Bobby Valentino

Bobby Valentino's debut release, Disturbing Tha Peace Presents: BOBBY VALENTINO, on Disturbing Tha Peace/Island Def Jam Records, is a testament to young adult relationships from a man's point of view,

The Atlanta-born 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.

Focusing on Bobby Valentino's incredible vocal range Disturbing Tha Peace Presents: BOBBY VALENTINO purely showcases the haunting, mesmerizing vocal ability possessed by a young male vocalist whose talents belie his age.

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, they will be 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 Valentino, a recent graduate of Clark Atlanta University where he received a B.A. in Mass Communication, redefines R&B music with Disturbing Tha Peace Presents: BOBBY VALENTINO. "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 Valentino 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 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 Valentino'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 Valentino reuniting with Mista's producers, Tim & Bob (Jodeci, Jagged Edge, Case), who wound up producing most of the album. Between Bobby's skills as a writer ("I'm a young dude, but I know a little something about relationships," he jokes.) 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."

"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."