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{{short description|Bachata musician from The Bronx, NY}}
{{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject_Musicians -->
{{use mdy dates|date=January 2024}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name = Toby Love
| name = Toby Love
| image =
| image = Toby love 2.png
| image_size =
| image_size =
| caption =
| landscape =
| alt =
| caption = Toby Love in 2015
| background = solo_singer
| background = solo_singer
| birth_name = Octavio Toby Rivera
| birth_name = Octavio Rivera
| native_name =
| birth_date March 20th = {{Birth year and age28|1985}}<br/>[[The Bronx, New York The Bronx]], New York, U.S.
| origin = New York City
| native_name_lang =
| alias = Soul Love
| genre = [[Bachata (music)|Bachata]], [[Contemporary R&B|R&B]], [[hip hop music|hip hop]]
| birth_date = {{birth date and age|1985|3|20}}
| birth_place = [[The Bronx]], [[New York (state)|New York]], [[United States|U.S.]]
| origin =
| death_date = <!-- {{death date and age|YYYY|MM|DD|YYYY|MM|DD}} (death date 1st) -->
| death_place =
| genre = {{flatlist|
* [[Bachata (music)|Bachata]]
* [[Latin pop]]
* [[Rhythm and blues|R&B]]
* [[Hip hop music|hip hop]]
* [[Christian music]] (currently)
}}
| occupation = {{flatlist|
* Singer
* rapper
* songwriter
}}
| instrument = Vocals
| instrument = Vocals
| occupation = Songwriter
| years_active = 1999–present
| years_active = 1999–present
| label = [[Sony BMG]]
| label = {{flatlist|
*Premium Latin Music
| website = {{URL|http://www.tobyloveofficial.com}}
*[[Sony Music]]
*[[Top Stop Music]]
*Elegant Records
}}
| associated_acts =
| website =
}}
}}


'''Octavio Rivera''' (born 1986) better known by his [[stage name]] '''Toby Love''', is an American of [[Puerto Rican people|Puerto Rican]] descent.<ref name="juventud">[http://www.latinrapper.com/toby-love-interview.html Latin Music Interview: "Toby Love Becomes the Voice of the Youth"]</ref> He is a [[bachata (music)|bachata]] musician. Love is known for performing a style of bachata music that combines traditional and urban singing and production.<ref name="juventud"/><ref name="promotion"/>
'''Toby Love''' (born '''Octavio Rivera'''; March 20, 1985) is an [[Americans|American]] singer, rapper and songwriter of [[Puerto Ricans|Puerto Rican]] descent.<ref name="juventud">[http://www.latinrapper.com/toby-love-interview.html Latin Music Interview: "Toby Love Becomes the Voice of the Youth"]</ref> Based on [[The Bronx, New York]], he is best known for being a former member of [[Aventura (band)|Aventura]] before pursuing a solo career, mostly known for their 2002 album [[We Broke the Rules]], later performing a style of bachata music that combines traditional and urban singing and production.<ref name="juventud"/><ref name="promotion" /> In 2006, he embarked on a solo career, thus gaining success. His debut single, "[[Tengo Un Amor]]", helped him rise to fame in mainstream Latin music. Since then, he became one of the most successful bachata artists of the 2000s and 2010s with hits like "[[Llorar Lloviendo]]", "Te Parece Poco", "Lejos", "Vestida De Blanco", among others.


==Background==
==Early life==
Toby Love was born in [[The Bronx, New York]] on March 20, 1985, to [[Puerto Ricans|Puerto Rican]] parents. Coming from a musical family, he grew up listening to a bunch of different music genres, such as [[Pop music|pop]], [[Hip hop music|hip-hop]], [[R&B]], [[Bachata (music)|bachata]], [[Merengue music|merengue]], and [[Salsa music|salsa]]. His biological father Toby Rivera sang with the salsa orchestral group Conjunto Clásico. His mother was later remarried to a [[People of the Dominican Republic|Dominican]] man, which eventually led to Toby Love's exposure around both [[People of the Dominican Republic|Dominican]] and [[Puerto Ricans|Puerto Rican]] cultures. Being exposed to bachata, he decided to pursue a career in music in that genre. He lived in the same neighborhood as the bachata group [[Aventura (band)|Aventura]]. He became close friends with the member [[Max Santos|Mikey]], who later asked Love to join the group.<ref name="NocheLatina" /><ref>{{cite web|url=http://elnuevodiario.com.do/app/article.aspx?id=42128|title=Ex integrante de Aventura, Toby Love, presenta credenciales en el Centro de Arte & Comunicación Celinés Toribio|work=El Nuevo Diario|date=2006-12-15|access-date=2013-02-15|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150412165723/http://elnuevodiario.com.do/app/article.aspx?id=42128|archive-date=2015-04-12}}</ref>
Toby Love was born in [[The Bronx, New York]] to Puerto Rican parents, his mother later remarried to a Dominican man, which eventually led to Toby Love's exposure to the genre of music known as Bachata.<ref name="promotion">[http://www.latinrapper.com/toby-love-interview.html Toby Love Coming to Los Angeles To Promote His New Album]</ref>
Toby Love was originally a backup singer for the bachata band [[Aventura (band)|Aventura]] before beginning a solo career with his 2006 LP, ''[[Toby Love (album)|Toby Love]]'', released on [[Sony Records]].<ref name="promotion"/> In 2008, he received four nominations to the [[Billboard Latin Music Awards]] for songs included in his debut album.<ref name="promotion"/> Love won awards for two categories, Tropical Airplay Song of the Year, and Latin Rap / Hip Hop Album of the Year.<ref name="promotion"/>


