Rapper Silento Arrested On Charges He Murdered Cousin In Atlanta: Report

BY Erika Marie 8.1K Views
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Silento, Arrest, Murder, Cousin, Atlanta
The 23-year-old "Watch Me (Whip / Nae Nae )" rapper has been arrested multiple times in recent months.

Over the last few months, 23-year-old Silento has seemed to be on a downward spiral, causing many to be concerned for his well-being. It all began in September when he was arrested in Los Angeles after he reportedly stormed his way into a family's home, weilding a machete and looking for his alleged girlfriend. Later that month, a warrant was issued for his arrest after he failed to show up in court. The following month, Silento was once again arrested for reckless driving and in the bodycam footage of that incident, he told officers that then-president Donald Trump texted him daily asking for help.

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The controversy seemed to have subsided for Silento since October, but today (February 1), news surfaced that he is once again in trouble with the law. He rose to stardom with his "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)" smash hit, but now he's facing accusations that he murdered his cousin. According to the Atlanta Constitution Journal, on January 21, police responded to a call of shots fired. When they arrived, they found 34-year-old Frederick Rooks dead at the scene with multiple gunshot wounds.

An investigation would lead detectives to Silento, real name Ricky Hawk, after they examined surveillance footage in the area. At the time of this publication, Silento nor his team have issued a statement regarding the accusations or the arrest.

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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.