Introducing B.o.B

T.I. | Eminem and Kanye West call this MC super talented. Learn about him here.

Under the Radar - B.o.B released his first two projects “Cloud 9” and “The Future” in 2006 and 2007, respectively.

1 / 15

Under the Radar - B.o.B released his first two projects “Cloud 9” and “The Future” in 2006 and 2007, respectively.

Versatile - A multifaceted artist, B.o.B raps, sings, produces and plays the guitar, trumpet and piano.

2 / 15

Versatile - A multifaceted artist, B.o.B raps, sings, produces and plays the guitar, trumpet and piano.

Recognition - Though “Cloud 9” and “The Future” were under the radar, the mixtapes featured “Cloud 9” and “Haterz Everywhere,” two tracks that were later featured on “Hi! My Name Is B.o.B” in 2008. Hosted by Mick Boogie and sponsored by LRG, the tape helped spread B.o.B’s buzz beyond the South. He released “Who the F**k is B.o.B?" a few months later.

3 / 15

Recognition - Though “Cloud 9” and “The Future” were under the radar, the mixtapes featured “Cloud 9” and “Haterz Everywhere,” two tracks that were later featured on “Hi! My Name Is B.o.B” in 2008. Hosted by Mick Boogie and sponsored by LRG, the tape helped spread B.o.B’s buzz beyond the South. He released “Who the F**k is B.o.B?" a few months later.

Dotted Line... - Jim Jonsin (“Whatever You Like,” “Lollipop”) signed B.o.B to Rebel Rock Entertainment.

4 / 15

Dotted Line... - Jim Jonsin (“Whatever You Like,” “Lollipop”) signed B.o.B to Rebel Rock Entertainment.

Grand Hustle - Rebel Rock eventually reached an agreement with T.I.’s Grand Hustle Entertainment for B.o.B to join the king of the South’s roster.

5 / 15

Grand Hustle - Rebel Rock eventually reached an agreement with T.I.’s Grand Hustle Entertainment for B.o.B to join the king of the South’s roster.

ADVERTISEMENT
Cover Star - Back in 2008, B.o.B appeared on the cover of XXL magazine’s second Freshman 10 cover alongside Asher Roth, Wale and Charles Hamilton.

6 / 15

Cover Star - Back in 2008, B.o.B appeared on the cover of XXL magazine’s second Freshman 10 cover alongside Asher Roth, Wale and Charles Hamilton.

I'll Be in the Sky - Still basking in the glow of his XXL cover, B.o.B released “I’ll Be in the Sky,” a single initially believed to be the first offering from his debut album. The single proved B.o.B had crossover potential.

7 / 15

I'll Be in the Sky - Still basking in the glow of his XXL cover, B.o.B released “I’ll Be in the Sky,” a single initially believed to be the first offering from his debut album. The single proved B.o.B had crossover potential.

Sound-Alike - B.o.B’s versatility led to comparisons to Andre 3000 early in his career. He recently spoke on shaking the comparisons off. "You know what though - when people ask me that, they just ask me if I still get the attention,” he told Allhiphop. “Because I get asked that question, I feel like I do because I get the attention. It's kinda like I feel as the music is growing and develops, people are starting to be able to tell the difference themselves in the style and the sound.”

8 / 15

Sound-Alike - B.o.B’s versatility led to comparisons to Andre 3000 early in his career. He recently spoke on shaking the comparisons off. "You know what though - when people ask me that, they just ask me if I still get the attention,” he told Allhiphop. “Because I get asked that question, I feel like I do because I get the attention. It's kinda like I feel as the music is growing and develops, people are starting to be able to tell the difference themselves in the style and the sound.”

The Name - B.o.B switched to his born name, Bobby Ray, back in March 2009. “Now I go by the name 'Bobby Ray.' Make sure you put 'Bobby Ray,'" he told MTV.

9 / 15

The Name - B.o.B switched to his born name, Bobby Ray, back in March 2009. “Now I go by the name 'Bobby Ray.' Make sure you put 'Bobby Ray,'" he told MTV.

B.o.B Vs. Bobby Ray - B.o.B released his “B.o.B Vs. Bobby Ray” mixtape last year. The tape featured production from Kanye West and guest spots from OJ Da Juiceman and T.I.

10 / 15

B.o.B Vs. Bobby Ray - B.o.B released his “B.o.B Vs. Bobby Ray” mixtape last year. The tape featured production from Kanye West and guest spots from OJ Da Juiceman and T.I.

ADVERTISEMENT
May 25th - B.o.B dropped his “May 25th" mixtape hosted by DJ Drama and sponsored by LRG earlier this year. The CD featured appearances by J. Cole and Asher Roth with production by Kanye West and Alchemist.

11 / 15

May 25th - B.o.B dropped his “May 25th" mixtape hosted by DJ Drama and sponsored by LRG earlier this year. The CD featured appearances by J. Cole and Asher Roth with production by Kanye West and Alchemist.

Pushed Up - With anticipation building for his debut, “The Adventures of Bobby Ray” was pushed up from its initial May 25 release.

12 / 15

Pushed Up - With anticipation building for his debut, “The Adventures of Bobby Ray” was pushed up from its initial May 25 release.

No. 1 Smash - After spending several weeks at no. 2, “Nothin on You” featuring Bruno Mars finally knocked off Rihanna’s “Rude Boy” to nab the no.1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

13 / 15

No. 1 Smash - After spending several weeks at no. 2, “Nothin on You” featuring Bruno Mars finally knocked off Rihanna’s “Rude Boy” to nab the no.1 spot on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

No Holds Barred - “I’m very excited because I’ve been waiting so long to put the album out,” B.o.B told BET.com. “I’m at the point where I feel like I’m very prepared so I’m really interested to see how the album will impact. I’m not holding back nothing on this album."

14 / 15

No Holds Barred - “I’m very excited because I’ve been waiting so long to put the album out,” B.o.B told BET.com. “I’m at the point where I feel like I’m very prepared so I’m really interested to see how the album will impact. I’m not holding back nothing on this album."

In Stores Now - "B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray" hits stores today (April 27). The album features guest appearances from T.I., Eminem, Lupe Fiasco and production from Polow Da Don and Jim Jonsin.

15 / 15

In Stores Now - "B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray" hits stores today (April 27). The album features guest appearances from T.I., Eminem, Lupe Fiasco and production from Polow Da Don and Jim Jonsin.