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In a shocking turn of events, Silento, the rapper who skyrocketed to fame with his 2015 viral hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murder of his cousin, Frederick Rooks. The news has sent waves of disbelief and sorrow through the music community and beyond.

A Star Falls: Silento’s Rise and Tragic Downfall

Born Ricky Hawk, Silento became an international sensation with his infectious dance track. The song’s music video has garnered nearly 2 billion views on YouTube, cementing his place in pop culture history. However, his rise to stardom was abruptly halted by a series of legal troubles and personal struggles.

The Murder Case that Shocked the Nation

On January 21, 2021, police discovered Frederick Rooks, 34, lying on a road in Panthersville, southeast of Atlanta, around 3:30 a.m. Investigators later obtained surveillance footage showing Silento fleeing the scene in a white BMW. The rapper was swiftly apprehended and denied parole. He ultimately pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, and possession of a firearm.

A History of Trouble: Silento’s Legal Battles

Silento’s run-ins with the law began long before the murder charge. In August 2020, he was arrested twice—once for domestic violence and again for assault with a deadly weapon. These incidents occurred in Orange County and Los Angeles, respectively. He was later arrested on August 28 following a domestic disturbance and released on a charge of inflicting corporal punishment on a spouse or cohabitant.

The following year, Silento was arrested in Los Angeles after being spotted holding a hatchet, allegedly searching for his girlfriend. These incidents paint a troubling picture of the rapper’s mental state and behavior leading up to the murder of his cousin.

Mental Health Struggles: A Cry for Help

Silento’s family has openly discussed his mental health issues, which were well-documented even before his legal troubles. After his arrest for his cousin’s murder, his representatives revealed to TMZ that the rapper had been battling a “series of mental health illnesses.” He was even slated to appear on the medical talk show The Doctors to discuss severe depression, but the appearance never materialized.

While Silento’s musical career may have peaked with “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” his impact on pop culture is undeniable. The video for his hit song has been streamed nearly 2 billion times on YouTube, highlighting his once-meteoric rise. Now, as he faces 30 years behind bars, we can only hope that everyone involved in this tragedy finds some semblance of healing and closure.

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