Rapper Silentó sentenced to 30 years in prison: how will this affect his career?
12 june 2025 в 20:13
Rapper Silentó, whose real name is Richard Lamar «Ricky» Hawk, will spend the next three decades of his life in prison. Fans of the hitmaker of «Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)» were shocked to learn about his involvement in a family member’s death, but Hawk has been in the public eye throughout his career with mental health issues. Keep reading to find out how Silentó's prison sentence will affect his music career and net worth, as well as his past struggles.
Best known for his hit «Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)», - Silentó is a rapper from Atlanta, Georgia. Since the release of his single in 2015, he became famous at just 17 years old, actively using social media platforms such as Nae)» became one of the most infectious dance tunes of the 2010s.
Despite his success, Silentó openly admitted that he has been «fighting demons [his] whole life», - referring to his struggles with mental health issues, during an interview in 2019 on The Doctors.
«Depression doesn’t leave you when you become famous — it just adds more pressure», - he said at the time. «And while everyone is watching you, they are also judging you. … I don’t know if I can truly be happy, I don’t know if these demons will ever leave».
In 2020, it was revealed that Silentó had attempted suicide but survived. However, after that, he spiraled downward and ultimately got into legal trouble.
After graduating from high school, Silentó continued to pursue music.
At the time of publication, Silentó has a net worth of around $ 500,000, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Silentó was arrested in 2021 in DeKalb County, Georgia, and charged with the murder of his cousin Frederick Rooks III. In the same year, he pleaded guilty to killing his relative.
According to the district attorney, the rapper was sentenced to 30 years in prison in June 2025 after pleading guilty but mentally ill to voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, carrying a weapon during a crime, and concealing the death of another.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1−800−273-TALK (8255)
Best known for his hit «Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)», - Silentó is a rapper from Atlanta, Georgia. Since the release of his single in 2015, he became famous at just 17 years old, actively using social media platforms such as Nae)» became one of the most infectious dance tunes of the 2010s.
Despite his success, Silentó openly admitted that he has been «fighting demons [his] whole life», - referring to his struggles with mental health issues, during an interview in 2019 on The Doctors.
«Depression doesn’t leave you when you become famous — it just adds more pressure», - he said at the time. «And while everyone is watching you, they are also judging you. … I don’t know if I can truly be happy, I don’t know if these demons will ever leave».
In 2020, it was revealed that Silentó had attempted suicide but survived. However, after that, he spiraled downward and ultimately got into legal trouble.
After graduating from high school, Silentó continued to pursue music.
At the time of publication, Silentó has a net worth of around $ 500,000, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Silentó was arrested in 2021 in DeKalb County, Georgia, and charged with the murder of his cousin Frederick Rooks III. In the same year, he pleaded guilty to killing his relative.
According to the district attorney, the rapper was sentenced to 30 years in prison in June 2025 after pleading guilty but mentally ill to voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, carrying a weapon during a crime, and concealing the death of another.
If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or considering suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1−800−273-TALK (8255)
© Smirnova Olga
