The album was primarily produced and executive produced by Tim Kelley and Bob Robinson from duo Tim & Bob, while additional production was provided by Larrance Dopson, Lamar Edwards, Gary Smith, Steve "Swift" Thornton, and Rondeau "Duke" Williams.

Bobby Valentino spawned three singles, including the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs number-one and UK top five hit "Slow Down", follow-up "Tell Me", and "My Angel (Never Leave You)".

However, the album, released by EastWest Records, earned lukewarm commercial success and due to management issues, Mista split in 1997.

"[3] Rolling Stone's Bill Werde found that "on his debut, Valentino's honeyed croon and hilarious pickup lines practically ooze all over the tracks.

"[5] In a negative review for Stylus Magazine Thomas Inskeep noted that "this album is nothing but a “Quick, the single’s hot!” cash-in, one which could have been far better than it is, but nearly everyone involved sounds as if they fell asleep on the job – even Ludacris, which is saying something.

He may share the same last name as the charismatic silent film star, but Rudy could say more with his eyes then Bobby can sing with his whole body on an entire CD worth of material.

[8] On June 2, 2005, Bobby Valentino was certified Gold by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) for shipments figures in excess of 500,000 copies.