An up-and-coming R&B virtuoso, known for his "R&Bay" (Rhythm and Bay) sound, has signed with Clive Davis's J Records. J. Valentine, who is also the founder of the CityBoyZ Muzik Productions, is set to release his debut album, Conversation Piece, with J Records in early 2007 and will be his introduction to the world as a solo artist. The King of R&Bay indeed, J. Valentine's solo album debut faces an intense level of anticipation. Conversation Piece features production by luminaries such as Scott Storch, Cool & Dre, The Underdogs, Dre & Vidal, Polow Da Don, Needles and The CityBoyZ (Major Bucketz J. Valentine). It also boasts collaborations with E-40, Keak da Sneak,Bailey and Timberland's artist Keri Lynn. Full of promise to fuel the movement of Bay Area flavor nationwide, Conversation Piece is set to burst onto the music scene.Described by many music executives as a hybrid of R.Kelly and Babyface, J.Valentine's music is an authentic and appealing expression of R&Bay the lifestyle and spirit of his native San Francisco. Prior to his solo work, Valentine was known by his songwriting. He has reached the charts with dozens of songs, including Tyrese's "I Like Them Girls," the title track to N'Sync's 9x platinum "Celebrity" album, Mario's "How Could You," and Omarion's "I'm Tryna." He also displayed his vocal talent on two posthumous 2Pac albums, "Still I Rise" and "Until The End Of Time."As a songwriter and a vocalist, Valentine has accumulated over 17 million records sold. Valentine's first solo venture "Go Dumb" was originally a record for the "Hide Ya Breezy" mixtape, a tribute to the Bay Area sound.
"Go Dumb" also featured Bailey, Valentine's first signing to CityBoyZ Muzik. The record found its way into the hands of Big Von at KMEL radio, and immediately exploded after hitting the airwaves in San Francisco.
It made its way up and down the west coast and Valentine found he was taking meetings with labels from coast to coast. However, he felt that J Records was the place for him.
"It was funny after all the pitches that label heads were giving me, the one I remembered the most was Clive simply saying, shouldn't J-Valentine be on J-Records?'" Valentine comments.
A thriving study in combinations, Valentine weaves the role of CEO, faithful Bay Area advocate, entrepreneur and artist into a soulful and engaging display of street authenticity. He hopes to expand CityBoyZ Muzik and help make the Bay Area the next hot spot for rap and R&B.
He wants it to do for the Bay Area what LaFace did for Atlanta.