B.o.B. – R&B + Hip-Hop Artists From Atlanta

B.o.B (real name Bobby Ray Simmons, Jr.) perfected his microphone skills by performing at open mics and underground venues in the Atlanta area. But what separated him from the other acts was the guitar that he carried.

That's what caught the eye of T.I., who saw B.o.B perform his weed ode, 'Cloud 9,' on his guitar during amateur night at a club. The two struck up a friendship, which evolved into Tip signing him to his Grand Hustle label.

For a newcomer, B.o.B. has had one huge accomplishment: His 2010 debut album, 'B.o.B Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray,' also became his first No. 1 album. The collection spawned two hit singles, ''Nothin' on You' and 'Airplanes.' In 2012, he released his second LP, 'Strange Clouds,' which boasts the title song and his Nicki Minaj-featured track, 'Out of My Mind.'

B.o.B is now planning to show off his guitar skills on a rock EP. "This project is a lot more effortless than anything because I've really shown the full spectrum of what I can do musically, so now I’m just having fun with it," he told Rap-Up. "I’m 24 years old, so I’m partying." Rock on, B.o.B!

Watch the B.o.B. 'Out of My Mind' Video Feat. Nicki Minaj