Meet Rob hayes

We recently connected with Rob Hayes and have shared our conversation below.

Rob, we’re thrilled to have you on our platform and we think there is so much folks can learn from you and your story. Something that matters deeply to us is living a life and leading a career filled with purpose and so let’s start by chatting about how you found your purpose.
Discovering one’s purpose is often a journey filled with twists, turns, and unexpected revelations. For me, it was a gradual process of self-discovery intertwined with life experiences that shaped my path.

Growing up, I always had a passion for music. It was my escape, my solace, and my greatest joy. As “Young Inf,” I found myself drawn to the rhythm and rhyme of hip-hop, using it as a means of self-expression and connection with others. However, it wasn’t until I faced adversity and challenges along the way that I truly began to understand the power of music in my life.

My journey took me from the streets of Lansing, Michigan, to the battlefields of Iraq and back again. Each step of the way, I encountered hardships and obstacles that tested my resilience and determination. But through it all, music remained my constant companion, providing me with a sense of purpose and direction even in the darkest of times.

It was during my time in the Marine Corps, serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom, that I began to realize the transformative impact music could have not only on my own life but on the lives of others as well. Whether it was through performing for my fellow soldiers or using music as a form of therapy to cope with the trauma of war, I witnessed firsthand the profound healing power of music.

After my honorable discharge, I found myself at a crossroads, unsure of what the future held. But deep down, I knew that music would always be at the center of my life. So, I made the bold decision to pursue my passion wholeheartedly, relocating to Los Angeles to immerse myself in the music industry.

It was there that I truly found my purpose. Through my work as a producer, recording artist, and CEO of Thirty Dark Zero Records, I discovered that my true calling was not just to make music but to use it as a tool for positive change. Whether it’s collaborating with other artists to create meaningful music or using my platform to support independent musicians, I am constantly striving to make a difference in the world through the power of music.

But perhaps most importantly, I’ve come to realize that my purpose extends beyond the music itself. It lies in using my experiences and my platform to inspire others to pursue their passions, overcome adversity, and find their own sense of purpose in life. In doing so, I hope to leave a lasting impact on the world and leave behind a legacy that extends far beyond the notes and lyrics of my music.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
The ominous shadow of the Doomsday Clock looms large, with its relentless countdown now frozen at a spine-tingling 90 seconds until midnight. In the heart of this apocalyptic tension, I am a visionary of a new hip hop era, I am emerging as a harbinger of musical transformation. My debut album, ’90 Seconds Until Midnight,’ is not just an opus; it’s a declaration of revolution that threatens to shatter the status quo.

Armed with my lyrical prowess and unmatched artistic vision, I stand poised at the precipice of hip hop’s rebirth. I’m not just aiming to simply release an album; I seek to dismantle the old world order, leaving behind a smoldering wreckage of convention to forge an untrodden path towards a brighter tomorrow.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back on my journey, three qualities that were most impactful in shaping my path were resilience, passion, and adaptability.

1. Resilience: Throughout my journey, I faced numerous challenges and setbacks, from disappointments in pursuing record deals to divorce to the hardships of military service. However, it was my resilience that allowed me to persevere in the face of adversity and continue pursuing my dreams. My ability to bounce back from setbacks, stay focused on my goals, and keep moving forward despite obstacles was crucial in overcoming challenges along the way.

2. Passion: My deep passion for music fueled my journey and provided me with the motivation and drive to pursue my dreams relentlessly. It was this passion that inspired me to enlist in the Marine Corps, relocate to Los Angeles, and ultimately establish my own record label. My unwavering dedication to my craft enabled me to push through obstacles and stay committed to my goals, even when faced with uncertainty and doubt.

3. Adaptability: Throughout my journey, I learned the importance of being adaptable and open to new experiences and opportunities. Whether it was transitioning from high school to the military or navigating the complexities of the music industry, I had to learn to adapt to changing circumstances and embrace new challenges with flexibility and resilience.

Advice for early journeyers: Embrace change as an inevitable part of the journey and be willing to adapt to new circumstances and opportunities as they arise. Stay open-minded and curious, and be willing to learn from every experience, whether it’s a success or a setback. Develop a growth mindset that values learning and development, and be willing to continuously evolve and adapt in pursuit of your goals.

What has been your biggest area of growth or improvement in the past 12 months?
Let me take you through the whirlwind that has been the last 12 months of my life. It’s been quite a ride, to say the least.

First off, I embarked on the monumental task of recording a double album. Pouring my heart and soul into this project was both exhilarating and exhausting, but I wouldn’t have had it any other way. It’s been a labor of love, and I’m incredibly proud of what we’ve created.

Then, imagine my excitement when I landed a record deal with GreaterThan Distribution, thanks to the incredible Paula Moore and none other than Randy Jackson from American Idol. It’s been a dream come true to have their support and expertise backing me up in this journey. It’s a validation of all the hard work and dedication I’ve put into my music over the years.

But amidst all these career highs, life threw me a curveball—I made the tough decision to relocate from Los Angeles to Houston. Starting fresh in a new city has been both thrilling and daunting, but I’m embracing the change with open arms. It’s all part of the adventure, right?

And then there’s the personal side of things. Going through a divorce after being with my ex-wife for 18 years has been one of the most challenging experiences of my life. It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions, navigating the highs and lows of untangling our lives and starting anew. But I’m taking it one day at a time, leaning on my loved ones for support, and finding solace in my music.

Through it all, I’ve been growing—personally, professionally, and creatively. I’ve discovered strength and resilience I never knew I had, and I’ve found a renewed sense of purpose in my music. It’s been my saving grace, my therapy, and my guiding light through the darkest of times.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Thirty Dark Zero Records LLC.

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