==Career==
===Working with Aventura (1999–2005)===
[[Max Santos|Max]], offered Love the opportunity to work with [[Aventura (band)|Aventura]] and he accepted. He started working with the group in 1999 as a backup vocalist and additional percussionist.<ref name="Toby Love - Biography">{{cite web |last1=Donelson|first1=Marcy |title=Toby Love - Biography |url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/toby-love-mn0000721772/biography |website=[[AllMusic]] |access-date=January 14, 2023}}</ref> His voice was featured in the groups seconds album, ''[[We Broke the Rules]]'', for the songs "I Believe (Yo Creo)", "Mi Puerto Rico", and "Gone", which is a bachata cover of an [[NSYNC]]'s song.<ref name="smg-vanandelarena.blogspot.com">{{cite web |title=Toby Love to Become First Spanish Singing Artist to Perform at Van Andel Arena |url=http://smg-vanandelarena.blogspot.com/2013/06/toby-love-to-become-first-spanish.html |website=Van Andel Arena Insider |access-date=January 14, 2023}}</ref>


===Becoming his own artist, Debut album, and ''Love is Back'' (2006–2009)===
After spending six years with the [[Bachata (music)|Bachata]] group [[Aventura (band)|Aventura]], first appearing on the album ''[[Generation Next (album)|Generation Next]]'' at the age of 16, Love embarked on his solo career.<ref name="NocheLatina">{{cite web|url=http://www.nochelatina.com/Articles/4977/Interview-with-Toby-Love|title=nocheLatina - Q&A Sessions: Toby Love|author=Otero, Navani|date=2006-10-03|work=''nocheLatina''|accessdate=2013-01-18}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://elnuevodiario.com.do/app/article.aspx?id=42128|title=Ex integrante de Aventura, Toby Love, presenta credenciales en el Centro de Arte & Comunicación Celinés Toribio
In 2006, Love left the group to embark on his own career as an artist. He signed with [[Sony Music]] and released the first single of his first album "[[Tengo Un Amor]]" on July 18, 2006. On the [[Billboard charts|''Billboard'' charts]], it peaked at number 100 on the [[Billboard Hot 100|''Billboard'' Hot 100]], at number 2 on the [[Hot Latin Songs]] chart, and at number 1 on the [[Latin Rhythm Airplay]] chart. It was certified 2× [[RIAA certification|Platinum]] in the U.S. by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA) He released his debut LP and self-titled album ''[[Toby Love (album)|Toby Love]]'' on September 5, 2006, under the record labels [[Sony BMG]] and Scarlito. It featured collaborations with [[Judy Santos (singer)|Judy Santos]], [[Julio Voltio]], and [[R.K.M & Ken-Y|Rakim & Ken-Y]]. The album also featured the singles "Don't Cry (La Niña Que Soñé)" and "Amores Como El Tuyo". The album was certified [[RIAA certification|Platinum]] in the U.S. by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA). In 2007, he received four nominations to the [[Billboard Latin Music Awards]] for songs included in his debut album. Love won awards for two categories, [[2007 Latin Billboard Music Awards#Tropical Airplay Song of the Year|Tropical Airplay Song of the Year]] for the debut single, and [[2007 Latin Billboard Music Awards#Other Latin|Latin Rap / Hip Hop Album of the Year]] for the debut album.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=2007 Billboard Latin Music Awards Winners |url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1052527/2007-billboard-latin-music-awards-winners |author=Billboard Staff |magazine=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130607075027/https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/1052527/2007-billboard-latin-music-awards-winners |archive-date=June 7, 2013 |date=April 27, 2007}}</ref>
|work=El Nuevo Diario|date=2006-12-15|accessdate=2013-02-15}}</ref> He met with Aventura while he was still in his [[merengue music|merengue]] group as teenager.<ref name="NocheLatina"/> Living in the same neighborhood as the group, he became close friends with the member "[[Max Santos|Mikey]]", who later asked Love to join.<ref name="NocheLatina"/>


