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One-hit wonder rapper gets 30 years in prison after cousin’s death

Silentó, a rapper who is most famously known for his 2015 hit single, “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” received a 30-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to charges related to the fatal shooting of his cousin, Frederick Rooks, according to the Atlanta Constitution Journal. A DeKalb County judge gave the sentence on Wednesday.

The artist, whose real name is Ricky Lamar Hawk, 27, pleaded guilty but mentally ill to charges ranging from voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, possessing a firearm while committing a crime, and concealing the death of another.

The DeKalb County Police Department responded to a call at approximately 3:37 a.m. on January 21, 2021. It was there where Hawk’s cousin, Frederick Rooks III, 34, was pronounced dead after receiving multiple gunshot wounds. A relative had noted Rooks was last seen with Hawk, who was picked up in a white BMW SUV that matched a description of the vehicle fleeing the scene after the shooting occurred. Prosecutors went on to note that Hawk admitted to the shooting after being taken into custody. The casings from the bullets match a gun he was carrying at the time of his arrest.

Hawk had been struggling with his mental health leading up to the shooting. In September 2020, the rapper was charged with two counts of assault with a deadly weapon. He was also arrested one month later in October for reckless driving, speeding, failure to maintain lane, and improper stopping.

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Murjani Rawls may be reached atmrawls@njadvancemedia.com

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