Today we’d like to introduce you to Meshah Hawkins.
Hi Meshah, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
I was born in Oakland, California and raised in Houston’s historic Third Ward, a community that shaped my values, my resilience, and my passion for giving back. I graduated from Jack Yates High School and later earned my Bachelor’s degree in Education from Texas Southern University. My career began in the classroom, where I had the privilege of teaching and mentoring children in underserved communities. Those years taught me the importance of patience, leadership, and investing in people=qualities that have guided me throughout every chapter of my life. Life took an unexpected turn when I met my late husband, John “Big Hawk” Hawkins of infamous DJ Screw’s Screwed Up Click. As his music career grew and he was on the verge of becoming one of Houston’s most respected artists, I had a front-row seat to start of the “Screwed-up culture”, power of the music, and community. We built a life together rooted in family, faith, and purpose. After John’s tragic passing in 2006 with our official wedding only 3 weeks prior, everything changed. In the middle of grieving, I found myself stepping into a role I never imagined -taking over management of the record label. and preserving the legacy he worked so hard to build. What started as a responsibility quickly became a calling. For the past 20 years, Ive dedicated me to raising our sons of course while protecting and growing the legacies of both Big hawk and his brother Fat Pat, whose contributions helped shape Houston’s hip hop culture. Today, I wear many hates. I’m an educator always first at heart, a businesswoman, a manager, a legacy keeper, and an advocate for justice and preserving Houston’s rich cultural history. Looking back, every season of my life-from the classroom to the music industry has prepared me for the next. My journey has been filled with unexpected challenges, and very hard I don’t wish anyone a mile in these shoes, but it’s also been filled with purpose.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Omg No way. The greatest challenge I’ve ever faced was losing my husband, John “Big Hawk” Hawkins, so suddenly becoming a widow with 2 kids in 2006. In an instant, I went from being a wife and supporter of his career to navigating unimaginable grief while also taking on the responsibility of managing his record label and protecting the legacy he left behind. There were many dark moments when I questioned whether I was capable of carrying this weight. I was learning an entirely different side of the music business, and it was dark while grieving. Sheesh it was ugly and, there were many nights that I didn’t have a babysitter and couldn’t go to support other artists or to important music events to network. Sometimes I would be up all night at an event till 2 am and then right back up in the morning fixing breakfast at 6 am getting the kids off to school. Financially struggling to provide the life and education Hawk would approve for his children. I sacrificed so much but, I couldn’t shake the feeling of deep responsibility to our family, to his fans, and to preserving not only John’s legacy but also the legacy of his brother, Fat Pat, whose impact on Houston music remains undeniable. So, I kept my Faith strong by reading the scripture and kept praying. Being a woman (widow) in the music industry comes with very unique challenges, earning respect, making difficult money costly decisions, and staying true to my vision required every bit of my strength, confidence, and perseverance. I would come home broke down a lot. I have been too prideful to ask for help countless times. Through every challenge, I’ve leaned on my faith, my family, and the values that were instilled in me growing up in Third Ward. Those experiences have made me stronger, more resilient, and more determined to leave a positive impact.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Like I said I wear so many hats I guess I would say being the owner and manager of Ghetto Dreams Entertainment the late John “Big Hawk” Hawkins record label, where I’ve spent the last 2 decades preserving and protecting the legacy of both Big Hawk and his brother Fat Pat, also community engagement, stewardship, and just bringing people together through music, history, and purpose, I can’t leave out part-time teaching school. Beyond the music business, I have always believed that success means very little if you don’t use it to serve others. Throughout the years, Ive been deeply committed to giving back to my community by volunteering my time, supporting charitable causes, mentoring others, and contributing financially when I’m able. Service has never been something I do for recognition its simply part of who I am. I don’t know if I specialize in this, but I tell you what I am committed to protecting the stories of people whose contributions deserve to be remembered accurately and honored fairly. Whether through education, music, community service, or historical preservation, just like my life. I believe the truths matter, people matter, and history matters. If you asked people what I’m known for, I hope they would say my integrity, my humility, and my unwavering commitment to doing what’s right. No matter where life has taken me from the classroom to the music industry, from community service to the Grammy Awards Ive always remained grounded. Humility has been one of the greatest lessons in my life, and it’s a value I started learning watching Hawk live with quiet confidence, generosity, and a genuine love for people. My greatest accomplishments are our wonderful children Tahj (25) and Koran (21) Hawkins now young thriving successful young men and any life Ive been able to touch. Every season of my life Ive remained grounded in my faith, my values, and my commitment to serving others. I learned that influence isn’t measured by how loudly you’re seen but by how faithfully you serve. In the music industry, so much of the real work happens behind the scenes and sometimes these people get overlooked, even robbed. Protecting the truth that is what sets me apart my passion and purpose is deeply rooted with conviction. Growing up in Houston’s Third ward, my understanding of community, justice, and perseverance was shaped early. Being part of a family with a history of community activism, attending school alongside George Floyd, and walking through my own personal experiences with profound loss have all strengthened my commitment to truth, fairness, and accountability. That purpose is reflected in everything I do. To me, preserving a legacy isn’t about protecting a name it’s about protecting the truth. Legacy isn’t just about what you accomplish its about how you treat people, what you stand for, and the example you leave for the next generation.
Before we go, is there anything else you can share with us?
That’s the legacy I hope to leave behind.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: hawk4eva and meshahhawk
