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Robert 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 Jackson, 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.
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.
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. Bobby Valentino No Longer Signed to Def Jam or Disturbing The Peace DJ Booth. Accessed April 9, 2008. 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. Bobby Valentino Set For 'Rebirth' With New Label and Album singersroom.com. Accessed September 1, 2008. 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:
The Rebirth was released on February 10, 2009, under his new stage name "Bobby V". The album's first single, "Beep" (featuring Yung Joc), was released via iTunes Store on October 7, 2008. In the fall of 2009, Bobby V performed under his new alias at Rutgers University's Hot Dog Knight. V's third studio album features production by Tim & Bob, Raphael Saadiq, Carlos McKinney and Big Fruit.
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 #7. 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.
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