Bobby V
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 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.
Not to be confused with Bobby Vee, Bobby Vinton, or Bobby Valentino (British musician).
Bobby V
Bobby Marcel Wilson
- Bobby Valentino
- Bobby V-Tino
February 27, 1980
Mississippi, U.S.
- Singer
- songwriter
1994–present
1
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[edit]
1980–2004: Early life and career beginnings[edit]
Bobby Marcel Wilson[2] was born on February 27, 1980, in 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.