Rapper Silentó gets 30-year sentence for murdering own cousin after getting felony charge dropped despite video evidence

Mugshot of Silento.
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RAPPER Silentó will spend 30 years in prison for shooting his cousin to death in 2021.

Silentó, real name Ricky Hawk, is best known for his viral 2015 song Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae).

Ricky Hawk in his mugshot at DeKalb County Sheriff’s OfficeCredit: DeKalb County Sheriff’s Office
Silentó in July 2015, shortly after his song Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae) was releasedCredit: AP

Hawk, 27, pleaded guilty but mentally ill to voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and concealing the death of another.

The Atlanta rapper was originally indicted on a felony charge of malice murder, but took a plea deal for lesser charges.

He was sentenced to 30 years in prison.

Hawk shot his cousin, Frederick Rooks III, dead in the legs and face early on the morning of January 21, 2021.

It is still unclear what led up to the shooting.

Home security camera footage from the scene caught several cars speeding away and captured at least one gunshot, cops said.

Hawk admitted to the shooting in an interview with investigators several days after it occurred, according to the DeKalb district attorney.

Bullet casings found at the scene also matched a gun Hawk had when he was arrested.

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