Bobby V (Bobby Valentino) is an American R&B singer raised in Atlanta. He pursued a solo career and signed with rapper Ludacris' record label Disturbing tha Peace, an imprint Def Jam Recordings, in 2005 to release his debut solo single, "Slow Down" in February of that year. It reached number eight on the Billboard Hot 100 and served as the lead single for his self-titled debut studio album (2005), which peaked at number three on the Billboard 200. Growing up Bobby listened to Michael Jackson, Tony! Toni! Toné!, Marvin Gaye, Jodeci, and The Isley Brothers. Those were the artists that inspired him to become an R&B singer.