Bobby V

Last updated

Bobby V
Bobby Valentino.jpg
Bobby V performing in 2007
Background information
Birth nameBobby Marcel Wilson
Also known as
  • Bobby Valentino
  • Bobby V-Tino
Born (1980-02-27) February 27, 1980 (age 44)
Jackson, Mississippi, U.S.
Origin Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Education Clark Atlanta University (BS)
Genres R&B [1]
Occupations
  • Singer
  • songwriter
Discography Bobby V discography
Years active1994–present
Labels
Formerly of Mista
Children1

Bobby Marcel Wilson (born February 27, 1980), better known by his stage name Bobby V (formerly known as Bobby Valentino), is an American R&B singer. Born in Jackson, Mississippi and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, he first joined the R&B group Mista in 1994, who became best known for their 1996 single "Blackberry Molasses". The song preceded the release of their eponymous debut studio album that same year, which underperformed commercially. The group disbanded the following year.

Contents

Wilson then pursued a solo career and signed with rapper Ludacris' record label Disturbing tha Peace, an imprint Def Jam Recordings in 2005 to release his debut solo single, "Slow Down" in February of that year. It reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and served as the lead single for his self-titled debut studio album (2005), which peaked at number three on the Billboard 200. The album spawned a follow-up single, "Tell Me" (featuring Lil Wayne). His second album, Special Occasion (2007) was met with similar success and supported by the single "Anonymous" (featuring Timbaland). His third album, The Rebirth (2009) was released by EMI. Each of the albums debuted atop the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart.

Life and career

1980–2004: Early life and career beginnings

Bobby Marcel Wilson [2] was born on February 27, 1980, in Jackson, Mississippi. [1] He later moved to Atlanta, Georgia. Growing up, Wilson listened to Michael Jackson, Tony! Toni! Toné!, Marvin Gaye, Jodeci, and The Isley Brothers. Those were the artists that inspired him to become a R&B singer. Wilson 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. [3] The new teenage R&B group released their first record. [4] 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. Wilson later enrolled at Clark Atlanta University majoring in mass communications. While in school, Wilson continued to record in his free time in hopes of one day returning to the stage.

Bobby V performing in Southeast Missouri State University during the Xi Gamma chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha's Miss Black and Gold Pageant, 2006 Bobbyv.jpg
Bobby V performing in Southeast Missouri State University during the Xi Gamma chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha's Miss Black and Gold Pageant, 2006

2005–2007: Debut album and Special Occasion

Bobby Valentino was released in the spring of 2005 through Island Def Jam and Ludacris' Disturbing tha Peace label and was certified gold by the RIAA selling over 708,000 copies in the United States. [5] Primarily produced by hitmakers Tim & Bob, his first single, "Slow Down", became a Top 10 hit on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 chart and a #1 R&B single on the Billboard R&B Singles chart 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 , Bobby 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.

2008–2009: New label and The Rebirth

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

The decision to leave [the label] was totally mine. I sat down with Ludacris and Chaka Zulu, and I explained to them that it was time for me to venture out on my own. They had no problem with it; they are cool with it, no beef at all.

Around this time, British musician Bobby Valentino brought an action against the Bobby V (then billed as "Bobby Valentino") and his then-record label Def Jam for "Passing off, trademark infringement, and breach of contract, in relation to record sales, recorded content, and artist's live performances".

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. [6] Although business ties have been severed, Bobby 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, Bobby V signed a new deal with EMI, which will house his imprint Blu Kolla Dreams. [7] In regards to the label his manager and co-CEO of Blu Kolla Dreams Courtney "Colt Luv" Stewart stated:

Blu Kolla Dreams is the start of a new business venture for anyone who has taken the Blu Kolla approach and worked extremely hard over time to make an impact in their communities, achieve greatness and make their dreams come true. [8]

Later that year, Bobby V announced his third album, The Rebirth . Regarding its release, he stated:

I have been blessed to be in the music industry for over 10 years, and my past endeavors have been great learning experiences. Now I have the opportunity to step out on faith and use the knowledge and experience that I have gained to take my career to the next level. [8]

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

2010–present

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 Bobby Brown's 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 . [9] 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. [10]

In April 2013, Bobby V announced that he was working on a new project, Peach Moon. 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, Bobby 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 V signed a new label deal with SoNo Recording Group distributed by Universal Music 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. [11] The new album Electrik which was produced entirely by Tim Kelley, was released on March 9, 2018. The album debuted on the Billboard R&B Album Chart at #7. Electrik includes a collaboration with Snoop Dogg on the album's first single "Lil' Bit".

In June 2022, Bobby V participated in Verzuz, paired with Ray J and went against Sammie with Pleasure P. Their segment went viral for multiple reasons, resulting in the four singers to meet virtually on social media where they came together and develop a R&B supergroup R.S.V.P, which currently is in development.

