Bobby ray simmons biography of michael

American rapper (born 1988)

This article enquiry about the American rapper. Transport the song by OutKast, esteem B.O.B (song). For the computerized film character called "Old B.O.B.", see The Black Hole. Guarantor other uses, see Bob.

Musical artist

Bobby Ray Simmons Jr. (born Nov 15, 1988), known professionally importance B.o.B, is an American knocker, singer, and record producer.

Lifted in Decatur, Georgia, Simmons shipshape with record producer Jim Jonsin's Rebel Rock Entertainment in 2006. Two years later, he pure a joint venture recording transmit with fellow Georgia rapper T.I.'s Grand Hustle Records, an depression of Atlantic Records.^[2] Following crown major-label deal, Simmons quickly carried out commercial success when his 2009 debut single, "Nothin' on You" (featuring Bruno Mars), peaked blue blood the gentry U.S.

Billboard Hot 100 diagram and received three nominations—Record outline the Year, Best Rap Concert, and Best Rap/Sung Collaboration—at character 53rd Grammy Awards.

His 2010 follow-up singles, "Airplanes" (featuring Hayley Williams of Paramore) and "Magic" (featuring Rivers Cuomo), peaked struggle numbers two and ten scale the Billboard Hot 100, singly.

All three preceded the let go of Simmons' debut studio lp The Adventures of Bobby Ray (2010), which was promoted by virtue of two extended plays (EPs) presentday several self-released mixtapes. The release peaked atop the Billboard Cardinal, received double platinum certification rough the Recording Industry Association asset America (RIAA), and saw depreciatory praise for its blending look up to alternative hip hop, pop scold, and rock.

Simmons was christened the ninth "Hottest MC involve the Game of 2010" near MTV on their annual list.^[3] The following year, he patron appeared on English singer Coward J's 2011 single "Price Tag", which peaked atop the UK Singles Chart and at count 23 on the Billboard Blistering 100.

Simmons' dubstep-influenced 2011 individual, "Strange Clouds" (featuring Lil Wayne), became his fourth top-ten harm on the Billboard Hot Century.

It served as lead unattached for his second studio photo album of the same name (2012), which peaked at number pentad on the Billboard 200 prosperous spawned the follow-up singles "So Good" and "Both of Us" (featuring Taylor Swift), both conduct operations which peaked within the hold up 20 in the US be proof against received platinum certifications by loftiness RIAA.

His third studio soundtrack, Underground Luxury (2013), explored darker subject matter and adopted spruce up grittier tone, spawning the club-oriented singles "HeadBand" (featuring 2 Chainz) and "We Still in That Bitch" (featuring T.I. and Lurid J); the album was trip over with a critical and paying decline.^[4] That same year, appease guest appeared on the platinum-certified singles "Paranoid" by Ty Dolla Sign and "Up Down (Do This All Day)" by T-Pain.

Dissatisfied with his lack scrupulous promotion from the label, Simmons released his twelfth mixtape, Psycadelik Thoughtz (2015) as his farewell project for Atlantic. His composition album, Elements (2016)—released by king own label, No Genre—was compiled from four mixtapes which delved into political subject matter cope with conspiracy theories.

His 2016 lone, "Flatline" was a diss theme agreement aimed at astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson, in which he attests credence of modern flat Bald beliefs. His fourth album, Ether (2017), served as his pull it off independent album and narrowly entered the Billboard 200 while greeting critical praise. He has in that further expressed anti-establishment views highest disavowed the mainstream music elbow grease.

Life and career

1988–2006: Early test and career beginnings

Bobby Ray Simmons Jr. was born on Nov 15, 1988, in Winston-Salem, Northerly Carolina.^[5] He played the cry in his school band exaggerate elementary school through high school.^[6][7] Although his parents wanted him to continue his education, B.o.B decided in sixth grade think it over he wanted to pursue elegant music career.^[8] His father, dinky pastor, disapproved of his son's choices, until he realized B.o.B was using music as copperplate form of therapy and exceptional creative outlet.

B.o.B later reproduce on his experience, saying, "They've always supported me. They got my first keyboard to regard beats on and they helped me out getting equipment contemporary and there. But it was kind of hard for them to really understand what Irrational was really trying to accomplish."^[8] B.o.B attended Columbia High Faculty in Decatur, Georgia, where blooper played the trumpet in nobleness school band, until he sound a record deal and firm to drop out of kindergarten in the ninth grade.

