Atlanta-raised R&B singer Bobby V is back with a new single, “Hollywood Hearts,” and his anticipated Christmas album debuting on iTunes in the next upcoming weeks. He is most famously known for his distinct melodic sound and smash R&B songs like “Slow Down and “Tell Me,” but now the talented singer-songwriter is treading new ground with his blossoming acting career on the rise. Bobby is starring in and producing a new, feature film Hollywood Hearts set to release early next year and is creating his very first fashion line for men.
It is clear that Bobby is never not working, but you better believe he has time to give back to the community. The young mogul has chosen to free up space in his busy schedule to raise awareness on breast cancer by partnering with the Be Amped campaign.
Rolling out caught up with the superstar to discuss his thoughts on the current state of R&B music, his upcoming projects and why he chose to advocate for breast cancer.
How did you become affiliated with the Be Amped campaign?
I have been working with the Be Amped campaign since last year. Breast cancer has a major impact on the black community and especially women of color. The disease is taking the lives of millions. I just wanted my voice to be heard and be a part of a charitable cause. I want to show women the importance of getting their mammograms and their breast examined yearly. It is so important for people to take care of themselves and their health.
What do you do to take care of yourself? What is your health care regimen?
I work out pretty much every day of the week and try to eat properly even when I don’t feel like it. I don’t eat beef, pork or fried foods. I constantly try to maintain a youthful image. When you work in the industry there is a lot of pressure geared toward looking young. I also drink large amounts of water to keep myself healthy. People don’t realize cancer thrives off of poor dieting and unhealthy foods. I believe that it is in what we eat including the good stuff. If you eat well it will help keep those cancerous cells away.
How do you maintain your healthy lifestyle when you are traveling on tour?
When I am traveling it becomes very hard, because there aren’t a lot of healthy places to eat on the road. Sometimes I might get off a late flight and there are only a few unhealthy restaurant options to choose from. I try to load up on water and fruits as much as I can.
How did your new fashion line come about?
I am working on a new fashion line, but my main focus is my Christmas album I am releasing in the next couple of weeks. It’s called Christmas with Bobby V. I have always wanted to do a Christmas album, so I really buckled down this year and made sure to put one out. I am also finishing up a single I have coming out called “Hollywood Hearts” that can be downloaded on iTunes. The name of the movie I have coming out next year is called Hollywood Hearts as well. I am super excited about the movie, because this will be my first feature film I have acted in. This is a film that I produced with my own concept, so I am very proud. I am really transitioning over to the acting side of things and taking a lot of classes. The film is my rendition of Purple Rain.
You have been in the music industry for a long time. What is it like to come out with an album on iTunes versus a CD?
It is so different to me. Everything is digital now, but I am also glad that I was able to put out tapes before. I was blessed enough to the see the transition of music and the whole recording process. All you need now is a computer and a speaker. The game has changed so much to where you don’t need much to make it to the top. It has kind of taken a lot of the special elements out of music. You no longer have to go to a big studio. You can just record in your basement, closet or wherever.
What is the story behind your Bring Back R&B campaign?
Slowly but surely R&B is dwindling away. When I go into clubs or cut the radio on I hear very few R&B songs. I want to be one of those guys in music that is able to bring that back. I am working on some different projects with various artists to campaign for real singers to come back on the scene. It is interesting, because oversees they seem to appreciate R&B music more. In the States, it’s about instant gratification.