On July 17, 2007, he released a remix version of the album titled ''Toby Love: Reloaded''. It featured collaborations with [[Max Santos|Max Agende]], [[Jorge Celedón]], [[Magic Juan (reggaeton musician)|Magic Juan]], [[Vakero]], [[Fanny Lú]], [[Alexis & Fido]], and [[Pitbull (rapper)|Pitbull]], along with the artists from the original version of the album. In the same year, he was featured in [[Tito El Bambino]]'s song "La Busco", for Bambino's second studio solo album, [[It's My Time (Tito El Bambino album)|It's My Time]]. The music video was released in 2008.
Toby Love is recognized as the artist that made the subgenre of crunkchata popular.<ref name="juventud"/> As the result of having recorded half of his debut album in [[Miami]], Love became a fan of [[crunk]] music, and incorporated it into his bachata music.<ref name="juventud"/>


On May 20, 2008, he released the first single for his second album, "[[Llorar Lloviendo]]". On the [[Billboard charts|''Billboard'' charts]], it peaked at number 22 on the [[Hot Latin Songs]] chart, at number 7 on the [[Latin Rhythm Airplay]] chart, and at number 2 on the [[Tropical Airplay]]. The single was certified [[RIAA certification|Gold]] in the U.S. by the [[Recording Industry Association of America]] (RIAA). On July 21, 2008, he released [[Love Is Back (Toby Love album)|Love Is Back]].<ref>{{cite web |title=Toby Love: "The bachata of the future." |url=https://peopleenespanol.com/article/toby-love-bachata-future/ |author=People Staff |website=[[People en Español]] |access-date=January 14, 2023}}</ref> It included the single "Amor Primero". The album featured collaborations with BHaze, Sopranito, and [[Magic Juan (musician)|Magic Juan]]. It peaked at number 3 on the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Tropical Albums]] chart.
Love produces the majority of the music used in his albums, along with co-producer Eddie Perez.<ref name="juventud"/>

===''La Voz De La Juventud'', ''Amor Total'', ''Bachata Nation'' (2010–2017)===

On July 26, 2010, he released the first single for his third studio album "Te Parece Poco". On January 9, 2011, he released the second single "Casi Casi". It peaked at number 31 on the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Latin Pop Airplay]] chart. On February 14, 2011, he released its third single "Quizás" and featured Mexican singer [[Yuridia]]. All 3 singles peaked at number 15 on the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Tropical Airplay]] chart.
On May 10, 2011, he released his third studio album ''[[La Voz De La Juventud]]''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.latinrapper.com/toby-love-interview.html|title=Toby Love Becomes the Voice of the Youth|author=Dante|date=April 2, 2011|website=Latin Rapper|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170324060434/http://latinrapper.com/toby-love-interview.html|archive-date=March 24, 2017}}</ref> It featured collaborations with Del Blokke and [[Yuridia]]. It peaked at number 3 on the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Tropical Albums]] chart. On March 19, 2012, he released his first and only compilation album ''Mis Favoritos''. It was released by [[Sony Music Latin]] as part of a series of compilation albums involving other famous and successful artists. This would be the last album with Sony Music as Love would no longer be part of the company as of late 2012.

In 2012, he signed with [[Sergio George]]'s [[Top Stop Music]].<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.thatsdominican.com/dr/news/toby-love-firma-con-top-stop-music|title=TOBY LOVE FIRMA CON SELLO DISCOGRAFICO TOP STOP MUSIC|author=That's Dominican Staff |date=February 10, 2011|website=That's Dominican|language=es}}</ref> He released the music video for his first single under the new label titled [[Lejos]] as the main single for his fourth studio album on February 21, 2012. The audio-only version was released on August 21, 2012. It peaked at number 2 on the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Tropical Airplay]] chart. Its second singled peaked at number 1 on the same chart. It was a [[Spanglish]] bachata cover of Michael Jackson's 1987 single, [[I Just Can't Stop Loving You]]. Jackson has a Spanish version titled "Todo Mi Amor Eres Tu" ("All My Love Is You"), which is the title of Love's cover of the song. Love titled it as "Todo Mi Amor Eres Tu ([[I Just Can't Stop Loving You]])" and the music video was released on April 2, 2013. The audio only version was released on April 5, 2013, on [[iTunes]] and on every other streaming platform on April 8, 2013. On May 7, 2013, he released his fourth studio album ''[[Amor Total]]''. It featured a collaboration with Reggae artist Dynasty. It peaked at number 7 on the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Tropical Albums]] chart. The album also featured the song "Hay", which was later released as a single in 2014.

On May 27, 2014, he released the first single for his fifth studio album, "El Aire Que Respiro". It peaked at number 8 on the ''[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]]'' [[Tropical Airplay]] chart. The next three singles all peaked at number one on the same chart. The second single, "We Never Looking Back", was released in 2015 and featured Moroccan-American rapper [[French Montana]]. The third single, "Vestida De Blanco", was released on July 1, 2015. On June 3, 2016, he released the fourth single "No Le Eches La Culpa". On June 24, 2016, he released his fifth studio album ''[[Bachata Nation]]''. It featured collaborations with [[Karlos Rosé]], [[Fuego (singer)|Fuego]], [[Judy Santos (singer)|Judy Santos]], [[French Montana]]. On the [[Billboard charts|''Billboard'' charts]], it peaked at number 5 on [[Billboard Top Latin Albums|Top Latin Albums]] chart, and at number 1 on the [[Tropical Albums]] chart.