In 2002, after meeting his exponent and co-manager B-Rich at primacy age of 14, B.o.B sell his first beat to past Slip-n-SlideB.o.B felt he had conventional a substantial career. "I went and blew all of irate money on fast stuff affection a chain and ballin'. Before long I was broke again, however I learned two important attributes from it; make sure Side-splitting save my money and ditch I was hooked on medicine.

He continued performing at breakage mics and underground venues conform perfect his craft.^[9] In 2006, because he was underage, B-Rich helped sneak B.o.B into Cudgel Crucial, a night club illustrious by Atlanta-based rapper T.I. Present-day, B.o.B performed a song aristocratic "Cloud 9", a self-produced, understood word-like ode to marijuana.

Purchase attendance was producer and labour veteran T.J. Chapman, chief heed officer (CEO) of TJ's DJ's. Chapman agreed to co-manage B.o.B, which only a month ulterior led to B.o.B's signing trappings Atlantic Records and subsidiary impress Rebel Rock, run by Florida-based producer Jim Jonsin. His chief single for Atlantic, 2007's "Haterz Everywhere", reached the top pentad of Billboard's Bubbling Under R&B/Hip-Hop singles chart.^[9][10] Along with reward solo production career, B.o.B report part of the production/rap lesson HamSquad, along with Playboy Sanity, DJ Swatts, DJ Smooth, Marsh B, B-Rich and TJ Chapman.^[8]

2007–2008: Rise to fame and mixtapes

B.o.B first began to gain fad at the start of 2007.

The underground single, "Haterz Everywhere" featuring Wes Fif, gained high-mindedness rapper attention by peaking unsure number 5 on the U.S. BillboardBubbling Under Hot 100 Singles.^[11] The remix to "Haterz Everywhere" featuring Rich Boy, was deception used in the video project Fight Night Round 4, status a music video was posterior released for that version.

Choice single, "I'll Be in righteousness Sky", was released in 2008 and it has reached strike number 15 on the equivalent charts. About.com called the air a "smart, funky artrap topmost a strong prelude to top album" and included it better number 13 on its tyrannical ranking "Top 100 Rap Songs of 2008". Incidentally, another motif produced by B.o.B called "Generation Lost", listed alongside the tune, on the ranking at installment 32.^[12] This was followed newborn another single, "Don't Let Blow Fall".^[12] B.o.B made his lid big feature appearing on T.I.'s highly acclaimed album Paper Trail (2008), on the song "On Top of the World", adjoin fellow Atlanta-based rapper Ludacris.

In 2008, it was announced grace would appear on the subsume of XXL magazine, along gather Asher Roth, Charles Hamilton avoid Wale as part of their "Hip-Hop's Class of '09" issue.^[13][14][15] In October 2008, B.o.B was featured on the cover clutch Vibe along with some care these same young musicians submit was similarly identified as be imminent young talent.^[16][17] From 2007 get tangled 2008, B.o.B released four mixtapes; The Future (2007), Cloud 9 (2007), Hi!

My Name deference B.o.B (2008) Who the F#*k is B.o.B? (2008) and flash extended plays; Eastside (2007),^[18]12th Dimension (2008).^[19]

2008–2010: Mainstream success and introduction album

Main article: B.o.B Presents: Nobleness Adventures of Bobby Ray

In 2008, it was announced B.o.B was included in XXL's 2009 yearlong Freshman Class, and was featured on the cover alongside counterpart up-and-coming rappers Asher Roth, Strake, Kid Cudi, Charles Hamilton, Cory Gunz, Blu, Mickey Factz, Consist of Hood and Curren$y.^[20][21] In Feb 2009, B.o.B crafted an uptotheminute song, titled "Auto-Tune", for righteousness videogame Grand Theft Auto: Magnanimity Lost and Damned.

On May well 16, 2009, B.o.B released ingenious cover of Manu Chao's "Mr. Bobby" and said he necessary to be known mononymously chimp Bobby Ray while also claiming he was taking his tune euphony in a "new direction": "Now I go by the nickname Bobby Ray. Make sure bolster put Bobby Ray. I'm in reality going into a new turn – more free and plead for trying to live up emphasize any particular genre.

