B.o.B talks T.I.’s role on “Strange Clouds” and reflects on Diddy’s BET fight
Atlanta rapper B.o.B has been making waves in the hip hop scene ever since his breakout in 2010 with The Adventures of Bobby Ray. The album not only topped charts but also certified the young star as one of the genre’s most versatile and innovative artists. Since then, B.o.B has continued to build his name, and now, he’s gearing up for the release of his sophomore album Strange Clouds, which features a collaboration with none other than Lil Wayne.
In a recent interview with The Breakfast Club, B.o.B provided an inside look into the creation of Strange Clouds and discussed the inspiration behind the title track. But the conversation took an unexpected turn when he was asked about the recent incident involving Diddy at a BET afterparty.
Diddy’s BET Afterparty Incident: B.o.B’s Take
Just days ago, at the BET Awards afterparty, a heated altercation involving Diddy made headlines. The situation reportedly escalated when Diddy allegedly threw a drink at another guest. B.o.B wasn’t directly involved in the confrontation. However, he shared his thoughts on the atmosphere that surrounded the event.
“When you’re in VIP, enjoying yourself, sometimes people don’t like to see you happy,” B.o.B reflected during the interview. “It’s just life. Sometimes you get tested in those environments, but it wasn’t anything serious.” Although B.o.B didn’t go into great detail, he hinted that such incidents aren’t uncommon when multiple high-profile celebrities and their entourages are involved in the same space.
While many fans focused on the drama that unfolded that night, B.o.B seemed more interested in keeping things professional and positive. He praised the work ethic of his mentor, T.I., and discussed how much studio time the King of the South has been logging since his release from prison.
T.I.’s Influence on Strange Clouds
With his sophomore album, Strange Clouds, B.o.B aims to continue the momentum from his debut, which produced hits like “Airplanes” and “Nothing on You.” When asked about the role T.I. played in the making of his new album, B.o.B didn’t hold back.
“T.I. is on fire right now,” he said, comparing Tip’s work ethic to that of the late Tupac Shakur. “When he got out, he went into the studio and knocked out 30 tracks in a week. It’s like he’s making music nonstop.” B.o.B admitted that watching T.I. in the studio motivated him to work harder, making sure Strange Clouds would stand out.
The track “Strange Clouds,” which features Lil Wayne, is already making waves, but B.o.B revealed that he didn’t originally plan for it to be the lead single. “I wrote the verse first, and it was going to be a mixtape beat,” B.o.B said. “Then the hook came together, and I knew I had to get someone special on it. Lil Wayne was an unexpected choice, but it worked.”
A Nod to His Roots: B.o.B’s Musical Evolution
B.o.B has always prided himself on his versatility. So, with Strange Clouds, he’s continuing to expand his sound. In the interview, he discussed the phases of his career. Thus, reflecting on how his earlier work, like “Cloud 9″ and his mixtapes, shaped the artist he is today.
“I’ve gone through a lot of phases. I used to make rock music, then I was all about rapping. Now, I’m just letting everything come naturally,” he explained. “On this album, I feel like I’m going back to my roots, reminding people where I came from while also introducing them to new sounds.”
Despite his crossover success with songs like “Airplanes,” B.o.B made it clear that he hasn’t forgotten his core audience. “For those who didn’t know who I was before ‘Nothing on You,’ this album will let them know I’ve been putting in work for years,” he added.
Staying True to His Musical Evolution
As B.o.B’s career continues to evolve, he remains dedicated to pushing the boundaries of his artistry. With the success of The Adventures of Bobby Ray in his rearview mirror, he’s intent on keeping his sound fresh and relevant. His versatility has always set him apart from the others. As a result, songs like “Airplanes” and “Nothin’ on You” prove his ability to create crossover hits. At the same time, he hasn’t forgotten his roots in hip hop. Through his career he’s consistently blended a mix of pop, rock, and traditional rap elements in his projects.
With his new album Strange Clouds, B.o.B aims to showcase more of his musical depth. From collaborating with major stars like Lil Wayne to experimenting with production, Bobby Ray has always sought to bring something different to the table. The title track, “Strange Clouds,” stands as a testament to that creative exploration. Now, the upcoming album promises more of that experimentation, alongside his signature melodies and lyrical skills.
By staying true to both his pop-oriented success and his hip hop foundation, B.o.B has continued to connect with a wide audience. Thus, balancing his commercial success with his artistic integrity. As he gears up for the next phase of his career, it’s clear that he’s in no rush to abandon the formula that has brought him this far, but he is always looking for ways to innovate and surprise his fans.
What’s Next for B.o.B?
With Strange Clouds slated for release in March 2012, fans are eager to hear how B.o.B’s sound has evolved. According to the rapper, listeners can expect a mixture of everything that has made him successful thus far, from his melodic hooks to his hard-hitting verses.
But one thing remains clear—B.o.B isn’t slowing down anytime soon. He continues to remain grounded, despite the pressures of the industry and the occasional drama. There has been drama like Diddy’s recent scuffle at the BET afterparty. However, “It’s all about the music at the end of the day,” B.o.B emphasized.
As his new album approaches, there’s no doubt that B.o.B is ready to remind everyone why he’s one of the most versatile and innovative artists in the game.