=== More singles and conversion to Christianity (2018–present)===

Love had continued to release more singles between 2018 and 2020. On July 2, 2021, he released his first Christian single titled "Jesus Te Amo" (Jesus I Love You). He was going under the name Tobiah.

==Artistry==
{{multiple image
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| total_width = 220
| image1 = Michael Jackson in 1988.jpg
| alt1 =
| width1 =
| image2 = LaurynHill crop.jpg
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| align = right
}}

His musical influences include [[Michael Jackson]], [[R. Kelly]], [[Lauryn Hill]], [[Pitbull (rapper)|Pitbull]], [[Antony Santos]], [[Juan Luis Guerra]], [[Héctor Lavoe]], and [[Ricky Martin]], which had inspired Love to produce the mixture of [[Latin pop]] and [[Rhythm and blues|R&B]] into bachata in his songs. He was also inspired by [[Crunk]], a [[Hip hop music|hip-hop]] music subgenre while recording half of his debut album in [[Miami]]. Love became a fan of [[Crunk]] [[Hip hop music|Hip-Hop]] music. He incorporated it into his bachata music, thus creating the subgenre Crunkchata.<ref name="juventud"/> Love produces the majority of the music used in his albums, along with co-producer Eddie Perez.<ref name="promotion">{{cite web |url=http://www.latinrapper.com/toby-love-interview.html |title=Toby Love Coming to Los Angeles To Promote His New Album|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121013152919/http://www.latinrapper.com/toby-love-interview.html|archive-date=2012-10-13}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=Toby Love: "The bachata of the future." |url=https://peopleenespanol.com/article/toby-love-bachata-future/ |website=[[People en Español]] |access-date=January 14, 2023}}</ref><ref name="NocheLatina">{{cite web|url=http://www.nochelatina.com/Articles/4977/Interview-with-Toby-Love|title=nocheLatina - Q&A Sessions: Toby Love|author=Otero, Navani|date=2006-10-03|work=nocheLatina|access-date=2013-01-18|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150413082311/http://www.nochelatina.com/Articles/4977/Interview-with-Toby-Love|archive-date=April 13, 2015}}</ref><ref name="smg-vanandelarena.blogspot.com"/><ref name="Toby Love - Biography"/>

==Legacy==
Toby Love is recognized as the artist who made the subgenre of crunkchata popular.<ref name="juventud"/> His [[Toby Love (album)|eponymous debut studio album]] is the only bachata album ever to be awarded [[2007 Latin Billboard Music Awards#Other Latin|Latin Rap/Hip-Hop Album of the Year]] at the [[2007 Latin Billboard Music Awards]]. His debut single "Tengo Un Amor", was his most successful song and elevated him to stardom. Since then he has released more hits, including 5 number 1 singles on the [[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] [[Tropical Airplay]] chart. He was dubbed as La Voz de la Juventud (The Voice of the Youth).


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
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==Discography==
==Discography==


===Studio albums===
'''Studio albums'''
*''[[Toby Love (album)|Toby Love]]'' ([[Sony BMG]], 2006) US [[Billboard Magazine|Billboard]] Heatseekers #36, US Latin Albums #27<ref>[{{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p822898|pure_url=yes}} Billboard], Allmusic.com</ref>
*''[[Toby Love (album)|Toby Love]]'' ([[Sony BMG]], 2006)
*''[[Toby Love Reloaded]]'' ([[Sony BMG]], 2007)
*''[[Love Is Back (Toby Love album)|Love Is Back]]'' ([[Sony BMG]], 2008)
*''[[Love Is Back (Toby Love album)|Love Is Back]]'' ([[Sony BMG]], 2008)
*''La Voz De La Juventud'' ([[Sony Music]], 2011)
*''[[La Voz De La Juventud]]'' ([[Sony Music]], 2011)
*''Amor Total'' ([[Top Stop Music]], 2013)
*''[[Amor Total]]'' ([[Top Stop Music]], 2013)
*''[[Bachata Nation]]'' (Elegant Records, 2016)

'''Compilation albums'''
*''Mis Favoritas'' ([[Sony Music]], 2012)