I don't feel like I've been know-how that. I don't feel poverty I've been trying to figure in, but I feel unchanging more free-spirited. I have solon willingness musically. That's all I'm about. I'm about guitars, chords and keyboards".^[22][23]

On June 22, 2009, B.o.B released his fifth mixtape, appropriately titled B.o.B vs.

Fuzz Ray. The mixtape, reminiscent not later than T.I.'s T.I. vs. T.I.P. (2007), was mainly produced by Indignation and B.o.B. The mixtape along with included a song produced invitation Red Spyda, titled "Fly Need Me" and another titled "Put Me On", which is unadulterated re-imagining of A Tribe Entitled Quest's 1990 hit, "Bonita Applebum".

Reebok used "Put Me On" in celebration of the Reebok Classic Remix collection. The outline is available for download exceptionally to customers who purchase styles from the Reebok Classic Remix collection, at Foot Locker prearrangement nationwide.^[24][25] During the summer frequent 2009, B.o.B joined fellow energetic rappers Kid Cudi and Asher Roth for 'The Great Hangover' concert tour.^[26][27] B.o.B was journey open Blue October's Pick In the Phone tour in October–November 2009, but the tour was cancelled after Justin Furstenfeld was hospitalized following a severe willing anxiety attack.^[28]

On January 13, 2010, B.o.B announced his debut factory album, tentatively titled The Affluence of Bobby Ray, was scheduled to be released on Might 25, 2010.

To promote authority album, B.o.B announced a mixtape titled May 25, in specification to his album's release date.^[29]May 25 was released on Feb 1, 2010, to critical acclaim.^[30] The mixtape features guest protocol from J. Cole, Asher Writer, Playboy Tre, Charles Hamilton subject Bruno Mars.

The latter appreciate whom was featured on depiction bonus track and B.o.B's first performance single, "Nothin' on You".^[31] Claim to the commercial success long-awaited his mixtape May 25 other his single "Nothin' on You", the release date of emperor debut album was advanced repeat April 27, 2010.^[32] Three alternative singles followed: "Don't Let Sensational Fall" (released April 6, 2010), "Airplanes" (April 13, 2010; featuring Hayley Williams), and "Bet I" (April 20, 2010; featuring T.I.

and Playboy Tre). A gramophone record for "Bet I" was unconfined on Atlantic Videos on YouTube.

B.o.B Presents: The Adventures duplicate Bobby Ray was released answerable to Atlantic and T.I.'s Grand Crowd imprint, featuring guest appearances munch through Lupe Fiasco, T.I., Playboy Sanity, Hayley Williams, Rivers Cuomo, Ricco Barrino, Janelle Monáe and Saint Mars.

The album, released Apr 27, 2010, was given commonly positive reviews. His album oversubscribed 84,000 copies in the twig week and debuted at enumerate one on the Billboard Cardinal. It made B.o.B the 13th solo male artist to conspiracy a debut album arrive discuss number one in its pass with flying colours week. In July, B.o.B declared he will go on structure, naming it The SHOOTiN be after Stars Tour.

The dates sports ground times were released on rulership website on July 13.^[33] B.o.B has received nominations for climax album, singles, and himself timorous the BET Awards, Teen Preference Awards, MTV Video Music Bays, and the new Suckerfree Zenith. "Airplanes" was featured in honourableness trailer for the upcoming covering Charlie St.

Cloud and fulfil single "Magic" featured him bind an advertisement for Adidas' "Magic" campaign.^[34] B.o.B was announced utter be a performer at grandeur 2010 MTV Video Music Fame on August 18. He was added to the lineup business Eminem, Linkin Park, Kanye Westbound, Drake, Usher, Paramore, Florence final the Machine, and Justin Bieber.^[35]

On August 14, 2010, Hayley Dramatist announced via the Official Paramore Fan Club that B.o.B would be the main support set out Paramore's November UK Tour.^[36] B.o.B also opened for Eminem abstruse Jay-Z's The Home & Sunny Tour at Comerica Park.

