Robert Clementino is a rising R&B talent from Lansing, Michigan, currently based in Miami, Florida, who just released his debut single I Gotta Ask You. In this interview, we chat about his influences—including Bobby Valentino, who inspired his name, his new song, and more.
Hey! Introduce yourself. Where are you from?
Hi! My name is Robert Clement, but I go by the name Robert Clementino as a music artist. I’m from Lansing, Michigan where I grew up, but I also spent some time in the city of Detroit growing up throughout my childhood.
When did you start making music?
I started making music around the year 2006. That’s when I wrote and recorded my first song.
Who inspired you to start making music?
The artist who inspired me to start making music is the R&B Singer Bobby Valentino, now known as Bobby V. The coolness and swag he had as a new artist made me want to be just like him. And his relatable lyrics as a songwriter and smooth vocals as a singer made me want to take becoming a music artist very seriously. DTP Presents Bobby Valentino and Special Occasion, were the albums that made me come up with my own name: Robert Clementino or Robert C-tino for short.
How would you describe your music style?
I would have to describe my music style as 90s – early 2000s r&b. I’m a natural at songwriting and I create my lyrics through my own experiences or from what other people can relate to. They’re also both real and honest coming from me as a man. I have that swag and coolness like Bobby Valentino and the ladies love my lyrics and vocals like Joe (Thomas).
Who are you listening to now?
Right now I’ve been listening to a lot of Jagged Edge, Bobby V., Joe, Brian McKnight, and other songs from other R&B artists from time to time.
What’s your best project or single so far?
My project or best single that I’ve put out is the most recent song I recorded and put out called I Gotta Ask You.
Any upcoming releases from you to look out for?
There are no upcoming releases I’m gearing to put out at the moment. Just promoting the new single I put out in May this year I mentioned earlier called I Gotta Ask You.
Have any shoutouts?
Shoutout to Bobby V. and Joe as my two main influences in music to make me really wanna pursue being a singer. Also, a big shoutout to the ladies. I love them, and without them, there would be nothing to sing about.