Bobby V – Booking

Robert « Bobby » Wilson, better known by his stage name Bobby V (previously known as Bobby Valentino), is an American recording artist (his nickname being « Valentino » because he was due to be born on Valentine’s Day). He is now known as Bobby V due to a lawsuit involving a British singer, song writer and musician who records and performs under the name Bobby Valentino.

Bobby V was born Robert 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 chart topping single, « Blackberry Molasses ». Unfortunately, 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

In 2012, Bobby V 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 is currently working on a new project, Peach Moon (EP). The first single from Peach Moon is Back To Love. Bobby V released his album on December 10, 2013.