B.o.B also did a MTV Unplugged session. He performed songs put a stop to his debut album, as lob as a cover of "Kids" by MGMT, with guests Redbreast Thicke, Melanie Fiona, and Janelle Monáe.^[37] B.o.B also made young adult appearance in Lollapalooza 2010. B.o.B made an appearance at righteousness 2010 MTV VMA's on Sep 12, 2010.^[38] He performed ability of both his singles, "Nothin' on You" with Bruno Mars and "Airplanes" with Hayley Settler.

B.o.B released his seventh mixtape, titled No Genre, on Dec 7, 2010. B.o.B Presents: Illustriousness Adventures of Bobby Ray was certified 2× platinum by dignity RIAA on August 2, 2016.^[39]

2011–2012: Strange Clouds

Main article: Strange Clouds (album)

Jessie J released a unattached featuring B.o.B, titled "Price Tag", on January 30, 2011.

Representation song was quick to accomplish number one in the In partnership Kingdom charts selling 84,000 copies in its first week indicate sales. On March 22, 2011, Electronic Arts released the Team Trailer for the upcoming first-person-shooter Crysis 2 which featured undiluted song by B.o.B titled "New York New York" containing grandeur main piano chorus from primacy song "Theme from New Dynasty, New York" commonly sung unused Frank Sinatra; the artist who sang the chorus is unconfirmed.^[40][41] The full song later arrived on his eighth mixtape E.P.I.C.

(Every Play Is Crucial), turning up the song was produced coarse Mike Caren.^[42] In early 2011, Odd Future's Tyler, the Initiator released a song titled "Yonkers". In the song Tyler raps (What you think of Hayley Williams?) Fuck her, Wolf Author robbing 'em / I'll cracking that fucking airplane that defer faggot nigga B.o.B is attach / And stab Bruno Mars in his goddamn esophagus Relate And won't stop until dignity cops come in.

In comprehend, on March 25, B.o.B at large "No Future" a song slash which he takes aim erroneousness the hip hop collective playing field their leader.^[43][44] In June 2011, it was announced that B.o.B was featured and produced unornamented song on Tech N9ne's 12th studio album, All 6's person in charge 7's.

The track, titled "Am I a Psycho?" features knocker Hopsin as well, who too seems to have issues skilled Tyler, the Creator.^[45] B.o.B additionally appeared on the official remix to Kesha's hit single "Blow". The remix was released finished iTunes on May 17, 2011.^[46][47]

In the summer of 2011, B.o.B was announced the new brave of T.I.'s clothing line AKOO.

He will be featured slash AKOO Clothing's upcoming fall 2011 national advertising campaign alongside Phytologist Granderson of the New Dynasty Yankees, Carl Crawford of justness Boston Red Sox, and understanding of the BET hit sitcom, The Game, Hosea Chanchez. Put your feet up will be appearing in organized graphic novel for A.K.O.O lordly Hide in Plain Sight – Saving the World From Trend Conspiracy.^[48][49][50] On August 27, 2011, a video appeared on YouTube of B.o.B performing at River State University, where he previewed a song titled "Strange Clouds" and announced it features Lil Wayne.^[51][52][53] In an interview second-hand goods Syracuse University's The Daily Orangish, B.o.B spoke of his second-best studio album for the foremost time.

He went on endure say "It's a more grown up sound but nothing too unsettled backward. It's a happy medium mid the sound of B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray and the mixtapes, so globe everybody should be able to delight in it. I'd say I'm 90 percent done with it simple now, but the album appellation is still TBA."^[54][55] On Sept 23, 2011, B.o.B released trim trailer, through his website, plump for the upcoming single "Strange Clouds".

The trailer announced the unattached will be officially released Oct 3.^[56] The single leaked former to the release date ratifying September 25, causing the matchless to be released on iTunes on September 27.^[57] Later wander day B.o.B appeared on have in mind online video stream on portable radio station V103 and announced authority title of the album offer also be Strange Clouds stall was set to be out in early 2012.^[58]

Bobby Ray spoken for the first listening session espouse his album Strange Clouds fall back Tree Sound Studios on Oct 25, 2011.

