment.
“Ricky has been suffering immensely from a series of mental health illnesses,” a statement read at the time of his arrest. “We ask the public to uplift him and his family in immediate prayer and positive energy.”
Silentó’s rapid rise to fame was one of the earliest examples of a social media-fueled music career. His breakout single, released when he was just 17, reached No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 and spawned a global dance craze.
Despite the viral success, his career stalled shortly afterwards. A full-length album, Fresh Outta High School, dropped in 2019 but failed to generate buzz.
Now, instead of riding a comeback wave, Hawk will be spending the next 30 years in prison.