Personal life

Wilson has one child: a daughter born in 2017. [12]

Discography

Studio albums

Filmography

Awards and nominations

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ludacris</span> American rapper and actor (born 1977)

Christopher Brian Bridges, known professionally as Ludacris, is an American rapper and actor. Born in Champaign, Illinois, Ludacris moved to Atlanta, Georgia, at age nine, where he first began rapping. Starting out with a brief stint as a DJ, he formed his own record label, Disturbing tha Peace in the late 1990s to independently release his debut studio album Incognegro (1999). After its single, "What's Your Fantasy", became a top 40 hit on the Billboard Hot 100, the album was re-released by Def Jam Recordings as his major label debut, Back for the First Time (2000). The latter album peaked at number four on the Billboard 200 and spawned his second top 40 single, "Southern Hospitality".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Chingy</span> American rapper (born 1980)

Howard Earl Bailey Jr., known professionally as Chingy, is an American rapper from St. Louis, Missouri. He toured as an opening act with fellow St. Louis rapper Nelly in 2002, and signed with Georgia-based rapper Ludacris' record label, Disturbing tha Peace (DTP), that same year. Released in a joint-venture with Capitol Records, his 2003 debut single, "Right Thurr" peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Disturbing tha Peace</span> American record label based in Atlanta, Georgia

Disturbing tha Peace Records is an American record label founded by Jeff Dixon, Chaka Zulu, and Ludacris in 1998.

<i>Back for the First Time</i> 2000 studio album by Ludacris

Back for the First Time is the second studio album by American rapper Ludacris. It was released on October 17, 2000, via Disturbing tha Peace and Def Jam South, marking his major label debut.

Def Jam South was a music division of Def Jam Recordings. The label focused primarily on southern acts. It was best known for launching the career of its first artist signed, Ludacris and his own imprint, Disturbing tha Peace. In 2004, following the signing of Jeezy and hip-hop's overdominance of trap music, the division was folded into Def Jam.

Rashawnna Guy, better known by her stage name Shawnna, is an American rapper from Chicago, Illinois. She is best known for her guest appearances on Ludacris' 2000 single "What's Your Fantasy", as well as his 2003 single "Stand Up"; the songs peaked at numbers 21 and one on the Billboard Hot 100, respectively. She signed with his record label Disturbing tha Peace, an imprint of Def Jam South to release her debut studio album, Worth tha Weight (2004) and its follow-up, Block Music (2006). The former spawned the single "Shake Dat Shit", while the latter spawned the top 40 single "Gettin' Some".

<i>Bobby Valentino</i> (album) 2005 studio album by Bobby Valentino

Bobby Valentino is the debut studio album by American R&B singer Bobby Valentino. It was released by Def Jam South Recordings and Disturbing tha Peace on April 26, 2005. The album was primarily produced and executive produced by Tim Kelley and Bob Robinson from duo Tim & Bob, while additional production was provided by Larrance Dopson, Lamar Edwards, Gary Smith, Steve "Swift" Thornton, and Rondeau "Duke" Williams. Rapper Ludacris appears as a guest vocalist on the album.

<i>Disturbing tha Peace</i> (album) 2005 compilation album by Ludacris and Disturbing tha Peace

Disturbing tha Peace is the second compilation album released by record label Disturbing tha Peace. Artists who appear on the album include Ludacris, Bobby V, I-20 and Shawnna. This album has been certified Gold by the RIAA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Gettin' Some</span> 2005 single by Shawnna

"Gettin' Some" is a song by American hip hop recording artist Shawnna. It was released on December 3, 2005, via Disturbing tha Peace/Def Jam Recordings as a single from her second studio album Block Music. The original version of "Gettin' Some" appears on Block Music as a hidden track. The song samples Too Short's "Blowjob Betty".

<i>Golden Grain</i> 2002 compilation album by Various Artists

Golden Grain is a compilation album by American record label Disturbing tha Peace. It was released on September 10, 2002 via Def Jam South.

<i>Special Occasion</i> (Bobby Valentino album) 2007 studio album by Bobby Valentino

Special Occasion is the second studio album by American R&B singer Bobby Valentino. It was released by Disturbing tha Peace and Def Jam Recordings on May 8, 2007, in the United States. The singer co-wrote over three quarters of the album, which also features songwriting and production from Tim & Bob, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Timbaland, Sean Garrett, Don Vito, Bryan-Michael Cox and Dre & Vidal. It also features guest appearances by Ludacris, Timbaland and Fabolous.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Slow Down (Bobby Valentino song)</span> 2005 single by Bobby Valentino

"Slow Down" is the debut single of American singer Bobby Valentino, released from his first self-titled album, Bobby Valentino, on February 14, 2005. Produced by Tim & Bob, the song spent four consecutive weeks at number one on the US Billboard Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and has since been certified gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). "Slow Down" also peaked at number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 as well as number four in the United Kingdom. The music video was directed by Erik White.

This article summarizes the events, album releases, and album release dates in hip hop music for the year 2008.

This page lists a discography of albums and extended plays released under or distributed by Def Jam Recordings, a division of Universal Music Group, which had been created in 1984. Records distributed by another label, but released under Def Jam, are also included or otherwise reviewed. Also included are albums or EPs that were released under Rush Associated Labels and subsidiaries like Original Black Recordings, DJ West, Def Soul, Disturbing tha Peace, Def Jam South, Roc-A-Fella Records, Murder Inc. Records, and GOOD Music.

