Meet Rob Zumaya

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Rob Zumaya a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Rob , sincerely appreciate your selflessness in agreeing to discuss your mental health journey and how you overcame and persisted despite the challenges. Please share with our readers how you overcame. For readers, please note this is not medical advice, we are not doctors, you should always consult professionals for advice and that this is merely one person sharing their story and experience.

As the pandemic swept across the nation and lockdowns began, I watched everything I had tirelessly built over the past decade unravel before my eyes. I had navigated the homophobic gatekeeping of a genre slowly becoming more accepting, stood resilient through the challenges faced by countless struggling artists, secured interviews and coverage from coveted publications, and even landed my first tour. I tried my best to stay afloat, demonstrating resilience by performing virtual shows and creating content to engage my fans. However, I could only maintain this for so long before I sank into a depression that would linger long after the pandemic eased.

Unlike many artists who thrived during this time, I lost my solitude while living with my partner and best friend. The struggle to navigate daily life became overwhelming as I watched a crucial part of my identity slip away while trying to maintain my mental health and manage my crumbling relationships. The pandemic drove a wedge between my partner of five years and me, and it strained my friendship with my best friend. I felt like a mere shadow of my former self, grappling with the task of rebuilding my self-worth.

I had never been one to celebrate my accomplishments in real time; I was always focused on overcoming the next hurdle. Battling with issues of self-identity and depression for as long as I could remember, music was my refuge—a place where I felt I belonged. Yet, in recent years, my confidence had been distorted. I sought support from a close friend and collaborator, only to be met with projections of his unresolved issues and jealousy. In my moment of vulnerability, he twisted the knife of self-doubt deeper, causing me to plunge further into feelings of worthlessness, despite having once been a source of inspiration for him.

As time passed, I began to find my footing again, only to be blindsided by a severe back injury that further plunged me into depression and made me question my purpose in something that had once given my life meaning. I lost trust in my body and mind, feeling as though I was not recovering as expected. My self-doubt intensified, leading me to believe I lacked the talent or drive necessary for success. I felt like a fraud, unable to keep up with my own expectations or the ever-evolving landscape of social media, where content often overshadowed craft and passion. The anxiety of time slipping away and my dreams fading fueled my fears, making me feel inferior to my peers who seemed to flourish despite similar challenges. I felt I didn’t belong or deserve to be seen as a creative; my perspective no longer mattered.

For a time, I masked my pain, striving for normalcy while life seemed determined to throw every obstacle in my path. My efforts to maintain a likable demeanor ultimately cost me my job, and I faced financial ruin, struggling to stay afloat and depleting my savings. I fell into isolation, numbing myself and wishing for each day to end, hoping the new day would bring hope. Everything became a blur.

Then, gradually, the fight within me reignited. Perhaps it was the return of my body’s strength, or maybe I just needed to endure the storm until every emotion had been fully felt and exhausted. Life had to be lived in its daily struggles, but somewhere within the process of rebuilding myself, I realized that enough time had passed for me to mourn the dreams that had been taken from me. I understood that it was not just my circumstances robbing me of joy; I had grown to resent something that once served as my catharsis—my music. This outlet, which had brought me immense joy and allowed others to find their own courage, was now a source of frustration.

Then came the epiphany: I rediscovered my superpower. I began to challenge the negative self-talk that had haunted me and recognized my accomplishments not by accolades but by the way I could touch others’ lives. I remembered those who saw themselves in my journey, both the good and the bad, and turned their connections into my affirmations. Around this time, I reconnected with an old friend who provided a fresh perspective, reminding me of how far I had come and how proud others were of me.

I no longer resented my path; instead, I embraced my setbacks and struggles with the compassion I would extend to others. I found solace in the knowledge that I was not alone in facing life’s obstacles. If my story, in its most powerful and courageous form, could impact others, then surely my rock bottom and resilience could inspire someone else fighting their own battles.

With this realization, I set to work. Over the past two years, I discovered my voice amidst the despair, shedding the unsupported perceptions born from my insecurities. I pushed through hesitation and fear, breaking free from the limitations of how success should be defined. I learned to trust myself and the process, pouring my heart unapologetically into each song. I transformed my heartbreak and depression into a tapestry of therapeutic healing, tapping into the ether to channel an authentic collection of songs. I discarded the idea of what listeners might want—no stakes, no consequences—just my unfiltered self. If it resonates with others and captures their hearts, then so be it.

Today, I stand before you with confidence, knowing that the storms I once believed I could never endure have shaped a voice as powerful as a hurricane, crafted through turbulence and resulting in a body of work born from my darkest moments. From this perspective, I see a brighter tomorrow on the horizon.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

HeartThrob Robb, known offstage as Rob Zumaya, is a proud Mexican/Italian American rapper and passionate gay activist based in Los Angeles hailing from San Diego, CA. From a young age, Robb exhibited a creative flair, excelling in various artistic endeavors. Although music served as a personal outlet, he never imagined it could become a career until a life-changing moment in 2011, when he tragically lost his mother. In a bid to honor her memory, Robb transformed his grief into music, releasing the critically acclaimed mixtape “Meat,” which marked his entry into the industry.

