68 In-spire LS
You got the opportunity to work with a number of
ground-breaking producers on this album. They
include: Tim & Bob (Boyz II Men, Michael Jackson)
Jazzy Phe (T.I & Ciara) and many more. How much did
working with these diverse producers help you to define
your style on this album and did you achieve everything
you set out to achieve?
You know Tim & Bob are one of the reasons why I am
here today. We created a whole style with `Slow Down'
and `Tell Me' and on the whole first album. They were one
of my favourite producers growing up. I used to be in a
group called Mista and we had a song called `Blackberry
Molasses.' It was a very popular song but we were one hit
wonders though. Tim & Bob worked with us; that's how
I knew about them. They were the ones who pulled me
to the side and were like "You know what, you're a star,
you have a really good voice" They really taught me how
to use my voice effectively and how to hit the high notes.
So when I got the opportunity to work with them again
as a solo artist, it was perfect because a
chemistry was there. With their help and
that of the other producers, I definitely
achieved everything I set out to achieve
on this record.
So would you credit them as helping
you make the transition from group
member to a being a solo artist?
Definitely, I reached out to them. I wanted to be a solo
artist and I wanted them to be the main producers on my
album. They accepted me with open arms. They let me
stay at their house when I had no money, they let me drive
their car when I had no ride. That's how deep the bond is.
I moved from Atlanta to Los Angeles and I slept in their
crib; they treated me like a little brother. (Laughs)
You have been in the entertainment industry for over a
decade and in this time you must have had a number of
low points as well as high. What has been one of your
biggest highlights and low points and what have you
taken from both experiences?
You know I always say the music industry is one major
rollercoaster ride. One minute you're up, the next you're
down. Without fail, the highlights were those times when
I was up. The times when `Slow Down' became a massive
worldwide hit. That song made me into the artist I am
now and it helped take me all around the world. I was
touring and travelling; it even got me endorsement deals.
One of my most challenging moments is when I had to
leave Disturbing The Peace' which is Ludacris's label and
Def Jam dropped me off of their roster.
So many people were like Bobby V is done, his career is
over with, he'll never make it without Ludacris and DTP.
Def Jam didn't want me on the label anymore, so that was
one of my lowest points. However, that led to another high
point because when everyone counted me out, I hooked
up with Lil Wayne and we did the song `Miss Officer'
which was another massive smash and then I had the song
`Beep Beep' as well. Those songs were at the top of the
charts at the same time and those records again, allowed
me to tour and travel around the whole world. I then got
more endorsement deals and more recognition. It was a
major blessing.
Where are you at in your career as of this moment?
At present, I don't have a record deal and I don't need to
be signed to any labels. In effect, I'm starting from scratch.
I tell everyone I am a new artist, I'm a new Bobby V! I'm
stepping out the box and trying something new with my
music. I don't even do track performances anymore. If
anyone wants me to do a show, I have to have my band. I
can honestly say, with me starting out as a new artist and
promoting myself as a new artist; in some
respect, I'm kinda at a low point again.
People once again are doubting me and
saying that I'm finished and I'm done. But
you know what, I have faith in God, faith
in myself and I know very soon, the roller
coaster ride is going to go right back up
again. I will have another successful single
and a successful album andwill be 100%
back on top of my game again.
Does that mean you will be staying as an independent
artist or are you looking to be signed by a major label
again?
I'm most definitely looking to be a signed artist again.
As an independent artist it is very hard. I have been an
independent artist for the last couple of years and I have
been successful as an independent artist but when you
have major money behind you and a major label working
with you, you're able to get your music out there to the
masses. You can get so much more publicity and that
is what I really want. The independent route has been
and is a blessing to me, especially financially. Being an
independent artist is both a gift and a curse. Financially,
you are able to make a lot of money because you get to see
money from your album sales so you reap the benefits.
The truth is, I'm not concerned about the money right
now, I'm a star and I believe I can be one of the biggest
artists in the music industry. In order to be on the cover
of the major magazines and on the best channels, you
need to have substantial backing. I'm being patient with it
though and definitely not `Thirsty'. Good things take time.
I want it to be with a label who believes in me and believes
in my music.
"Good things take
time. I want it to
be with a label who
believes in me and
believes in my music."