Bobby V

Not to be confused with Bobby Vee.

Bobby V
300x200px Bobby V performing in Southeast Missouri State University during the Xi Gamma chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha's Miss Black and Gold Pageant, 2006.
Background information
Birth name	Robert Wilson
Also known as	Bobby Valentino, Bobby V-Tino
Born	(1980-02-27) February 27, 1980 Jackson, Mississippi, U.S.
Origin	Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Genres	R&B
Occupation(s)	Singer songwriter
Instruments	Vocals piano
Years active	1996–present
Labels	Blu Kolla Dreams (current) Disturbing tha Peace Def Jam Capitol (former)
Associated acts	Mista Ludacris Tim & Bob DTP Lil Wayne Nicki Minaj
Website	www.bobbyvmusic.com

Robert "Bobby" Wilson (born February 27, 1980), better known by his stage name Bobby V, is an American recording artist, pianist, singer and songwriter.

Early life and career beginnings

Bobby V was born (Bobby Wilson) on February 27, 1980, 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. He later returned to his pier appearing on the debut episode of MTV's Once Upon A Prom, which aired on May 19, 2007. 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. Under the production of Organized Noize (TLC's "Waterfalls"), the group released their self-titled debut album, which produced the 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. In the spring of 2002 he auditioned for season one of American Idol, but did not make the cut.

Armed with three albums of demos, he set out to pursue his music career dream. The demos reached Puff Daddy who then forwarded them onto Ludacris and Disturbing Tha Peace president Chaka Zulu, and "the rest is history" as Bobby says. Soon after being signed as the first R&B artist on Disturbing Tha Peace Records, Bobby was featured on the hit single "Pimpin' All Over the World", from Ludacris' multi-platinum selling album The Red Light District in 2004.

Career

2005–07: Debut album and Special Occasion

File:Bobby Valentino.jpg

Bobby V performing at a concert in 2007.

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.

2008–09: 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:

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.

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:

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.

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

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. V's third studio album features production by Tim & Bob, Raphael Saadiq, LOS Da Maestro and Big Fruit.

2010–11: Fly on the Wall

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 will be his fourth single.

2012: Dusk Till Dawn

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.

2013: Peach Moon (EP)

In April 2013 Bobby V announced that he is currently 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.

2014–present

On January 28, 2015, Bobby V was featured in a single released by Gotti, called "I Need a Girl."

Discography

Main article: Bobby V discography

Studio albums

• Bobby Valentino (2005)
• Special Occasion (2007)
• The Rebirth (2009)
• Fly on the Wall (2011)
• Dusk Till Dawn (2012)

EP's

• Peach Moon (2013)

Mixtapes

• The Rebirth Mixtape (2009)
• 60 Minutes (2010)
• Vitamin V (2011)
• V Day (2012)

Awards and nominations

• Urban Music Awards
  • 2009, Urban Music Award for Best Male Artist (Won)
  • 2009, Urban Music Award for Best R&B Act (Won)

• NAACP Image Awards
  • 2006, Outstanding New Artist (Nominated)

• Soul Train Awards
  • 2006, Best R&B/Soul Single, Male: "Slow Down" (Nominated)
  • 2006, Best R&B/Soul or Rap New Artist (Nominated)

• Vibe Awards
  • 2005, Reelest Video: "Pimpin' All Over The World" (Nominated)

• BMI Awards
  • 2005, Song Of The Year: "Slow Down" (Won)

External links

• Official website