Born in Mississippi but raised in Atlanta, smooth R&B crooner Bobby Valentino had a hard time convincing his skeptical parents that the music business was the place for him. When the 16-year-old Valentino -- who was then known by his real name, Bobby Wilson -- hooked up with the Organized Noize Productions team, his parents knew he was serious and that his dream of a record deal was entirely possible. With a group of friends, Valentino formed Mista, a Boyz II Men-styled singing group that made some waves with their "Blackberry Molasses" single. The group's self-titled album appeared in 1996 but failed to match the single's success.