Released yesterday, the mixtape B.o.B vs. Bobby Ray follows a format similar to T.I.'s T.I. vs. T.I.P. Pure coincidence? Not hardly. Atlanta's own Bobby Ray (also known as B.o.B) happens to be signed to T.I.'s Grand Hustle label.
Rather than T.I.'s face-off between his inner thug and industry personas, Bob struggles with his rapper (B.o.B) vs. inner rocker of sorts (Bobby Ray).
Here's what Complex had to say about B.o.B's contribution to the mixtape:
The project is evenly divided between B.o.B and Bobby Ray songs with coinciding interludes to explain each side of the rappers personality. Things start off strongly with One, the mixtapes first full song. Were immediately thrust into the middle of B.o.Bs firmly positive agenda and remain there for the tapes duration. Often times, rappers with the same focus make the mistake of coming across as preachy, but B.o.B puts his personal flaws on display as well. The young emcee arguably bests his mentor, T.I., on the standout Im That Nigga.
And on Bobby Ray:
The Bobby Ray portion of the mixtape is a bit harder to warm up to because of its experimental nature, but still impressive. It seems like Bobby Ray has a stronger personal connection to these songs too, self-producing all but one. We definitely dig the left-field approach, but as much as he hates the comparisons, Bobby does occasionally come across like a The Love Below-era Andre 3000. Its cool though. Its easy to hear the kid honing his own unique sound and we like what weve heard so far.
B.o.B vs. Bobby Ray mixtape listening party. Free. 8-10 p.m. Wed., June 24. Strivers Row, 744 N. Highland Ave. 678-973-0045. See flier.
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