Bobby Ray Simmons (born November 15, 1988 in Decatur, Georgia), better known by his stage name B.o.B, is an American rapper, singer and producer signed to T.I.’s Grand Hustle Label and Atlantic Records. In 2007 he released his debut EP Eastside, and has since released another EP, 12th Dimension, and four mixtapes. His debut album, B.o.B Presents The Adventures of Bobby Ray, will be released April 2010. The first official single is Nothin’ on You featuring Bruno Mars. His song Created a Monster is on the Madden ‘10 Soundtrack, and the track Haterz Everywhere is featured on the Fight Night Round 4 soundtrack. In October 2008, B.o.B was featured on the cover of Vibe along with some other musicians similarly identified as promising young talent. In December 2008, he appeared on the cover of XXL magazine along with Blu, Kid Cudi, Curren$y, Cory Gunz, Asher Roth, Charles Hamilton and Wale as “Hip-Hop’s Class of ‘09”. He has described his influences as 80’s music, rap, techno, rock, funk and du wop.
B.o.B has a unique talent in that he produces, writes, raps, arranges, and mixes his own music. He is a one stop music creation shop from top to bottom. This allows B.o.B the rare opportunity of recording with reckless abandon. It is a freedom that he willingly accepts. “I am constantly coming up with songs and concepts because I want to sound different. Nobody made it by sounding like everyone else.” This unique sound caught the attention of two industry heavyweights, Jim Jonsin and TJ Chapman, who are poised to make the rest of the world believers.
In 2005 hit beat maker Jim Jonsin, who has already made his mark by producing fire such as “Give It To Me” by Sean Paul and Danity Kane’s “Showstopper” in addition to smashes by Trick Daddy, Trina, Pretty Ricky and others, has signed B.o.B to his Rebel Rock imprint as the flagship artist. Plus, the industry tastemaker, TJ Chapman the CEO of TJ’s DJ’s is serving as B.o.B’s co-manager after helping launch the careers of T-Pain, David Banner, Yung Joc, and Rick Ross to name a few. Why? TJ Chapman simply believes, “B.o.B is the next superstar.” Atlantic must have agreed as they have signed B.o.B to their roster and are eager to help B.o.B achieve his dreams. |
