Bobby V

Originally known as Bobby Valentino, R&B singer Bobby V found success in the mid-2000s thanks to his radio-friendly singles and multiple collaborations with rappers. • Born Bobby Marcel Wilson in Mississippi, the artist spent his formative years in Atlanta. • In 1996, he joined the R&B quartet Mista. Their self-titled debut album, featuring the Top 20 R&B hit “Blackberry Molasses,” arrived that same year. • The following year, Mista split due to management issues. Bobby later enrolled at Clark Atlanta University and graduated in 2003 with a degree in mass communication. • In 2003, he became the first R&B artist signed to Disturbing tha Peace, the label run by rapper Ludacris. • Bobby’s 2005 self-titled debut album features the hit single “Slow Down,” which topped the US R&B charts and became a Top 10 pop hit in the US and the UK. The album reached No. 1 on the R&B albums chart and No. 3 on the all-genre Billboard 200. • His 2007 sophomore album, Special Occasion, also topped the US R&B albums chart and peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200. • In 2008, he left Disturbing tha Peace and changed his name to Bobby V following a lawsuit from British performer Bobby Valentino. His next album, 2009’s The Rebirth, became his third straight No. 1 R&B album. • Bobby V is known for his many rap collaborations, including Ludacris’ “Pimpin' All Over the World,” Lil Wayne’s “Mrs. Officer,” and Nicki Minaj’s “Sex in the Lounge.”