===Singles===
===Singles===
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! rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Year
! rowspan="2"| Single
! rowspan="2"| Single
! colspan="4"| Chart positions<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.billboard.com/artist/toby-love/chart-history/ |title=Toby Love Chart History |work=[[Billboard (magazine)|Billboard]] |access-date=July 13, 2022 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211121105839/https://www.billboard.com/artist/toby-love/chart-history/ |archive-date=November 21, 2021 |url-status=dead}}</ref>
! colspan="4"| Chart positions<ref>[{{Allmusic|class=artist|id=p822898|pure_url=yes}} Billboard Singles]. Allmusic.com.</ref>
! rowspan="2"| Album
! rowspan="2"| Album
! rowspan="2"| Certifications
|-
|-
! width="35"| <small>[[Billboard Hot 100|US]]</small>
! width="35"| <small>[[Billboard Hot 100|US]]</small>
Line 55: Line 118:
|-
|-
| align="left" rowspan="2"|2006
| align="left" rowspan="2"|2006
| "Please Don't Cry"
| <center>—
| <center>13
| <center>22
| <center>—
| align="left" rowspan="3"| <center>''Toby Love''
|-
| "[[Tengo Un Amor]]"
| "[[Tengo Un Amor]]"
| <center>100
| {{center|100}}
| <center>2
| {{center|2}}
| <center>3
| {{center|3}}
| <center>25
| {{center|25}}
| align="left" rowspan="3"| {{center| ''Toby Love''}}
| • U.S. [[RIAA certification]]: 2× Platinum{{Certification Cite Ref|region=United States|title=Tengo Un Amor|artist=Toby Love|type=single|award=Platinum|Spanish=yes|access-date=May 22, 2018}}
|-
| "Don't Cry (La Niña Que Soñé)"
| {{center|—}}
| {{center|13}}
| {{center|22}}
| {{center|—}}
|
|-
|-
| 2007
| 2007
| "Amores Como El Tuyo"
| "Amores Como El Tuyo"
| <center>—
| {{center|—}}
| <center>—
| {{center|—}}
| <center>—
| {{center|—}}
| <center>—
| {{center|—}}
|
|-
|-
| align="left" rowspan="2"|2008
| align="left" rowspan="2"|2008
| "Llorar Lloviendo"
| "[[Llorar Lloviendo]]"
| <center>—
| {{center|—}}
| <center>22
| {{center|22}}
| <center>2
| {{center|2}}
| <center>36
| {{center|36}}
| align="left" rowspan="2"| <center>''Love is Back''
| align="left" rowspan="2"| {{center| ''Love is Back''}}
| • U.S. [[RIAA certification]]: Gold{{Certification Cite Ref|region=United States|title=Llorar Lloviendo|artist=Toby Love|type=single|award=Platinum|Spanish=yes|access-date=May 22, 2018}}
|-
|-
| "Amor Primero"
| "Amor Primero"
| <center>—
| {{center|—}}
| <center>—
| {{center|—}}
| <center>—
| {{center|—}}
| <center>—
| {{center|—}}
|
|-
|-
| 2010
| 2010
| "Te Parece Poco"
| "Te Parece Poco"
| <center>—
| {{center|—}}
| <center>—
| {{center|—}}
| <center>15
| {{center|15}}
| <center>—
| {{center|—}}
| align="left" rowspan="3"| <center>''La Voz de la Juventud''
| align="left" rowspan="3"| {{center| ''La Voz de la Juventud''}}
|
|-
|-
| align="left" rowspan="2"| 2011
| align="left" rowspan="2"| 2011
| "Casi Casi"
| "Casi Casi"
| <center>—
| {{center|—}}
| <center>—
| {{center|—}}
| <center>15
| {{center|15}}
| <center>31
| {{center|31}}
|
|-
|-
| "Quizás" <small>(featuring [[Yuridia]])</small>
| "Quizás" <small>(featuring [[Yuridia]])</small>
| <center>—
| {{center|—}}
| <center>—
| {{center|—}}
| <center>15
| {{center|15}}
| <center>—
| {{center|—}}
|
|-
|-
| 2012
| 2012
| "[[Lejos]]"
| "[[Lejos]]"
| <center>—
| {{center|—}}
| <center>36
| {{center|36}}
| <center>2
| {{center|2}}
| <center>36
| {{center|36}}
|align="left" rowspan="2"|<center>''Amor Total''
| align="left" rowspan="3"|{{center| ''Amor Total''}}
|
|-
|-
|-
|-
| 2013
| 2013
| "[[I Just Can't Stop Loving You|Todo Mí Amor Eres Tú]]"
| "[[I Just Can't Stop Loving You|Todo Mí Amor Eres Tú]]"
| <center>—
| {{center|—}}
| <center>29
| {{center|29}}
| <center>1
| {{center|1}}
| <center>17
| {{center|17}}
|
|-
|-
| align="left" rowspan="2"| 2014
| 2014
| "Hey"
| "Hey"
| <center>—
| {{center|—}}
| <center>43
| {{center|43}}
| <center>1
| {{center|1}}
| <center>37
| {{center|37}}
|
|-
| "El Aire Que Respiro"
| {{center|—}}
| {{center|—}}
| {{center|8}}
| {{center|—}}
| align="left" rowspan="4"| {{center|''Bachata Nation''}}
|
|-
| align="left" rowspan="2"| 2015
| "We Never Looking Back (feat. [[French Montana]])"
| {{center|—}}
| {{center|—}}
| {{center|1}}
| {{center|—}}
|
|-
| "Vestida De Blanco"
| {{center|—}}
| {{center|—}}
| {{center|1}}
| {{center|—}}
|
|-
| 2016
| "No Le Eches La Culpa"
| {{center|—}}
| {{center|—}}
| {{center|1}}
| {{center|—}}
|
|}
|}


