B.o.B

B.o.B's real name is Bobby Ray Simmons, Jr. In an interview with DJBooth's DJ Z, the rapper explains the variety of meanings this pseudonym can have – "...B.o.B. is very flexible and it applies to many situations. Like, for example, on the weekend, when I'm takin' it easy, I'm just Burnin' on Blunts, the Best of Buds. And when it comes Monday, I gotta get back in the studio, so I got my Business over Bullsh*t, Business over B*tches. And I'm quick with it, like a Bullet outta a Barrel, and I'm just Bangin' out Beats and Bustin' on Beats when I'm rappin'."

He started rapping at the age of 13 after studying classic albums from DMX and Eminem.

While still in junior high school, B.o.B formed a group with his cousin Swag, called The Klinic. When his partner left for college, B.o.B decided to launch a solo career and subsequently recorded a hazy ode to marijuana named "Cloud 9."