Seven new songs were previewed during the sensing session, including the promotional celibate "Play the Guitar" which sovereign state André 3000. Other big company appearances confirmed, as the book was not fully complete, contain Lil Wayne, Big K.R.I.T., Nelly and a song with T.I. titled "Arena". In addition sand has worked with OneRepublic go off in a huff a song and has back number quoted as having: "the melody line of 2012 with a gigantic feature from somebody who on no account does features with anyone!".^[59] Make fast November 15, 2011, B.o.B whispered he would be releasing out mixtape titled E.P.I.C.

(Every Throw Is Crucial) prior to blue blood the gentry album's release. The mixtape was released on November 28, 2011, featuring guest appearances from Eminem, Mos Def, Roscoe Dash, Low-key Mill, and Bun B in the midst of others and included production strip Ryan Tedder to Lil Slogan and Jim Jonsin.^[60]

While on at the bottom of the sea for the "Strange Clouds" strain video, MTV interviewed B.o.B courier confronted him of a report that he and T.I.

gust working on a collaborative notebook, B.o.B responded: "The joint recording, it actually started as uncluttered joke. Tip would always guarantee to me as 'the Martian', and in one of tiara lyrics, he said, 'It's primacy man and the Martian,' endure we said, 'Man that could be an album title.' Surprise kinda just played around check on it.

But it seems goslow be taking form in span very organic way."^[61] On Dec 1, 2011, B.o.B appeared purpose New York City's Hot 97 radio station and confirmed dump he and T.I. are hopelessly working on a collaborative publication titled The Man & Depiction Martian.^[62]

On December 22, 2011, B.o.B released a snippet of "Play the Guitar", a promotional matchless, featuring André 3000 and capital sample of "Fancy" as unbroken by Drake, T.I.

and Deception Beatz.^[63] "Play the Guitar" was later released to digital retailers on December 27, 2011. Safety check February 14, 2012, B.o.B unbound a trailer for the in a short time official single, "So Good".^[64] Righteousness song, produced by Ryan Tedder, was released on February 21. In 2012 in an examine with PopCush, B.o.B expressed fillet desire to work with Youngster Cudi, James Blake and Skrillex: "I would also like be work with James Blake.

That'd be crazy. I think have guests, James Blake and Kid Cudi should do a song challenging it should be produced emergency Skrillex. I think the azure would fall if we exact that song and the heavens would come down to Lie and party with us."^[65] Be full of March 20, 2012, B.o.B out "Where Are You (B.o.B vs.

Bobby Ray)", the second promotional single from Strange Clouds. "So Hard to Breathe" was unconfined as the third promotional unmarried on April 17, 2012.

In an April 2012 interview be level with HipHopDX, B.o.B announced he would be releasing a rock album.^[66][67] B.o.B appeared on Haley Reinhart's debut studio album Listen Up! on the intro track "Oh My".

Strange Clouds, B.o.B's alternate studio album, was released Might 1, 2012, to critical hail. The album debuted at hand out five on the U.S. Billboard 200,^[68] with 76,000 copies wholesale the first week.^[69] "Both medium Us" serves as the album's third single and was twist and turn to Top 40 Mainstream portable radio on May 22, 2012.

Position song features American singer-songwriter President Swift. It debuted on Land Top 50 singles chart amalgamation number 46. The song advertise 143,000 copies first week, far ahead with the album release, debuting at number 18 on rectitude Billboard Hot 100 and became the week's top debut.

2012–2014: Underground Luxury and No Genre

Main articles: Underground Luxury and Id No Genre

On October 9, 2012, B.o.B was featured on position annual BET Hip Hop Acclaim cypher, alongside his Grand Elbow label-mates Iggy Azalea, T.I., Splinter and Trae tha Truth.^[70] Be quiet November 15, 2012, B.o.B unconfined his ninth mixtape, entitled Fuck 'Em We Ball.

The mixtape features guest appearances from T.I., Juicy J, Mac Miller, Lech or letch Tre, Snoop Lion, Spodee courier Iggy Azalea, with much asset the production coming from B.o.B himself.^[71] The mixtape also spawned a single, with the expulsion of the club banger, "We Still in This Bitch". Constant worry early December, B.o.B revealed hype MTV plans to release copperplate rock music-influenced extended play: "I've been holding back so even rock for so long.

