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Channeling the sounds of Babyface, Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Prince, and other classic R&B greats, Bobby Valentino tapped into a soul-starved marketplace that can't seem to get enough of him. Born in Jackson, Mississippi, and raised in Atlanta, the 25-year old first tasted stardom in the teen vocal group Mista, who delivered a classic hit with 1996's "Blackberry Molasses." Bobby eventually returned to school, receiving a degree from Clark Atlanta University in 2003. He was later rediscovered by multi-platinum award-winning rapper Chris "Ludacris" Bridges and his business partner, Chaka Zulu, who signed Valentino to their Disturbing Tha Peace label.

As he prepared for the release of his highly-anticipated sophomore album, Special Occasion, Valentino took a few moments to answer questions from some of his biggest fans on ARTISTdirect.

Latesha from London asked:
At what age did you start singing and who inspired you to sing?

I started singing at 11 and my inspirations are Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Anita Baker, Babyface, Luther Vandross, Jodeci and H-Town.

Candice from Greensboro asked:
Is it very stressful being in the music business?

Yes. Because so many factors go into putting out an album besides just making music and there's no real job security. You're only as good as your last album.

Kelita from Barbados asked:
What really influences your style of music and what keeps you in touch with it?

I try to make music that is different from everyone else and I'm always in the studio writing and currently learning how to play the piano.

Darbz from England asked:
God blessed me with the entertainment talents but I do not have anyone to notice them. How did you get noticed?

Continue to do what you love to do and stay focused. Most importantly be in the right places to get your music in front of the right people.

Sasha from Mauldin asked:
What was the hardest part of making the album?

Choosing the songs.

Alyson from Lake City asked:
Who do you look forward to working with in your rising career?

Timbaland, Pharrell, R. Kelly.

Stephanie from South Saint Paul, MN asked:
What is your favorite song of yours?

"Let Me Miss You" from my new album.

Zara Brett from Tamebridge asked:
What is your all time favorite song?

"Soon As I Get Home" by Babyface.

Sismai from Kampala, Uganda asked:
What is your favorite clothing line? 'Cause I dig your style.

Polo.

Claycia from England asked:
What kind of girls do you like?

Women who are ambitious, smart, beautiful inside and out.

Shambereka Hughes from Waldo, AR asked:
If you could pick some famous to date who would it be? And why?

Alicia Keys. I think she's talented, beautiful, ambitious, and I love her style.

Kellita from Michigan asked:
What do you really like to do for fun?

Relax, play the piano, bowling, write songs.

Kameella Williams from Independence, LA asked:
Have you ever thought about acting?

Yes, I would love to be in movies. My favorite TV show is Martin so I'd love to do a comedy or sitcom too.

Joce Currie from Morley asked:
If you weren't a singer, what would you want to be?

Actor or ball player.

Denise from England asked:
What do you see yourself doing five years from now?

Having my own record label.

Bobby Valentino's new album, Special Occasion, is available now in the ARTISTdirect Store.