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*[[Tito El Bambino]] : La Busco
*[[Tito El Bambino]] : La Busco
*[[Alexis & Fido]] - Soy igual que tu
*[[Alexis & Fido]] - Soy Igual Que Tu
*Chosen Few Movement - Grind It Up (featuring Toby Love & Lumidee)
*Grupo Yankees - Jasmine
*[[Chosen Few Movement]] - Grind It Up (featuring Toby Love & Lumidee)
*[[Omega (singer)|Omega]] - Tu No Ta Pa Mi (Remix)
*[[Magic Juan (musician)|Magic Juan]] - La Otra Noche
*[[Omega y su Mambo Violento|Omega]] - Tu No Ta Pa Mi (Remix)
*[[Aventura (band)|Aventura]] - I Believe (Yo Creo) & Gone
*[[Magic Juan]] - La Otra Noche
*Javi G - Por Qué? (Toby Love y Mikey)
*[[Aventura (band)|Aventura]] - Enséñame A Olvidar (Sold Out At Madison Square Garden)
*Tony CJ - Mi Primer Amor (Salsa Version)
*[[Aventura (band)|Aventura]] - Por Que No [Reggaeton]
*[[Tony CJ]] - Mi Primer Amor (Salsa Version)
*[[Fanny Lu]] - [[Y Si Te Digo]] (Bachata, 2007)
*[[Fanny Lú]] - Y si te digo (bachata, 2007)
*[[R.K.M & Ken-Y]] - Tengo un Amor (2006)


==References==
==References==
Line 152: Line 255:


==External links==
==External links==
*[https://myspace.com/tobyloveofficialsite Toby Love] on [[Myspace]]
*[http://www.metagencyonline.com MET Agency] Booking
*[http://www.tobyloveofficial.com Official Website]
*{{MySpace|tobyloveofficialsite|Toby Love}}
*{{YouTube|tobylove|Toby Love}}
*{{IMDb name|id=4647629|name=Toby Love}}
*{{IMDb name|id=4647629|name=Toby Love}}


{{Authority control|VIAF=120442366}}
{{Authority control}}
{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]]. -->
| NAME =Love, Toby
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = American singer
| DATE OF BIRTH =1986
| PLACE OF BIRTH =The Bronx, New York, United States
| DATE OF DEATH =
| PLACE OF DEATH =
}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Love, Toby}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Love, Toby}}
[[Category:1986 births]]
[[Category:Aventura (band) members]]
[[Category:Aventura (band) members]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from the Bronx]]
[[Category:Musicians from the Bronx]]
[[Category:Bachata musicians]]
[[Category:American bachata musicians]]
[[Category:Musicians from New York]]
[[Category:Singers from New York (state)]]
[[Category:American people of Puerto Rican descent]]
[[Category:American musicians of Puerto Rican descent]]
[[Category:American male singers]]
[[Category:American male singers]]
[[Category:Sony Music Latin artists]]
[[Category:Top Stop Music artists]]
[[Category:Latin music songwriters]]
[[Category:Bachata singers]]
[[Category:1985 births]]

Latest revision as of 13:47, 28 May 2024

Toby Love
Toby Love in 2015
Background information
Birth nameOctavio Rivera
Also known asSoul Love
Born (1985-03-20) March 20, 1985 (age 39)
The Bronx, New York, U.S.
Genres
Occupations
  • Singer
  • rapper
  • songwriter
InstrumentVocals
Years active1999–present
Labels

Toby Love (born Octavio Rivera; March 20, 1985) is an American singer, rapper and songwriter of Puerto Rican descent.[1] Based on The Bronx, New York, he is best known for being a former member of Aventura before pursuing a solo career, mostly known for their 2002 album We Broke the Rules, later performing a style of bachata music that combines traditional and urban singing and production.[1][2] In 2006, he embarked on a solo career, thus gaining success. His debut single, "Tengo Un Amor", helped him rise to fame in mainstream Latin music. Since then, he became one of the most successful bachata artists of the 2000s and 2010s with hits like "Llorar Lloviendo", "Te Parece Poco", "Lejos", "Vestida De Blanco", among others.

