Meet Robert Hawkins

Today we’d like to introduce you to Robert Hawkins. They and their team shared their story with us below:

Independent artist, songwriter, and singer Robert Hawkins has experienced life at the high moments of greatness and honor and has lived through low and turbulent pits of anguish. He writes music and sings about an infallible hope called Jesus. With his music and his incredible testimony, he is dedicated to helping others find that same hope and victory. 

Stemming off the heels of his successful single and video “Things Will Work Out” featuring Wess Morgan and Minon Sarten, Robert has released another inspiring new single, “Better Days.” 

Written by Robert, Joel Barns, John Webb Jr, and David Brown, ‘”Better Days” moves with a mid-tempo flow with simple lyrics that resonate with all walks of life. A continual mantra we all should embrace and repeat – “Look at yourself and tell yourself better days are coming.” 

The “Better Days” official music video is viewable now on YouTube. Director Rafael Gutierrez created a visual of how God can bring triumph, healing, and confidence to any situation. Robert transparently offers his own life trials and victory as the storyline, which further fuels his authentic and passionate song performance. 

Watch “Better Days” Video 

Robert shares his life testimony through his music. In addition, he continues to be a beacon of hope through THE RECOVERY GATHERING. The Recovery Gathering is Robert’s ministry and mission to assist and encourage those who suffer from addiction, mental illness, trauma, or any need of rehabilitation. The Recovery Gathering celebrated one year of formation and continues to impact cities and lives across the country. 

Robert is set to tour with his Better Days Tour promoting his new music and The Recovery Gathering. For more information on bringing either tour to your city, contact [email protected]. 

Download or stream “Better Days” now on your favorite digital music platform. You can also set your calendar for the premiere of the “Better Days” official lyric video on July 4. Click here to get a reminder of the lyric video premiere and to follow Robert’s YouTube Channel. Visit iamRHawkins.com for cool “Better Days” merchandise, updates on the tour, music, and his life-changing ministry happenings. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Battling with hard-core drugs such as: crack cocaine, cocaine, and depression was a hard pull to swallow. I didn’t get introduced to drugs until named 20’s. However, at first, it was recreational; then it became uncontrollable! I gave away many jobs, money, I compromised my character on many occasions due to being overtaken by that beast! I was no longer dependable, reliable. The only thing that mattered was to get the next high.! That was my priority, and NOTHING else mattered. I went to rehab several times because my family and friends wanted me to go, and they didn’t have to worry about me being in any trouble. The problem was, I was doing it for them and NOT ME! So as soon as I got out of rehab, I would go back to the same environment and use again, and it was a cycle over and over again until I wanted to get away and go to rehab for myself to learn something I didn’t know. Please understand while I was getting high and drunk, I was still attending church and working at churches when I showed up if I weren’t high. I did still have some support, and people believed in me. Some judged me because they didn’t understand the effect of addiction, and some stood by my side. When I went to inpatient rehab for ME, I learned I was not the only one that was dealing with substance abuse. I began to open my heart and to humble myself to accept the fact I didn’t have to pick up and use again. I leaned how to LIVE and NOT to just EXIST! That was one of the best Decisions I’ve ever made in my life. I also learned some practical tools to use out in the world when triggers would occur. However, in recovery, they taught us to stay busy doing something we love to do, and for me in 2016 is when my music career began, and traveling the country full time sharing my story of triumph! As soon as the pandemic hit, I was not prepared to stay home doing nothing and fell into a state of depression! Being in the dark for Months, being socially isolated from the world. No one knew if I was alive or dead because it was that bad. Thank God for a strong support group, Therapist, spiritual mentors that’s in my life. This journey has not been easy but WORTH it. Since June 10, 2022, I started a nonprofit called “The Recovery Gathering” where I give back to the community I come from to help bring others out that PIT. We celebrate RECOVERY through worship for purpose! God has turned my mess into a message to those who suffer from addiction, trauma, or in need of any rehabilitation, can gather to Celebrate RECOVERY through songs of worship. After the many overdoses, getting into legal trouble, doing people wrong, not being the best me, attempting taking my own life, GOD looked beyond my faults and saw my NEEDS!! This is my story, and I’m grateful to be alive to still share MY OWN STORY! 

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a full-time traveling Artist. I have been releasing original music since 2016, travel, and perform all over the country. I’ve received several awards, accolades throughout my career so far. Founder of a nonprofit entitled; “The Recovery Gathering,” where we Celebrate RECOVERY Through Worship for Purpose. We partner with Recovery homes, inpatient rehab facilities, substance abuse organizations, and mental health services and provide free concerts to give a message of hope, healing, and encouragement. 

I’m most proud of being able to give back to the community where I come from. Substance abuse and mental illness community. 

What matters most to you? Why?
Life and family matters most to me because I was created to live in abundance, and I’m grateful to have my family and friends in my life. My peace is very important to me now that I’ve grown spiritually, mentally, and even emotionally. With the career I’m in as to consistently pouring out and giving of my energy. With that being said. Self-care is intentional in my life so I can have something in my cup to be able to pour out. If not. I’ll be trying to give out of an empty cup. Last but not least, my FAITH in Jesus has kept me afloat, focused, motivated, persevering, fighting back, and wanting to live. I love me some Jesus because he didn’t let me die because there’s more for me. If I’ve learned anything in life, I’ve learned that “Things Will Work Out.” 

Pricing:

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Contact Info:

• Website: Iamrhawkins.com
• Instagram: @iamrhawkins
• Facebook: @iamrhawkins
• Twitter: @iamrhawkins
• Youtube: Robert Hawkins

Image Credits
David Dickerson
Stepfane Willis
Terrence Zackery
Yolanda Marant