In 2015, Silento had the world dancing with his viral hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae).” At just 17, he rose to global fame almost overnight. But years later, the headlines tell a different story. Instead of music awards, courtrooms and prison bars now surround his name.
Fox 5 News reported that Silento, whose real name is Ricky Hawk was sentenced to 30 years in prison for the murder of his cousin. This news shocked millions who once admired his music and carefree persona.
In February 2021, police arrested Silento in DeKalb County, Georgia, for the shooting death of his cousin, Frederick Rooks. Surveillance footage and ballistic evidence linked the rapper to the scene. The motive remains unclear but prosecutors stated that it was a targeted killing.
For fans asking “Is Silento still in jail?”—yes, he is. In 2021, he pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter. The court sentenced him to 30 years in prison with five years suspended. His shocking fall left fans in disbelief.
What went wrong with Silento? His early success didn’t come with the maturity or guidance needed in the music industry. Although he gained wealth and fame quickly, he also faced mental health struggles.
Furthermore, in a medical talk show “The Doctors” the artist talked about his mental health. He said, “I’ve been fighting demons my whole life, my whole life.”
“Depression doesn’t leave you when you become famous; it just adds more pressure,” Silentó continued. ”And while everybody’s looking at you, they’re also judging you.”
“I don’t know if I can truly be happy; I don’t know if these demons will ever go away.”
According to Fox 5 News, Silento had multiple legal issues even before the murder case. He was previously arrested for domestic violence, gun possession and reckless driving. These signs pointed to a deeper problem he couldn’t overcome in time.
Around the world, fans mourn the loss of what could have been a long and successful music career. Some still Google “Who was the best rapper in the world?” hoping to see names like Silento on that list. However, fame can fade fast when crime enters the picture.
Interestingly, search queries like “Atlanta prayer times” spiked in the same region during his sentencing week, indicating how the community turned to faith in reaction to the tragedy.
There’s no denying that Silento was a voice for the youth when he first stepped onto the music scene. His song echoed through schools, social media and even fashion shows. But now, instead of shaping trends, he is facing years behind bars.
As more people ask, “Is Silento still in jail?” the music industry watches another young talent lose it all. It’s a reminder that fame alone doesn’t build a future. Discipline, mental health support and the right environment are just as important.
Silento’s case is not your typical celebrity criminal case. It’s a red flag for people navigating celebrity at an early age. The fact is that Silento lost everything as a result of his decisions. His name now appears in court documents rather than playlists. Stay tuned with Vogue Vocal for more updates on the latest in music, fashion and celebrity headlines that truly matter.
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