Early life

[edit]

Toby Love was born in The Bronx, New York on March 20, 1985, to Puerto Rican parents. Coming from a musical family, he grew up listening to a bunch of different music genres, such as pop, hip-hop, R&B, bachata, merengue, and salsa. His biological father Toby Rivera sang with the salsa orchestral group Conjunto Clásico. His mother was later remarried to a Dominican man, which eventually led to Toby Love's exposure around both Dominican and Puerto Rican cultures. Being exposed to bachata, he decided to pursue a career in music in that genre. He lived in the same neighborhood as the bachata group Aventura. He became close friends with the member Mikey, who later asked Love to join the group.[3][4]

Career

[edit]

Working with Aventura (1999–2005)

[edit]

Max, offered Love the opportunity to work with Aventura and he accepted. He started working with the group in 1999 as a backup vocalist and additional percussionist.[5] His voice was featured in the groups seconds album, We Broke the Rules, for the songs "I Believe (Yo Creo)", "Mi Puerto Rico", and "Gone", which is a bachata cover of an NSYNC's song.[6]

Becoming his own artist, Debut album, and Love is Back (2006–2009)

[edit]

In 2006, Love left the group to embark on his own career as an artist. He signed with Sony Music and released the first single of his first album "Tengo Un Amor" on July 18, 2006. On the Billboard charts, it peaked at number 100 on the Billboard Hot 100, at number 2 on the Hot Latin Songs chart, and at number 1 on the Latin Rhythm Airplay chart. It was certified 2× Platinum in the U.S. by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) He released his debut LP and self-titled album Toby Love on September 5, 2006, under the record labels Sony BMG and Scarlito. It featured collaborations with Judy Santos, Julio Voltio, and Rakim & Ken-Y. The album also featured the singles "Don't Cry (La Niña Que Soñé)" and "Amores Como El Tuyo". The album was certified Platinum in the U.S. by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). In 2007, he received four nominations to the Billboard Latin Music Awards for songs included in his debut album. Love won awards for two categories, Tropical Airplay Song of the Year for the debut single, and Latin Rap / Hip Hop Album of the Year for the debut album.[7]

On July 17, 2007, he released a remix version of the album titled Toby Love: Reloaded. It featured collaborations with Max Agende, Jorge Celedón, Magic Juan, Vakero, Fanny Lú, Alexis & Fido, and Pitbull, along with the artists from the original version of the album. In the same year, he was featured in Tito El Bambino's song "La Busco", for Bambino's second studio solo album, It's My Time. The music video was released in 2008.

On May 20, 2008, he released the first single for his second album, "Llorar Lloviendo". On the Billboard charts, it peaked at number 22 on the Hot Latin Songs chart, at number 7 on the Latin Rhythm Airplay chart, and at number 2 on the Tropical Airplay. The single was certified Gold in the U.S. by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). On July 21, 2008, he released Love Is Back.[8] It included the single "Amor Primero". The album featured collaborations with BHaze, Sopranito, and Magic Juan. It peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Tropical Albums chart.

La Voz De La Juventud, Amor Total, Bachata Nation (2010–2017)

[edit]

On July 26, 2010, he released the first single for his third studio album "Te Parece Poco". On January 9, 2011, he released the second single "Casi Casi". It peaked at number 31 on the Billboard Latin Pop Airplay chart. On February 14, 2011, he released its third single "Quizás" and featured Mexican singer Yuridia. All 3 singles peaked at number 15 on the Billboard Tropical Airplay chart. On May 10, 2011, he released his third studio album La Voz De La Juventud.[9] It featured collaborations with Del Blokke and Yuridia. It peaked at number 3 on the Billboard Tropical Albums chart. On March 19, 2012, he released his first and only compilation album Mis Favoritos. It was released by Sony Music Latin as part of a series of compilation albums involving other famous and successful artists. This would be the last album with Sony Music as Love would no longer be part of the company as of late 2012.

In 2012, he signed with Sergio George's Top Stop Music.[10] He released the music video for his first single under the new label titled Lejos as the main single for his fourth studio album on February 21, 2012. The audio-only version was released on August 21, 2012. It peaked at number 2 on the Billboard Tropical Airplay chart. Its second singled peaked at number 1 on the same chart. It was a Spanglish bachata cover of Michael Jackson's 1987 single, I Just Can't Stop Loving You. Jackson has a Spanish version titled "Todo Mi Amor Eres Tu" ("All My Love Is You"), which is the title of Love's cover of the song. Love titled it as "Todo Mi Amor Eres Tu (I Just Can't Stop Loving You)" and the music video was released on April 2, 2013. The audio only version was released on April 5, 2013, on iTunes and on every other streaming platform on April 8, 2013. On May 7, 2013, he released his fourth studio album Amor Total. It featured a collaboration with Reggae artist Dynasty. It peaked at number 7 on the Billboard Tropical Albums chart. The album also featured the song "Hay", which was later released as a single in 2014.

On May 27, 2014, he released the first single for his fifth studio album, "El Aire Que Respiro". It peaked at number 8 on the Billboard Tropical Airplay chart. The next three singles all peaked at number one on the same chart. The second single, "We Never Looking Back", was released in 2015 and featured Moroccan-American rapper French Montana. The third single, "Vestida De Blanco", was released on July 1, 2015. On June 3, 2016, he released the fourth single "No Le Eches La Culpa". On June 24, 2016, he released his fifth studio album Bachata Nation. It featured collaborations with Karlos Rosé, Fuego, Judy Santos, French Montana. On the Billboard charts, it peaked at number 5 on Top Latin Albums chart, and at number 1 on the Tropical Albums chart.

