ThaWilsonBlock Magazine

  Follow "Sh8kes" on Instagram Hailing from the vibrant heart of Durham, North Carolina, Robin "Sh8kes" Williamson is a multifaceted creative whose impact transcends art. As a published author, motivational speaker, business owner, and spoken word poet, Sh8kes brings a raw, unfiltered authenticity to his work that resonates deeply with audiences across the Carolinas and beyond. A reformed gang member turned community advocate, Sh8kes channels his personal journey into every poem and performance. His writing is steeped in lived experience, and his delivery—marked by emotional intensity, clarity, and conviction—captures the soul of the streets and the spirit of healing. In the words of acclaimed poet and educator Dasan Ahanu, “Sh8kes’s poetry is the bass from a car speaker…the laughter from the barbershop…a piece of corner folklore. His poetry is full of honesty, emotion, and will. It reflects our lives… the struggle, the joys, and the resilience it takes to make it. ...

Published author, motivational speaker, business owner, spoken word poet, and native North Carolinian Robin " Sh8kes " Williamson shares his poignant new single "Move On". Produced by Skii , and featuring a guest verse from the Bay Area's own The Grouch of Living Legends. The song serves as Sh8kes' first new release since his 2024 EP Necessary Pain. "This track is about the value and power in letting go and moving on. Sometimes that’s hard to do because of the love you might have for someone, but there comes a time when we start to become harmful to ourselves with resentment. I had to learn this the hard way. It’s usually best to just let go and move on before you start to become a burden to yourself. By letting go, you make room for relationships that inspire growth, opportunities that align with your purpose, and love that nurtures your soul. It’s a bold leap into a life where you no longer settle for less but strive for the best version of yourself....