<i>The Rebirth</i> 2009 studio album by Bobby V

The Rebirth is the third studio album by American R&B singer Bobby V, who had recorded his first two albums under the name Bobby Valentino. It was released on February 10, 2009. The album was V's first to be released through his record label Blu Kolla Dreams, and debuted at number seven on the U.S. Billboard 200, selling 64,000 copies in its first week. The first single, "Beep", reached No. 55 on the Billboard Hot 100 and No. 6 on the R&B/Hip-Hop chart. The second single, "Hands on Me", reached number 56.

Electrik Red is an American R&B girl group, comprising Kyndra "Binkie" Reevey, Lesley Lewis, Naomi Allen, and Sarah Rosete. The members began their individual careers as backup dancers in New York City and Toronto. The group formed in 2005 and signed with Def Jam Recordings in 2008. Their music is mainly written and produced by songwriter The-Dream and his production partner Tricky Stewart.

<i>Battle of the Sexes</i> (album) 2010 studio album by Ludacris

Battle of the Sexes is the eighth studio album by American rapper Ludacris, released March 9, 2010 on Disturbing tha Peace and Def Jam South. The album was recorded during 2008 to 2010 and its production was handled by several producers, including T-Minus, Bangladesh, Swizz Beatz, The Neptunes, and The Runners.

<i>Flight 360: The Takeoff</i> 2009 studio album by Playaz Circle

Flight 360: The Takeoff is the second and final studio album by American hip hop duo Playaz Circle. It was released on June 23, 2009, on Disturbing tha Peace/Def Jam Recordings. Recording sessions took place at DB Studios in College Park, at Upstairs Studio in Atlanta, at KY Recordings, at Trak Meet Studios in St. Louis, at Milk Money Consulting, and at Solitaire Studios. Production was handled by Big Hurt, Wonder Arillo, Aktual, Brandon Casey, Brian Casey, Clarence "Kage" Holmes, Crank King, Kidz With Machine Gunz, Korleone, Larry Love, LT Moe, T-Gunnz, The Royalty, The Trak Starz, Tombstone, and Trouble Styles, with Chaka Zulu, Jeff Dixon and Ludacris serving as executive producers. It features guest appearances from Brandon Casey, Brian Casey, Bobby Valentino, CeeLo Green, Lil Wayne, Ludacris, OJ Da Juiceman, Raekwon, Sunni Patterson, Young Dro, Ivory Weems, Dunlap Exclusive and Jay Rush.

Erik Nelson is an American Grammy-nominated songwriter, music producer and recording engineer. His first commercial studio, Sinewave Studios, opened in 1994 in Bloomington, IL. It was at Sinewave that Nelson recorded, mixed and mastered the EP "Kill, I Oughtta" for Mudvayne. After Mudvayne's major label debut "L.D. 50", their label, Epic, re-released "Kill, I Oughtta" under the title "The Beginning of All Things to End" with some additional remixes from "L.D. 50".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Playaz Circle</span> American hip hop duo

Playaz Circle was an American hip hop duo composed of rappers 2 Chainz and Dolla Boy, both of whom originate from College Park, Georgia. They signed with Ludacris' record label, Disturbing tha Peace, an imprint of Def Jam Recordings to release two albums: Supply & Demand (2007) and Flight 360: The Takeoff (2009). The former of which spawned the single "Duffle Bag Boy", their only song to enter the Billboard Hot 100; it peaked at number 15 on the chart.

References

  1. 1 2 Jeffries, David. "Bobby Valentino – Biography". AllMusic . Retrieved November 2, 2008.
  2. ↑ "Bobby Marcel Wilson". Warner Chappell Music. Archived from the original on September 30, 2019.
  3. ↑ "The Michigan Daily Online". May 17, 2006. Archived from the original on May 17, 2006.
  4. ↑ Mista. hiponline.com (February 17, 2008)
  5. ↑ (August 7, 2008). Bobby Valentino Snags EMI Distribution Deal Billboard. Accessed July 22, 2010.
  6. ↑ Bobby Valentino No Longer Signed to Def Jam or Disturbing The Peace DJ Booth. Accessed April 9, 2008.
  7. ↑ Bobby Valentino Set For 'Rebirth' With New Label and Album Archived July 30, 2012, at archive.today singersroom.com. Accessed September 1, 2008.
  8. 1 2 Bobby Valentino Inks Major Label Deal with EMI for Imprint, Blu Kolla Dreams Archived 2008-12-06 at the Wayback Machine Middle Child Promotions. Accessed September 24, 2008.
  9. ↑ Jeffries, David. "Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded – Nicki Minaj". AllMusic. Retrieved April 4, 2012.
  10. ↑ "Bobby V Dusk Til Dawn". iTunes. October 12, 2012. Retrieved October 12, 2012.
  11. ↑ "Bobby Valentino Creates a new Controversy". sonorecordinggroup.com. SoNo Recording Group. September 18, 2017. Retrieved September 23, 2017.
  12. ↑ "My 1st year being a father 🙏🏽#happyfathersday to those that are apart of their children's life!". twitter.com. Retrieved June 24, 2022.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.