Bobby V

1980–2004: Early life and career beginnings

Bobby V was born Bobby Wilson on February 27 in Mississippi. He later moved to Atlanta, Georgia. Growing up, V listened to Michael Jackson, Tony! Toni! Tone!, Marvin Gaye, Jodeci, and The Isley Brothers. Those were the artists that inspired him to become a R&B singer. V entered the music scene in 1996 as a member of the R&B youth quartet Mista, at this time using his real name, Bobby Wilson. New teen-age R&B group, Mista, releases first record. Under the production of Organized Noize (TLC's "Waterfalls"), the group released their self-titled debut album, which produced the hit single "Blackberry Molasses". However, the album did not follow in the same success and despite a second album being produced by Tim & Bob, it was never released. Due to management issues the group split in 1997. Bobby later enrolled at Clark Atlanta University majoring in Mass Communications. While in school, Bobby V continued to record in his free time in hopes of one day returning to the stage.

2005–7: Debut album and Special Occasion

Bobby Valentino was released in the spring of 2005 through Island Def Jam and Ludacris's Disturbing tha Peace label and was certified gold by the RIAA selling over 708,000 copies in the United States. Primarily produced by the hitmakers Tim & Bob, His first single, "Slow Down", became a top 10 hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and #1 R&B single Billboard R&B Singles receiving a large amount of radio and TV airplay. Also in 2005, he joined Bow Wow, Omarion, Marques Houston, B5 and Pretty Ricky on the Scream Tour IV. After the success of "Slow Down", he released a second single, a remix of his song "Tell Me" featuring Lil Wayne produced by Tim & Bob as well. The album's third and final single, "My Angel", was released in the fall of 2005, however it gained little popularity. Gearing up for the release of his 2007 sophomore effort Special Occasion, V released the album's first single titled "Turn the Page" with mixed reviews. His second single, "Anonymous" featuring Timbaland, was released on April 9, 2007. Overall, the album received positive reviews from critics and audiences. He later returned to his pier appearing on the debut episode of MTV's Once Upon A Prom, which aired on May 19, 2007.

2008–9: New label and The Rebirth

In early 2008 V confirmed that he was no longer signed to either Def Jam or Disturbing The Peace during an interview with DJBooth.net. He stated:

Due to the poor album sales of the second album, Special Occasion's failing to reach gold or platinum sales, Bobby V was reportedly frustrated with the album's delays and less than expected sales, culminating in his decision to leave the labels. Although business ties have been severed, V maintains positive relationships with CEO Chaka Zulu, Ludacris and the Disturbing tha Peace/Def Jam staff. In April 2008, Come with Me was released through digital outlets and featured the single "Another Life". In July 2008, three months after being dropped from Def Jam Recordings and leaving Disturbing tha Peace Records, V signed a new deal with EMI, which will house his imprint Blu Kolla Dreams. In regards to the new label his manager and co-CEO of Blu Kolla Dreams Courtney "Colt Luv" Stewart stated:

In addition, V announced the release of a new album titled The Rebirth. When asked about his powerful new album Bobby stated:

The Rebirth was released on February 10, 2009, under his new stage name "Bobby V". The album's first official single "Beep" featuring Yung Joc was released via iTunes on October 7, 2008. In the fall of 2009, V performed under his new alias at Rutgers University Hot Dog Knight. V's third studio album features production by Tim & Bob, Raphael Saadiq, LOS Da Maestro and Big Fruit.

2010–2017

Bobby V released his fourth studio album Fly on the Wall on March 22, 2011. The first single was "Phone #", which features rapper Plies and was produced by Jazze Pha. In December 2010 Bobby V released his second single "Words" off of "Fly on the Wall". In February 2011, Bobby V released his third single "Rock Wit'cha", a remake from the Bobby Brown 1989 album Don't Be Cruel. "Grab Somebody'", which features rapper Twista was his fourth single. Bobby V later appeared alongside rappers Nicki Minaj and Lil Wayne on the song "Sex in the Lounge" from Minaj's second album Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded. In May 2012, Bobby V released the first single from his album, Dusk Till Dawn, titled "Mirror", which features rapper Lil Wayne. On October 16, 2012. Dusk Till Dawn was released. The album sold 50 000 copies in the first week.

In April 2013, Bobby V announced that he was working on a new project, Peach Moon (EP). The first single from Peach Moon was "Back To Love". Bobby V released Peach Moon on December 10, 2013. On January 28, 2015, Bobby V was featured in a single released by Gotti, called "I Need a Girl." In January 2016, V made a partnership with Michael Caseau to aid in media direction, investments, and management. Also in 2016, he released the soundtrack to the BET film Hollywood Hearts. In September 2017, Bobby signed a new label deal with Universal Music Group distributed SoNo Recording Group. The label reunites him with record producer and A&R man Tim Kelley, who co-produced his 2005 debut, Disturbing Tha Peace Presents Bobby Valentino. The first album under his new deal is Controversy, scheduled for release in 2018.

Discography

Awards and nominations