More singles and conversion to Christianity (2018–present)

[edit]

Love had continued to release more singles between 2018 and 2020. On July 2, 2021, he released his first Christian single titled "Jesus Te Amo" (Jesus I Love You). He was going under the name Tobiah.

Artistry

[edit]
His influential musicians include Michael Jackson and Lauryn Hill, amongst many others.

His musical influences include Michael Jackson, R. Kelly, Lauryn Hill, Pitbull, Antony Santos, Juan Luis Guerra, Héctor Lavoe, and Ricky Martin, which had inspired Love to produce the mixture of Latin pop and R&B into bachata in his songs. He was also inspired by Crunk, a hip-hop music subgenre while recording half of his debut album in Miami. Love became a fan of Crunk Hip-Hop music. He incorporated it into his bachata music, thus creating the subgenre Crunkchata.[1] Love produces the majority of the music used in his albums, along with co-producer Eddie Perez.[2][11][3][6][5]

Legacy

[edit]

Toby Love is recognized as the artist who made the subgenre of crunkchata popular.[1] His eponymous debut studio album is the only bachata album ever to be awarded Latin Rap/Hip-Hop Album of the Year at the 2007 Latin Billboard Music Awards. His debut single "Tengo Un Amor", was his most successful song and elevated him to stardom. Since then he has released more hits, including 5 number 1 singles on the Billboard Tropical Airplay chart. He was dubbed as La Voz de la Juventud (The Voice of the Youth).

Personal life

[edit]

In addition to living in New York, Toby Love also spends his time between homes in Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and New Jersey.[1] Love hopes to begin working as an actor, in addition to his career as a musician.[1]

Discography

[edit]

Studio albums

Compilation albums

Singles

[edit]
Year Single Chart positions[12] Album Certifications
US U.S. Latin U.S. Latin Trop U.S. Latin Pop
2006 "Tengo Un Amor"
100
2
3
25
Toby Love
 • U.S. RIAA certification: 2× Platinum[13]
"Don't Cry (La Niña Que Soñé)"
—
13
22
—
2007 "Amores Como El Tuyo"
—
—
—
—
2008 "Llorar Lloviendo"
—
22
2
36
Love is Back
 • U.S. RIAA certification: Gold[14]
"Amor Primero"
—
—
—
—
2010 "Te Parece Poco"
—
—
15
—
La Voz de la Juventud
2011 "Casi Casi"
—
—
15
31
"Quizás" (featuring Yuridia)
—
—
15
—
2012 "Lejos"
—
36
2
36
Amor Total
2013 "Todo Mí Amor Eres Tú"
—
29
1
17
2014 "Hey"
—
43
1
37
"El Aire Que Respiro"
—
—
8
—
Bachata Nation
2015 "We Never Looking Back (feat. French Montana)"
—
—
1
—
"Vestida De Blanco"
—
—
1
—
2016 "No Le Eches La Culpa"
—
—
1
—

Featurings

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f Latin Music Interview: "Toby Love Becomes the Voice of the Youth"
  2. ^ a b "Toby Love Coming to Los Angeles To Promote His New Album". Archived from the original on October 13, 2012.
  3. ^ a b Otero, Navani (October 3, 2006). "nocheLatina - Q&A Sessions: Toby Love". nocheLatina. Archived from the original on April 13, 2015. Retrieved January 18, 2013.
  4. ^ "Ex integrante de Aventura, Toby Love, presenta credenciales en el Centro de Arte & Comunicación Celinés Toribio". El Nuevo Diario. December 15, 2006. Archived from the original on April 12, 2015. Retrieved February 15, 2013.
  5. ^ a b Donelson, Marcy. "Toby Love - Biography". AllMusic. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
  6. ^ a b "Toby Love to Become First Spanish Singing Artist to Perform at Van Andel Arena". Van Andel Arena Insider. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
  7. ^ Billboard Staff (April 27, 2007). "2007 Billboard Latin Music Awards Winners". Billboard. Archived from the original on June 7, 2013.
  8. ^ People Staff. "Toby Love: "The bachata of the future."". People en Español. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
  9. ^ Dante (April 2, 2011). "Toby Love Becomes the Voice of the Youth". Latin Rapper. Archived from the original on March 24, 2017.
  10. ^ That's Dominican Staff (February 10, 2011). "TOBY LOVE FIRMA CON SELLO DISCOGRAFICO TOP STOP MUSIC". That's Dominican (in Spanish).
  11. ^ "Toby Love: "The bachata of the future."". People en Español. Retrieved January 14, 2023.
  12. ^ "Toby Love Chart History". Billboard. Archived from the original on November 21, 2021. Retrieved July 13, 2022.
  13. ^ "American single certifications – Toby Love – Tengo Un Amor". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
  14. ^ "American single certifications – Toby Love – Llorar Lloviendo". Recording Industry Association of America. Retrieved May 22, 2018.
[edit]
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