Richard Lamar “Ricky” Hawk, better known by his stage name Silentó, is an American rapper, singer, and songwriter who rose to prominence as a teenager. He is best known for his 2015 breakout single “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),” which became a viral sensation and reached number three on the US Billboard Hot 100 chart.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Richard Lamar “Ricky” Hawk |
| Date of Birth | January 22 or 23, 1998 |
| Place of Birth | Stone Mountain, Georgia, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Occupations | Rapper, singer, songwriter |
| Labels | Capitol Records |
| Net Worth | Approximately $500,000 (2025) |
Early Life and Education
Born on January 22 or 23, 1998, in Stone Mountain, Georgia, Silentó was raised primarily by his mother and aunt following his parents’ divorce.
Growing up in Atlanta, he faced various hardships, including exposure to family violence and early legal troubles. He attended Redan High School but did not complete his studies there.
Career
Silentó’s career skyrocketed when he independently released “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” in early 2015. The song quickly went viral on social media platforms like YouTube and Vine, sparking a popular dance craze.
Capitol Records officially released the track in May 2015, and it remained on the Billboard Hot 100 for over a year, earning multi-platinum status.
Silentó performed at high-profile events such as the BET Awards and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve.
He released two albums in 2018 titled Fresh Outta High School and Fresh Outta High School Part 2. Despite his early success, he is often regarded as a one-hit wonder.
Personal Life
Silentó has no publicly known romantic relationships or children. He has openly struggled with mental health challenges, including anxiety and depression, and attempted suicide in 2020.
His representatives have acknowledged his ongoing battle with mental health issues prior to his legal difficulties.
Legal Issues
Silentó’s life has been marred by several legal incidents:
- In 2020, he was arrested on charges related to domestic violence and for brandishing a hatchet in another person’s home.
- He faced charges for reckless driving after being caught speeding at 143 mph.
- In February 2021, Silentó was arrested and charged with murdering his cousin, Frederick Rooks. In 2025, he pled guilty to voluntary manslaughter and related offenses and received a 30-year prison sentence.
Net Worth
As of 2025, Silentó’s estimated net worth stands at approximately $500,000.
Discography
- Fresh Outta High School (2018)
- Fresh Outta High School Part 2 (2018)
Key singles include: - “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” (2015)
- “Get Em” (2016)
- “Girl in the Mirror” (2016)
- “Spotlight” (2016)
- “Like It Like It” (2017)
Awards and Recognitions
- Won the Billboard Music Award for Top Streaming Song (Video) in 2016 for “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)”
- Received nominations at the 2015 MTV Video Music Awards for Song of the Summer, Teen Choice Awards for R&B/Hip-Hop Song, and Soul Train Music Awards for Best Dance Performance
- Awarded the World Collaboration Award at the 2016 Seoul Music Awards for a collaboration with Punch.
