The Hit List: B.o.B

Sparkler Pookfalicious has converted us: we're officially B.o.B fans, and we think you will be too. In fact, we dare you not to like him. Actually, we triple-dog-dare you. Whatcha gonna do now? —SparkNotes editors

Just in case you hadn't noticed, B.o.B. is taking the music industry by storm. His unique style, catchy lyrics, funky music, and dance-inducing rhythms have led many to compare him to Kid Cudi and Lupe Fiasco, and all three artists are being hailed as the future of rap music.

B.o.B (also known as Bobby Ray) isn't a new artist—in fact, one of his most popular songs, "I'll Be In the Sky," was released in 2008. But his very first album, B.o.B. Presents: The Adventures of Bobby Ray, dropped back in April, and it's been a huge success. It includes the hit songs Nothin' On You, Airplanes, and Don't Let Me Fall, all of which show off B.o.B's new take on the rap genre, which is influenced by bands like OutKast and has an edgy, accessible sound. He even did a cover of Vampire Weekend's The Kids with Janelle Monae—the coolest combination of singers ever! Most of the songs on the album, especially Past My Shades and Magic, have an extremely upbeat and catchy rhythm, but my personal favorite, Ghost in the Machine, is much slower, and hints at feelings of loneliness and isolation. The raw honesty and new sound of B.o.B's music sets him apart: he's not just your typical rapper.

I would recommend B.o.B. to anyone looking for some funky new music, and to people with tastes ranging from fun to hardcore. As a fellow music-lover, I assure you that The Adventures of Bobby Ray definitely doesn't fail to deliver.

So, will you be changing your name to an acronym to match B.o.B any day soon? And don't forget, we want to hear your opinions! Send your reviews to contribute@sparknotes.com!

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