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Bobby Valentino

Born in Mississippi but raised in Atlanta, smooth R&B crooner Bobby Valentino had a hard time convincing his skeptical parents that the music business was the place for him. When the 16-year-old Valentino -- who was then known by his real name, Bobby Wilson -- hooked up with the Organized Noize Productions team, his parents knew he was serious and that his dream of a record deal was entirely possible. With a group of friends, Valentino formed Mista, a Boyz II Men-styled singing group that made some waves with their "Blackberry Molasses" single. The group's self-titled album appeared in 1996 but failed to match the single's success. A second, unreleased album was recorded with producer Timbaland's help but management problems split the group and Valentino decided to focus on college. After earning his degree in 2003, Valentino returned to demo work. One of his demos ended up in the hands of Ludacris, who made Valentino the first R&B singer in the rapper's DTP (Disturbing tha Peace) crew. The sultry "Slow Down" announced the singer's rebirth as a DTP member in early 2005 and soon became a BET and radio favorite. As the ballad was landing on numerous schools' prom ballots, Def Jam/DTP released Valentino's self-titled debut, a Billboard Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart-topper. Special Occasion equaled that success in 2007, yet Valentino left his label on good terms and aligned with EMI. His first album with EMI, titled The Rebirth and released through his boutique label, Blu Kolla Dreams, was released in February 2009 and featured productions from longtime collaborators Tim & Bob, as well as Carlos McKinney and Raphael Saadiq. ~ David Jeffries, All Music Guide