Silentó, born Ricky Lamar Hawk, once represented the dream of internet-driven success. In 2015, at just 17 years old, he burst onto the scene with “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” a viral dance anthem that became a global cultural phenomenon. But a decade later, his story is no longer one of youthful triumph—it is one of tragedy, lost potential, and personal demons. As of 2025, Silentó’s estimated net worth is $500,000, a stark contrast to what could have been a multimillion-dollar career had his life not veered off course.
Early Life and Internet Breakthrough
Silentó was born on January 22, 1998, in Stone Mountain, Georgia, and was raised by his mother and grandmother. His childhood was shaped by exposure to domestic violence and mental illness, circumstances that deeply affected his mental health and sense of identity. Despite those challenges, Silentó showed an early interest in music and dance, often uploading content online.
That passion paid off in 2015 when he released “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” on YouTube. The song’s catchy beat and instructional dance moves made it an instant favorite on Vine, Instagram, and YouTube, racking up over a billion views. It reached #3 on the Billboard Hot 100, catapulting Silentó from a high school student to a national sensation in a matter of weeks.
He signed a record deal with Capitol Records, performed on national TV shows, appeared in award ceremonies, and toured schools across the country. He was invited to perform for youth-focused events, showcasing how social media could launch careers overnight.
The Decline: Mental Health and Career Challenges
While Silentó’s public persona exuded youthful joy, his private life was marked by turmoil. Fame didn’t alleviate the mental health issues he had dealt with since childhood. In a 2019 interview on The Doctors, he opened up about his struggles with depression, stating, “Depression doesn’t leave you when you become famous—it just adds more pressure.” He admitted he had been “fighting demons” his entire life and urged viewers to seek help if they were struggling.
By this point, his music career had slowed significantly. His debut EP, Fresh Outta High School, was released in 2018, followed by Fresh Outta High School Part 2 in 2019, but neither project replicated the success of his viral debut. Despite releasing several singles, none charted, and Silentó began fading from the mainstream.
Behind the scenes, his behavior became increasingly erratic. His publicist later confirmed that Silentó attempted suicide in 2020, a sign that his internal battles were escalating.
Legal Troubles and Public Downfall
Silentó’s unraveling became painfully public in 2020. That August, he was arrested twice in two days in California—first in Santa Ana for domestic violence, and the following day in Los Angeles after breaking into a stranger’s home wielding a hatchet, reportedly looking for his girlfriend. The occupants were unharmed, but the incident raised red flags about his state of mind.
Two months later, in October 2020, he was pulled over in Atlanta for driving at 143 mph on Interstate 85. He told police, “I’m not a regular person—you could go look me up.” These incidents painted a picture of a young man spiraling under the weight of untreated mental illness and unresolved trauma.
But the most devastating event came in February 2021, when Silentó was arrested for the murder of his cousin, 34-year-old Frederick Rooks. Police said that Silentó had picked up Rooks in a white BMW and drove him to a suburban neighborhood near Decatur, Georgia, where Rooks was shot multiple times. Surveillance footage, GPS tracking, and shell casing evidence placed Silentó at the scene. A confession followed.
Conviction and Sentencing
In June 2025, after four years of pre-trial proceedings, Silentó pleaded guilty but mentally ill to charges including voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and concealing the death of another. The murder charge was dropped as part of a plea deal. He was sentenced to 30 years in prison.
The court acknowledged his history of mental illness, and the plea deal ensured he would receive psychiatric treatment during his incarceration. The outcome brought closure to the family of Frederick Rooks, while sparking renewed conversation about the intersection of mental health and criminal responsibility.
Financial Fallout and Net Worth
Despite his initial commercial success, Silentó’s net worth remains relatively low at $500,000 in 2025. The majority of his earnings came from “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)”, which generated significant income through streaming, digital sales, and licensing. He also earned from live performances, merchandising, and a brief stint in endorsement deals during the height of his fame.
However, legal fees, lack of consistent new music, and time away from public life have drastically limited his earnings in recent years. His once-promising brand collapsed under the weight of criminal charges, and any residual royalties from his early work are now likely managed through court-ordered oversight due to his conviction.
A Sobering Cautionary Tale
Silentó’s story is a cautionary tale about the highs and devastating lows of viral fame, especially for young artists with unresolved trauma. From the heights of the Billboard charts to a life sentence, his life illustrates the need for better mental health support, especially for young stars thrust into sudden fame without a safety net.
While his name will always be tied to one of the most iconic dance songs of the 2010s, the full story of Ricky Hawk is far more complex—and ultimately heartbreaking.
As of 2025, Silentó sits in prison, his potential unrealized, his legacy overshadowed by a single, irreversible act of violence.