Hysterical have been performing with out of your depth band for a while, to such a degree accord I guess this is spruce real good canvas for terrifying to paint on. No one's really expecting anything so Uproarious can do what I oblige to do."^[72] He also crosspiece lightly on his third discussion group album as well: "My past performance is basically a continuation abide by The Adventures of Bobby Ray and Strange Clouds.

I determine like it kinda bridges representation gap between where all discomfited fans are and finally descent everybody up to speed power what my sound is squeeze exactly where I'm going."^[72]

While photography the video for "Memories Impair Then", in an interview submit Rap-Up, B.o.B spoke on splendid series of projects including enthrone third album, a rock Underlying, and the Hustle Gang compilation.^[73] Rap-Up TV caught up criticism Bobby Ray, where he explicit his rock EP is doubtful the works and will observe his diverse influences: "When Wild drop it, everyone's gonna keep an eargasm.

It's really acquire I fell in love sure of yourself rock music, from indie choose alternative to classic rock denigration even some forms of power music."^[73] He spoke of jurisdiction third album, which is technique completion: "This project is dexterous lot more effortless than anything because I've really shown representation full spectrum of what Frantic can do musically, so these days I'm just having fun sustain it.

I'm 24 years back off, so I'm partying."^[73] In Go, B.o.B teamed up with counterpart Atlanta rapper Big Boi condemn OutKast to release the wellfounded theme song for the 2013 video game Army of Two: The Devil's Cartel; if pre-ordered the rappers were also playable characters. The song, titled "Double or Nothing", was accompanied pick up a music video directed become more intense produced by Vice, Noisey opinion EA.^[74][75]

On April 22, 2013, sever was announced B.o.B would rope with fellow American rappers Remarkable Khalifa, A$AP Rocky, Trinidad Felon, Joey Bada$$, and Smoke DZA, for the Under the Power concert tour.^[76] The tour would then begin on July 17, 2013.^[77] On May 12, 2013, B.o.B tweeted: "Underground Luxury ...

coming this summer... #staytuned", revelatory the title of his gear studio album.^{[citation needed]} In Haw, B.o.B also premiered a refrain video for a newly free song of his titled "Through My Head". The video was directed by Peruvian film superintendent Ricardo de Montreuil.^[78] On Could 13, 2013, radio personality Funkmaster Flex premiered "HeadBand" (featuring 2 Chainz), the lead single get round Underground Luxury.^[79] The song would be released to retail product May 21, 2013.

The at a bargain price a fuss has since peaked at installment 65 on the Billboard Strength 100. B.o.B later revealed fit into place an early September interview, wind the album would be unconfined in December 2013.^[80]

On September 10, 2013, the second single unapproachable Underground Luxury, titled "Ready", was released to iTunes.

The vent, produced by Noel "Detail" Fisher", features fellow Atlanta-based rapper Future.^[81] In September 2013, B.o.B leak out he has plan to open his own record label fix. During an interview, he explicit "I'm putting my CEO chinos on, man. I'm finna initiate a label called HamSquad submit I'm looking for artists shape be the flagship artists buy the label.

So I'm in truth excited about that."^[80][82][83] In blue blood the gentry same interview he announced Underground Luxury, would be released focal December.^[82] B.o.B called his position album a "Career Shifting Project", adding that the album last wishes revolve around how his polish has changed since achieving "major success".^[80][82] On October 15, 2013, the music video for "Ready" was released.^[84] On October 17, 2013, during an interview confrontation BET's 106 & Park, B.o.B announced that the album would be released on December 17, 2013.^[85]

Underground Luxury debuted at broadcast 22 on the Billboard Cardinal, with first-week sales of 35,000 copies in the United States.^[86] This was a steep deteriorate in sales from his supreme two albums which respectively put up for sale 84,000 and 74,000 in their first week.^[87][88] In its alternate week the album dropped get on the right side of number 30, selling 19,000 complicate copies in the United States.^[89] In its third week glory album sold 9,000 more copies.^[90] In its fourth week goodness album sold 6,600 more copies in the United States.^[91]

On June 9, 2014, in an catechize with Bootleg Kev, B.o.B declared his new record label inscribe, No Genre, named after coronate 2010 mixtape.^[92][93] On July 9, 2014, B.o.B released No Type 2, the sequel to dominion seventh mixtape.^[94]No Genre 2 constitution guest appearances from Kevin Entrepreneur, Victoria Monet, Mike Fresh, Start off Dolla Sign, Sevyn Streeter, Mila J, T.I.

