UB Celebrates: The 15th Anniversary of Bobby V’s Debut Solo Release

Today UB celebrates the 15th Anniversary of Bobby V‘s self-titled debut album.

Bobby’s first single, “Slow Down,” proved to be a wise choice for his foray as an adult vocalist, picking up hundreds of radio spins nearly from the first week of its release. As listeners hone in on Bobby’s extraordinary vocal ability, also teased by such tunes as “Love Dream,” in which he uses his falsetto in a manner reminiscent of classic singers from the 70’s. The poignant “My Angel,” focuses on the magical chemistry between a man and his true love.

Bobby had already been in the business since age 13. UB spoke to Bobby years ago and asked him how hes managed to stay relevant in this business?” “I’ve learned that you just gotta do you, you know. That’s my lesson and that’s what I share with everybody else. You gotta do you & find your niche and stick to it & try to perfect it! I’ve been guilty of jumping on the bandwagon of certain sounds and that’s how people mess up and I’ve done it too.” He went on to say; “I was telling somebody earlier I remember last summer or the summer before the biggest record was ‘Blame it On The Alcohol’ the Jamie Foxx record, so everybody tried to recreate that record. They tried to work with the same producer and writer to do that, you know. But people don’t really appreciate when you try to follow the trend. You gotta find what you do good and keep doing that. So that’s kind of been my lesson and that’s what I’m gonna do with this album is to just stay consistent with my sound.”

Bobby V, graduated from Clark Atlanta University where he received a B.A. in Mass Communication.

“I grew up listening to Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder and Prince, and I utilized my musical influences on this album. My goal was to defy the odds and go back to the real R&B. To be honest, I actually record one or two songs a week so that I can perfect my craft. There’s an endless amount of music in me. There is an endless amount of music that I would like to create.”

Through trials and tribulations, Bobby V has navigated through rough waters of the music industry. At age 13, he was one of the artists in Organized Noize’s teen vocal group MISTA, whose debut single, “Blackberry Molasses,” remains a classic to this day. “Being in the group was definitely a learning experience as it shows how you can be here one day and gone tomorrow,” he reflected. Once the group’s effort to launch a second album stalled, Bobby utilized the time to enroll in Clark Atlanta University, where, although he was offered a music scholarship, opted to study Mass Communications where he learned film editing, speech, and other areas which could enhance his skills in the music industry. Following his graduation in May 2004, he found an internship at a TV station and spent some of his free time volunteering for his dad’s Atlanta Gardening Program where participants learn to grow and care for fruits and vegetables.

Never one to stray far from the recording studio, he continued to record and stay in the midst of the Atlanta recording scene. Always impressed by Bobby V’s vocal ability, when the timing was right Ludacris and Chaka Zulu, the President of Disturbing Tha Peace Records, offered him a deal.

The ensuing days found Bobby V reuniting with Mista’s producers, Tim & Bob, who wound up producing most of the album. Between Bobby’s skills as a writer and Tim & Bob’s tracks the album was finished in just a few short months. “I love working with Tim & Bob; they work best with me; they are the most talented brothers I have ever met. Tim & Bob are not just producers, but musicians as well. They totally know music, and it was a blessing to be able to work with them again.”

Bobby said of his debut album at the time;

“I really believe this album will set me apart from other male vocalists, especially since I hold females in high esteem. My parents, who are still together, are my inspiration for the type of music that I make. I believe that my style definitely sets me apart from other vocalists even if you can compare me to artists from back in the day. Think of it this way: In sports you had Michael Jordan and now you have LeBron James. LeBron James now adds his flavor to the game, and now I’m adding my style of music to the game.”