Rapper Silentó, Maker of ‘Whip/Nae Nae’ Dance, Sentenced To 30 Years For Fatal Shooting
Rapper Silentó, known for his hit song "Watch Me" and the popular dance "Whip/Nae Nae", has been sentenced to 30 years in prison for a fatal shooting that occurred in 2020. The 23-year-old rapper, whose real name is Richard Lamar Hawk, pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter for the shooting of his cousin Fredrick Rooks.
The incident took place on January 21, 2020 in DeKalb County, Georgia. Silentó and Rooks were involved in an argument that led to the rapper shooting his cousin five times. Rooks was just 34 years old at the time of his death, and his mother described him as a loving and kind person who didn't deserve to die in such a senseless act of violence.
In addition to the prison sentence, Silentó will also serve five years of probation and undergo mental health and anger management treatment. His lawyer, A. G. Shapiro, said in a statement that the young rapper has been struggling with mental health issues and was deeply sorry for the pain he caused to Rooks' family.
Since its release in 2015, "Watch Me" has garnered over 1.7 billion views on YouTube and has become a popular party and wedding dance. The song and its accompanying dance, known as "Whip/Nae Nae", have also been featured in numerous viral videos and TV commercials. Silentó's success and rise to fame were cut short by this tragic event that has left many fans shocked and saddened.
Throughout the trial, Silentó's defense team argued for a reduced sentence, stating that the rapper had no prior criminal record and that he was a talented and hard-working artist. However, the judge ruled that the severity of the crime called for a substantial sentence.
The news of Silentó's sentencing has caused quite a stir in the music industry, with many people expressing their disbelief and disappointment. As a rising star, Silentó had the potential to achieve great success in the music world, but his actions have led to a tragic end to both his career and the life of his cousin.
This is a sobering reminder that fame and success should not overshadow the importance of personal responsibility and accountability. Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of Fredrick Rooks, and we hope that justice has been served for his untimely death. May this tragic event serve as a lesson for others in the industry to always prioritize safety, respect and sound judgement.