# What happened to the guy who sang Whip/Nae Nae Source: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p361Blv3JZQ Recap page: https://rapidrecap.app/video/p361Blv3JZQ Generated: 2026-03-05T21:03:55.171+00:00 --- ## Quick Overview Rapper Silento, famous for "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)", faced numerous legal issues following his initial success, including a domestic charge and later, being arrested for the murder of his cousin, ultimately leading to a reduced sentence of 30 years in prison. **Key Points:** - Silento achieved massive success with his hit song "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)" but struggled to produce another hit, leading to pressure from his record label, Capitol Records. - The rapper allegedly began skipping paid shows and faced a domestic charge related to his girlfriend, leading to an arrest. - Shortly after being released on bail from the domestic charge, Silento was caught driving 143 mph and subsequently arrested for the murder of his cousin, who was found on the street. - Silento confessed to the murder of his cousin, meaning there was no trial, but the exact motive for the killing was not detailed publicly. - He was initially sentenced to 30 years for the murder, which was noted by the narrator as a reduced sentence due to his mental health issues being factored in. - Despite the severe sentence, the narrator notes that Silento's spirits reportedly remain high, as he plans to release new music after his time in 'adult timeout'. ![Screenshot at 00:06: Silento's mugshot is displayed while the narrator discusses his initial legal problems, setting the stage for the severity of his later issues.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/p361Blv3JZQ/00-00-06.jpg) **Context:** The video chronicles the steep decline of the artist Silento, whose real name is Richard 'Ricky' Tremaine Hawk, following his massive one-hit-wonder success with the song "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)" around 2015. The narrative focuses on the pressures of the music industry, subsequent legal troubles including domestic battery allegations, and culminates in a fatal incident involving his cousin, which resulted in a significant prison sentence. ## Detailed Analysis The video details the downfall of Silento, the artist behind the viral hit "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)". After his initial success, pressure from his label, Capitol Records, mounted for a second hit, which Silento failed to deliver, leading to friction. This pressure, combined with reported mental health issues, contributed to erratic behavior, including allegedly skipping paid shows. The situation escalated when Silento was charged with domestic battery against his girlfriend and subsequently arrested. After being released on bail, a month later, he was caught driving 143 mph by police. Shortly thereafter, his cousin was found dead in the street. Surveillance footage showed Silento's white BMW leaving the scene. When questioned by police, Silento confessed to killing his cousin, stating, "I did it, it was me." Because he confessed, there was no trial, though exact details on his motive remain unclear. He was sentenced to 30 years, which the narrator states was a reduced sentence due to his mental health history. Despite the long sentence, the video concludes by noting that Silento's spirits seem high as he claims to have new music coming out while serving his time. ### Rise and Fall - Silento achieved massive fame with 'Whip/Nae Nae' - Faced pressure from Capitol Records for a follow-up hit - Struggled with mental health issues exacerbated by fame. ### Legal Troubles Begin - Allegedly stopped showing up for paid performances - Faced a domestic charge against his girlfriend and was arrested - Released on bail shortly before the murder incident. ### Fatal Incident and Confession - Silento's cousin was found dead; surveillance showed Silento's BMW leaving the scene - Silento confessed to the murder when confronted by police: 'I did it, it was me.' ### Sentence and Aftermath - Sentenced to 30 years, noted as a reduced sentence considering mental health issues - Reports suggest his spirits remain high, planning future music releases from prison. ![Screenshot at 00:00: Silento pictured during the peak of his "Whip/Nae Nae" fame.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/p361Blv3JZQ/00-00-00.jpg) ![Screenshot at 00:07: Silento's mugshot is shown following an initial arrest related to domestic charges.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/p361Blv3JZQ/00-00-07.jpg) ![Screenshot at 01:15: A later image of Silento is shown in camouflage attire, referencing his ongoing struggles or behavior changes.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/p361Blv3JZQ/00-01-15.jpg) ![Screenshot at 01:57: A nighttime police dashcam or bodycam view of Silento in his car during a high-speed traffic stop.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/p361Blv3JZQ/00-01-57.jpg) ![Screenshot at 02:56: A recent photo of Silento smiling, used to illustrate that his spirits remain high despite incarceration.](https://ss.rapidrecap.app/screens/p361Blv3JZQ/00-02-56.jpg)