Robert Barrera, widely known as Bobby Bendito, is a Michigan-based hip-hop artist, minister, and speaker whose life story and music share the message of redemption through Christ. Now residing in Grand Rapids, Bobby’s journey began in Saginaw, MI where he became a father at just 14 years old and spent years entangled in the drug and gang culture. His experiences in the streets shaped a perspective few artists can speak from with such raw authenticity.

Everything changed when Bobby encountered Jesus, with his wife in the hospital dealing with a life threatening illness. His life, identity, and purpose through music was re-ignited. Today, Bobby Bendito is recognized for his lyricism that truly testifies and his vulnerability to share how the Lord turned it all around. His music is celebrated for its ability to reach individuals battling addiction, brokenness, and the struggles he once knew intimately.

After going viral in 2024 and 2025 by remixing major hip-hop hits into powerful, Christ-centered anthems, Bobby’s platform expanded rapidly. His voice now resonates far beyond Michigan, making him a sought-after performer and speaker for ministries, churches, recovery events, and youth organizations across the United States.

Whether behind a microphone or standing in front of a classroom, jail pod, or sanctuary, Bobby Bendito brings a compelling, life-changing story of his life. Through his music ministry and testimony, he continues to advocate for the overlooked and inspire people to pursue the transformative freedom he found in Christ Jesus.

Bobby’s impact has continued to grow, reflected not only in millions of views across social media platforms but in widespread recognition for his music. His remixes and testimony have earned him features on major outlets like The 700 Club as well as appearances in the documentary CHANGED which is now streaming on both Tubi and Amazon Prime. His story has also been featured in the documentary STILL HERE which has played at Academy Award-Qualifying film festivals like DOC NYC, Cleveland International Film Festival, and universities like George Mason University and SUNY University at Albany. In his hometown of Saginaw, he was honored with the K’Onda Creative Lyricist Award. Online, his ministry reaches a global audience of over 110,000 followers on Instagram, 145,000 on TikTok, 63,000 on Facebook, and more than 23,000 subscribers on YouTube. Currently, he is working on his music and ministry full time with his team which is made up of his immediate family members, including his two daughters Mariah and Cierra.