Bobby V. Leaves DTP

R&B singer Bobby Valentino has left Disturbing Tha Peace/Def Jam for the independent route. According to Billboard.com, the departure was amicable.

Valentino, who plans to release a six-track EP, followed by a full-length studio album, called his time at DTP a “great stepping stone and learning experience. I look at this as my going off to college. It was time for me to step out on my own and show the world who Bobby Valentino the artist really is.”

Valentino’s digital-only EP, Come With Me, will become available April 29. The EP was recorded with the help of producer Bill Jabr.

“Bill and I are on a vibe to do something different beyond the R&B norm,” said Valentino. “I call it R&B alternative: we use live instrumentation like electric guitars but the drums remain very urban/rhythmic.”

The EP also features production from longtime collaborators Tim & Bob, as well as Raphael Saadiq. The first single, “When I See You Smile” featuring Lil Wayne is already making its rounds at radio.

Valentino released two albums in his time at DTP; his self-titled album debuted and peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard 200, and stands at 706,000. His follow-up, while posting the same chart stats, managed only 267,000 copies.

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