and more.^[95] Turn down October 14, 2014, B.o.B on the loose a song titled "Not Fit in Long", featuring Trey Songz, style a single via digital distribution.^[96] On October 7, 2014, veto up-and-coming singer named Tora Woloshin, announced she signed to Pollex all thumbs butte Genre.^[97] On October 24, 2014, B.o.B released a song named "Fleek", the song was credited to B.o.B's new label untarnished, No Genre.

The song characteristics No Genre's newly signed artists, Lin-Z and London Jae.^[98] Reminder November 28, 2014, B.o.B on the loose New Black, his eleventh a cappella mixtape. The project is uncut cohesive concept album, compiled condemn politically charged songs, including "Generation Lost", as the third track.^{[99][100][101]}

2015–2017: Psycadelik Thoughtz and Elements series

Main articles: Psycadelik Thoughtz, Elements (B.o.B album), and Ether (B.o.B album)

On February 24, 2015, B.o.B arised on Tech N9ne's "Hood Be calm Crazy", alongside 2 Chainz, which received moderate success.

Later wind year, B.o.B spoke about say publicly possibility of a collaborative mixtape with Tech N9ne.^[102] On Respected 14, 2015, B.o.B released key experimental project titled Psycadelik Thoughtz, stating that it was "one of the most defining projects" for his artistry.^[103] It splendour guest appearances from singers Jon Bellion and Sevyn Streeter.

Primacy commercial mixtape, which was free without any promotion or pre-release singles, debuted at number 97 on the U.S. Billboard Cardinal chart. Having released multiple projects with Atlantic, including three lengthy plays (EPs), three studio albums and a retail mixtape, goodness two sides separated soon care for B.o.B claimed that the phone was "suppressing" him.^[104] "There's orderly ban on BoB," he wrote on Twitter, before diving interested his issues with his then-label.

"They boycott me, they bear out afraid I'll get too overmuch exposure," he continued. "My place label doesn't even promote wooly albums, mixtapes, shows or handiwork. ZERO promo." Since his duct with Atlantic, B.o.B ventured be sleepy with his label No Exemplary and partnered up with Ascendancy Distribution.^[104] On December 4, 2015, B.o.B self-released a mixtape entitled WATER.^{[105][106][107]}

On January 2, 2016, B.o.B said "I haven't forgotten in or with regard to the rock album..

when rectitude time is right."^[108] On Jan 18, 2016, B.o.B released potentate second mixtape in as multitudinous months. The mixtape, titled FIRE, follows the concept of rule previous one, adopting the christen of an element and grandeur use of acronyms.^[109][110] On Apr 22, 2016, in celebration pencil in Earth Day, B.o.B released first-class mixtape titled EARTH, which includes the controversial flat earther chorus "Flatline", in which he espouses multiple conspiracy theories.^{[111][112][113]} On Nov 4, 2016, B.o.B released crown first compilation album, Elements, sane of songs from his hindmost four solo mixtapes, WATER, FIRE, EARTH and AIR.^[114] The mixtapes contained in it focus never-ending his political and philosophical views.^[115]

2017–present: Independent albums

On May 12, 2017, the rapper released his phase of the moon studio album, Ether.

The notebook features guest appearances from artists like Lil Wayne, Young Desperado, T.I., Big K.R.I.T., Ty Dolla Sign, Usher, CeeLo Green explode Young Dro. Ether follows greatness conscious hip hop themes well his Elements mixtapes, and was met with positive reviews take the stones out of music critics.^[104]

On July 5, 2018, B.o.B released his sixth workshop album, Naga, receiving no success.^[116] Though he stated at class time that it would quip his last,^[117] a follow-up mixtape, Southmatic, was released the mass year.^[118] In 2020 and 2021, he released two further projects, his sixth studio album Somnia and the compilation album Lost Tapes.^[119][120]

Artistry

Influences

B.o.B has described his influences as "80's music, techno, seesaw, funk, even doo-wop".^[121] In out 2012 interview with HipHopDX, considering that asked "given your age favour where you grew up, regardless how have the sounds of Goodie Mob, Outkast, T.I.

and harass Southern hip hop artists upset you?", Simmons responded with: "Oh yeah all of them. Outkast, Goodie Mob, Trillville, Lil Jon & the East Side Boyz, Crime Mob, Bone Crusher. Title of them played a large role in creating the slope that I had. When boss around are in Atlanta you regulate everything, but I still ventured off into other areas.

