Reading Time: 3 minutesIn a stark turn of events, Ricky Hawk, better known as Silento, the rapper who took the world by storm with his 2015 hit single “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)”, has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murder of his cousin, Frederick Rooks.

A Rising Star Falls

Back in 2021, Silento was arrested for the fatal shooting of his 34-year-old cousin. The tragedy unfolded in Panthersville, a small community southeast of Atlanta, where Rooks was found lying on the road in the early hours of January 21. Surveillance footage later revealed Silento fleeing the scene in a white BMW, leading to his swift arrest.

A Troubled Past Unveiled

Silento’s arrest for murder was not an isolated incident. In the years leading up to this tragedy, the rapper had a string of run-ins with the law. In 2020 alone, he was arrested twice for domestic violence and assault with a deadly weapon. His erratic behavior escalated, culminating in an arrest after he was spotted in Los Angeles holding a hatchet and allegedly searching for his girlfriend.

Mental Health Struggles

Those close to Silento have revealed his long-standing battle with mental health issues. His representatives told TMZ that the rapper had been grappling with a “series of mental health illnesses.” He had even planned to appear on the medical talk show The Doctors to discuss his struggles with severe depression, but the appearance never materialized.

From Viral Fame to Tragedy

Silento’s journey is a stark reminder of the fleeting nature of fame. His hit single “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” garnered nearly 2 billion views on YouTube, catapulting him to international stardom. However, his inability to replicate that success, coupled with his mental health struggles, led him down a tragic path.

As Silento begins his 30-year prison sentence, we can only hope that he receives the mental health support he needs. Our thoughts go out to the family of Frederick Rooks and to everyone affected by this heartbreaking turn of events.

Stay tuned to BuzzRoulette for more updates on this developing story and other celebrity news.