Bobby Valentino and Ludacris speak out on Bobby's sophomore album and the misconception of the official album leaking on the Internet Because of the success of my debut album, and the love for my fans, I wanted to take my time with this new album Special Occasion. So in the meantime, I put out a couple of songs that I knew weren't going on the album on my myspace & mixtapes to give to my fans," Bobby stated. "This was just a little something for them to ride to until the album is released." "Special Occasion" consists of brand new songs produced by Tim & Bob, Timbaland, Dre & Vidal, Brian Cox and Rodney Jerkins. Fabolous is also on the album. So to all my fans make sure you check it out May 8." Bobby's fans can expect brand new music on this Special Occasion, that reflect on Bobby's growth as an artist according to Ludacris, "His new material shows even more growth and maturity and the songs that where leaked to the internet were a tease compared to what he has on the album." Ludacris goes on to name his 3 favorite songs from the album: "Let 'Em Go," "Anonymous," and "Home Is Where U Belong."Bobby's debut release, the self titled, Disturbing Tha Peace Presents Bobby Valentino, on DTP/Island Def Jam Records is a testament to young adult relationships from a man's point of view. The Atlanta vocalist/songwriter's music evokes commitment, love lost, love found, in such a manner that meets approval from listeners who run the gamut from hopeless romantics to thugs with a heart. Bobby's first single, "Slow Down," proved to be a wise choice for his foray as an adult vocalist, reaching #1 on the Billboard charts and receiving numerous nominations for Best R and B single.
Bobby, who is a graduate from Clark Atlanta University where he received a B.A. in Mass Communications, redefined RandB music with his debut album. Reflecting back on his younger years Bobby states, "I grew up listening to Marvin Gaye, Boyz II Men and Jodeci, and I utilized my musical influences on this album. My goal was to defy the odds and go back to real RandB." And that is certainly what he did; Bobby's debut album sold over 700,000 copies, marking his place in the music industry as one of the most talented and exciting young stars today. "A lot of people congratulate me on all of my success, I am appreciative, but I feel that I haven't done nothing yet, I have just scratched the surface. I'm going to continue to work hard to grow as an artist and to make music that people will love not only today but 20 years done the road as well," Bobby says.
Through trials and tribulations, Bobby 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 reflects.
Once the group's efforts to launch a second album stalled, Bobby utilized his time to enroll in Clark Atlanta University. "This was a rough time in my life, one day your on TV, living the life and the next day you are back to reality. But I didn't give up, my dream was to do music and that's what I did. Everyday it was the same routine; school in the morning, baseball practice in the evening and the studio at night. Now that I look back, I wouldn't trade those days for anything in the world. College was fun and I learned to never give up, believe in yourself and stay humble."
Never one to stray far from the recording studio, he continued to record and stay in the midst of the Atlanta recording scene. And when the timing was right Ludacris and Chaka Zulu, the President of Disturbing Tha Peace Records, who were both always impressed by Bobby's vocal ability and work ethic, offered him a deal.
Bobby Valentino is now working on his highly anticipated sophomore album, appropriately titled, "Special Occasion" which is set to be released May 8, 2007.Bobby Valentino