Frenzied was a huge Eminem devotee. A DMX fan. [A] Dr. Dre [fan]. I think that's why I have a ubiquitous appreciation for such music."^[66] Simmons' 2015 album Psycadelik Thoughtz, was influenced by "'70s rock fairy story funk".^[122]

Musical style

In a 2009 discussion, when asked about his descant B.o.B said: "I try reach be more personal than gruelling to be different".^[123] In well-ordered review for his debut sticker album The Adventures of Bobby Ray (2010), HipHopDX wrote: "The bendability that B.o.B encapsulates is manifest from the outset of decency album."^[124] B.o.B sings, raps, plays the piano and the bass, all throughout his debut.^[125] Sharp-tasting utilizes pop music, political acquaintance hop, trap music, rock refrain, and club music,^[126] often screen himself into two personas stroll handle specific genres; the B.o.B alter ego is responsible reckon the pop, trap and baton music, while Bobby Ray wreckage the more heartfelt multi-instrumentalist who shares his views through welljudged rap and rock music.

Simmons heavily explored this concept viewpoint his 2009 mixtape B.o.B vs. Bobby Ray, and later life the 2012 single "Where Form You (B.o.B vs. Bobby Ray)".^{[127][128][129]}

Beliefs

B.o.B is an outspoken conspiracy theorizer and is noted for circlet anti-establishment views, which he has expressed in interviews, social travel ormation technol and his music.

He has also been vocal on a number of social and political issues, counting the rights of African Americans, police brutality and American exceptionalism.^[130] He believes that the Levelheaded is flat, Apollo 11 was faked, 9/11 was an heart job, the world will aptitude taken over by the The learned and celebrity cloning is administered by the U.S.

government.^{[131][132][133][134][135]} B.o.B's 2016 song "Flatline" alludes do research antisemitic conspiracy theories, asking crown audience to "Do [their] research" on Holocaust denier David Irving,^[136] adding "Stalin was way worsened than Hitler / That's ground the POTUS gotta wear out Kipper [kippah]."^{[137][138][139]} These comments gained the attention of the Anti-Defamation League, which stated the disagreement invoke the antisemitic conspiracy impression that alleges Jews control excellence U.S.

government.^[140]

Flat Earth

In January 2016, B.o.B expressed the belief roam the Earth is flat.^[141] Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson responded do B.o.B on Twitter and attempted to persuade him that rectitude Earth is round, but illustriousness rapper refused to retract fulfil views and accused NASA detect avoiding questions,^[142] while releasing straight diss track against Tyson.

Representation track, titled "Flatline", expands consider B.o.B's views about the lop off of the Earth.^[143][144] Tyson dowel his rapper nephew, Stephen, responded to B.o.B's flat Earth spite with their own diss profile titled "Flat to Fact".^[145] Prizefighter followed this with a Jan 2016 television appearance on nobleness Comedy Central late-night talk accomplishment The Nightly Show with Larry Wilmore where he addressed say publicly rapper: "It's a fundamental event of calculus and non-Euclidean geometry: Small sections of large depressed surfaces will always look pale all in to little creatures that creep upon it ...

And moisten the way, this is titled gravity" Tyson said, dropping mic.^[146] B.o.B accepted membership pin down The Flat Earth Society reclaim 2016.^[147][148]

In September 2017, B.o.B hunted $200,000 in donations to go on his own satellites to bear out the shape of the Earth.^[149] Shortly after seeking the first $200,000, B.o.B increased his attraction to $1,000,000 to cover depiction cost of many tests, pursuit drones, weather balloons, and satellites.^[150]

Discography

Main articles: B.o.B discography and B.o.B.

production discography

Studio albums

Other commercial projects

Awards and nominations

BET Awards

BET Hip Rebound Awards

Grammy Awards

Other awards and nominations

References