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Silentó Sentenced to 30 Years for Cousin's Murder

6/11/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Atlanta rapper Silentó, born Ricky Hawk, faces a grim future with a 30-year prison sentence after pleading guilty but mentally ill for the tragic murder of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III, in January 2021. Hawk's admission and the evidence against him paint a stark contrast to the joy of his 2015 hit "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)."

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Story summary

Atlanta rapper Silentó, born Ricky Hawk, faces a grim future with a 30-year prison sentence after pleading guilty but mentally ill for the tragic murder of his cousin, Frederick Rooks III, in January 2021. Hawk's admission and the evidence against him paint a stark contrast to the joy of his 2015 hit "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)."