Since his debut nearly a decade ago, HeartThrob Robb has emerged as a pioneering figure in the “Out Hip-Hop” scene. His first mixtape, “M.E.A.T,” garnered underground acclaim, paving the way for his subsequent EP, “Eleven Eleven.” This project broke free from the stereotypes of contemporary hip-hop, showcasing his growth and crossover potential. His unapologetic single, “WHATS YOUR LYFE LYKE?,” boldly challenges societal norms and affirms his right to live authentically. The captivating music video for this track catapulted him into the mainstream, earning recognition from esteemed platforms like Billboard, Logo, and Pop Line, and landing him on multiple Spotify editorial playlists.

Robb continued to push boundaries with standout releases like “Lose Ya Mind,” a vibrant Caribbean dance track featuring Solomon Ray and Flykingi. With a series of successful releases, he has performed at numerous Pride events across the country, celebrating love, acceptance, and diversity. He has had the honor of opening for renowned artists such as Brandy, TLC, and Mya, solidifying his place in the music scene.

After a three-year hiatus focused on mental health and recovery from a severe back injury, HeartThrob Robb made a triumphant return with his comeback track “Make It Hot,” featuring Los Angeles nightlife sensation Gracie Carter. This was followed by “Manifesto,” which showcases his lyrical prowess as one of hip-hop’s most daring queer emcees. Currently, he is finalizing new music, including a full-length EP/Album set for release in 2025. His highly anticipated single, “Tipsy,” is set to drop on September 17, 2024. This track features smooth melodies layered over Robb’s signature hip-hop style, inviting listeners to immerse themselves in the warmth and emotion of its lyrics. The release coincides with the Harvest Moon, a time for gratitude and reflection, making it the perfect moment for this deeply personal song to resonate.

“Tipsy” promises to evoke feelings of love, hope, and nostalgia as HeartThrob Robb opens his heart in tribute to the love of his life. This single marks a transformative moment in his musical journey. While his previous works highlighted his sharp lyricism and vibrant persona, “Tipsy” unveils a more vulnerable side of his artistry. Set against a dreamy California backdrop, the song underscores Robb’s versatility and his ability to explore the complexities of love. The heartfelt lyrics offer a glimpse into his romantic nature:

*”My, My, My / I wish my mother would have met you,
She would have echoed your special…
Still remember the first night that I met you,
Love at first sight, light up my night like a lightning strike.”*

“Tipsy” serves as a poignant ode to the intoxication of love, capturing the exhilarating feeling of being swept away by romance—a sensation many gay men fortunate enough to experience love can relate to.

Robb’s journey will also be featured in an upcoming documentary that highlights the contributions of queer artists in the often-homophobic genre of hip-hop. With each release, Robb continues to redefine the genre, challenging preconceived notions and advocating for change within rap music.

As a fearless representative of the LGBTQ+ community, HeartThrob Robb is at the forefront of a movement that embraces diversity in all its forms, making him a powerful force in the music industry.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?

I firmly believe that the three qualities that have truly contributed to my happiness in my craft—rather than any perceived superficial success as an artist—are resilience, courage, and curiosity.

Resilience is key; it’s the ability to overcome not just external naysayers but also the internal doubts we all face. Even if you’re navigating uncharted territory, your determination against the odds can pave the way for yourself and open doors for others in ways you might never have imagined.

Courage comes into play when you choose to be different and true to yourself. Trust in yourself and the process, because as frustrating as the journey may feel, never underestimate your passion and your ability to surpass your own expectations. More often than not, this leads to results that are far superior to what you initially envisioned.

Lastly, curiosity and discipline are essential for following through on your creative endeavors. Never let hard work deter you from completing what you’ve started. Allow space for curiosity and evolution; it may take a year to achieve your goals, but the joy of marveling at something you’ve created will last far longer.

To anyone embarking on their creative journey, don’t be afraid of failure. I assure you that failure is not definitive, and success is rarely a straight path. The setbacks you encounter will encourage growth in any medium, and that’s part of the beauty of creation.

What was the most impactful thing your parents did for you?

Despite the humble conditions of my upbringing, my parents provided abundant support, encouragement, and unconditional love. I believe that this nurturing environment far outweighs any superficial advantages. Such investment creates a foundation that can endure the inevitable ups and downs that life presents.

Contact Info:

• Website: http://heartthrobrobb.com
• Instagram: @HeartthrobRobb
• Twitter: @HeartthrobRobb
• Other: New Releases: https://song.link/i/1763890782
  Older discography: https://album.link/i/1169727891

Image Credits

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