Source: courtesy of Empire / Courtesy of Empire
As time goes on, the truth surfaces. Of course, you recognize Robin Thicke as a five-time GRAMMY® Award nominee, diamond-selling performer, actor, entrepreneur, and philanthropist—among many other things. However, he knows himself best and can sum up his identity in the most succinct and straightforward manner possible…
“In the end, I’m just a singer, songwriter and father forever,” he exclaims. “It all started with writing songs and performing them in front of people. At the beginning, I’d simply sit at the piano by myself and sing. I felt something special in my heart. That feeling carries me through now. If I start writing and get the rush of a song being created out of thin air, I know I’m on the right track. It’s what brings me the most joy to this day. I think it always will.”
His voice as an artist and songwriter has brought an immense amount of joy to millions around the globe. He began behind-the-scenes, writing for everyone from Christina Aguilera to P!nk and earning chart-topping multiplatinum certifications in the process. This set the stage for his star to dramatically rise. Since the launch of his solo career in 2003, he quietly emerged as one of R&B’s most identifiable, irresistible, and inimitable talents. Notching multiple gold and platinum certifications and consecutive Top 5 bows on the Billboard Top 200, he ascended to a commercial and creative high watermark on his 2013 sixth album, Blurred Lines.
Not only did Blurred Lines crash the Billboard Top 200 at #1, but it also produced the RIAA Diamond-certified title single “Blurred Lines” [feat. T.I. & Pharrell]. The song made history, clutching #1 on the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 weeks. In the aftermath, he became “the first artist to simultaneously occupy #1 on the Hot 100 and Top 200 since 2012” and entered rarified air among 17 other acts o accomplish the same feat in the previous decade. Not to mention, it scored “the highest audience ever recorded” and captured #1 on five radio charts simultaneously. Between sold out shows, he collaborated with everyone from Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne to Nas and Kendrick Lamar. Earning a spot in the pop culture pantheon, he took his time crafting album number eight. Enduring the passing of his father and a series of personal ups and downs, he embraced newfound strength.
“After all of these tumultuous times, I was thinking a lot,” he admits. “On this record, I wanted to make sure it sounded like nobody else. It had to be very individual to me. It’s about creating classic music that could’ve been on my first album—or my eighth. Some of the ideas might seem a little more mature, but much of the material discusses the celebration after getting through tough times and still having love, happiness, friendship, and family past those difficult moments.”
Simultaneously, he perfected his signature style and channeled a raw and real spirit.
“Soul is my main inspiration and backbone, but I grew up in the hip-hop generation, so it’s as much a part of my life as soul music is,” he goes on. “With age comes humility, I’ve gone through the ups and downs. Life is about being grateful, enjoying each day, and riding those waves.”
His 2019 single “That’s What Love Can Do” hinges on a throwback soundscape evocative of seventies-era Motown with its rich horns, cinematic strings, finger-snaps, wailing guitar, and gorgeous piano. This backdrop gives way to a powerhouse refrain, highlighting the scope of his instantly recognizable voice.
“It’s about always believing in love to its fullest capabilities,” he says. “It’s also about using love to overcome challenges and be a better father, partner, and man. ‘That’s What Love Can Do’ speaks to where I’m at.”
His influence continues to grow with not just more music, but television including his position as a panelist on the hit show The Masked Singer. Backed by real musicianship and focused on timeless songcraft, Robin’s own truth comes into focus brighter and bolder than ever in 2019 and beyond.
“When you listen to my new music, I hope you feel the same way I do—which is rejuvenated,” he leaves off. “I’m able to rejoice in the love of God, family, and friends. I want to share this true connection. The words, story, and positivity might bring some hope.”
