Bobby V

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. 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 number one 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" to mixed reviews. Its second single, "Anonymous" featuring Timbaland, was released on April 9, 2007. Overall, the album received positive reviews from critics. 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:

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 Occasions 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, 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. In regards to the label his manager and co-CEO of Blu Kolla Dreams Courtney "Colt Luv" Stewart stated:

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. 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. 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. 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 number seven. 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.

Discography

Studio albums Disturbing tha Peace Presents Bobby Valentino (2005) Special Occasion (2007) The Rebirth (2009) Fly on the Wall (2011) Dusk Till Dawn (2012) Electrik (2018)

Filmography Hollywood Hearts (TV movie; 2016)

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 Music 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)